Seasonal Progression

Tough soils require tough plants. This recipe handles hard clay soils and the hard conditions they put on perennials. String Theory Amsonia will be the first up in spring, blooming in late spring before finely textured foliage carries interest through the end of the year. RAINBOW RHYTHM® Daylilies will bloom next, beginning in early summer, with rebloom adding a smattering of color through the end of the season. COLOR CODED® Echinacea and PRAIRIE WINDS® Grasses will come on the latest, but add fall interest with attractive seedheads. String Theory Amsonia will contribute late season interest with golden orange fall foliage.

Environmental Requirements

Light: Full Sun
Moisture: Light to Moderate
Soil: Very adaptable from loose, well-drained soils to heavy clay
Zones: 4-8
Features: Pollinator Friendly, Low Maintenance, Low Water Requirements (when established), Tolerates Tough Soils

Amsonia 'String Theory' 

 

'String Theory' (Amsonia)

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Attractive Foliage • Deer Resistant • Low Maintenance
Height: 24-30"
Spread: 38-42"
Zones: 4-9
Plant Ratio: 1
Primary Season of Interest: Spring
Secondary Season of Interest: Summer and Fall (Foliage)
Care Tips: Grows best in full sun to part shade and average, moist soil. Moderately drought tolerant once established. Performs well in both northern and southern gardens with little care.

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Echinacea COLOR CODED® 'Orange You Awesome' 

 

COLOR CODED® Coneflower (Echinacea)

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Pollinator Favorite • Low Maintenance • Attractive Seedheads
Height: 20-26"
Spread: 16-20"
Zones: 4-8
Plant Ratio: 3
Primary Season of Interest: Late Summer
Secondary Season of Interest:Fall (Seedheads)
Care Tips: Grow in sunny and hot locations with well-drained soils. Tolerates light shade, but best performance is in full sun. Drought tolerant once established.

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Hemerocallis RAINBOW RHYTHM® 'Orange Smoothie' 

 

RAINBOW RHYTHM® Daylilies (Hemerocallis)

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Drought Tolerant • Low Maintenance • Easy to Grow
Height: 18-36"
Spread: 18-24"
Zones: 3-9
Plant Ratio: 3
Primary Season of Interest: Summer
Care Tips: A tough, adaptable perennial that will grow in almost any soil. Plant in full sun for optimum flowering performance.

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Panicum virgatum PRAIRIE WINDS® 'Niagara Falls' 

 

PRAIRIE WINDS® Ornamental Grasses

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Excellent Leaf Texture • Fall Interest • Winter Interest
Height: 36-72"
Spread: 18-48"
Zones: (4)5-9
Plant Ratio: 1
Primary Season of Interest: Late Summer, Fall
Secondary Season of Interest: Winter
Care Tips: Grows best in full sun to part shade and average, moist soil. Moderately drought tolerant once established. Performs well in both northern and southern gardens with little care.

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