Perennials

One of the most common native ferns, growing all over northern regions. Plants form a large, upright clump of big green fronds. In spring the unfurling fiddleheads are often harvested in the wild as a gourmet treat. Roots are spreading, and plants can form quite a large patch in time. Requires plenty of water through the summer, otherwise the foliage may become dormant. Cinnamon-brown fertile fronds push up from the centre of each clump in summer, and these remain attractive all winter long. Prune off dead foliage and fertile fronds in late winter. Deciduous.

Light Requirement: Full Sun to Partial Sun

Mature Size:

• Height: 2' - 3'

• Width: 3' - 4'

Zone: 2

This cousin to the Hollyhock has similar satiny flowers in a soft lavender-purple shade, exotically striped with deep maroon veins. It forms an upright, bushy mound that may need to be staked if grown in rich soil.

Excellent in containers, or the sunny border. Attracts butterflies and is rabbit resistant.

Light Requirement: Full Sun

Mature Size:

• Height: 48"

• Width: 18"

Zone: 3

Photos courtesy of Van Noort Bulb Co. & Florissa.

Lamb’s-Ears are one of the most popular silver-leaved perennials, used widely for edging along pathways and borders. Plants form a dense clump of soft, felty silver grey leaves. Upright spikes of minor magenta-pink flowers form in early summer, but these should be clipped off to maintain a tight, compact habit. Clumps are easily divided in spring or early fall. Drought tolerant once established.

Light Requirement: Full Sun to Partial Sun

Mature Size:

• Height: 12 - 18"

• Width: 12 - 24"

Zone: 3

Photos and Data Courtesy of Ball Seed

Rare and captivating, Yellow Crown peonies are a treasure for any garden. With their big, bold, and beautiful presence, they are a delightful addition that's hard to come by. Sporting large double yellow flowers measuring 4 inches across, these peonies bring a vibrant burst of color to your summer garden and make stunning bouquets.

Ants are attracted to a sweet nectar on the buds of the peony plant but do not harm them in any way.

Light Requirement: Full Sun

Mature Size:

• Height: 24 - 36"

• Width: 24 - 36"

Zone: 3

Photos courtesy of Van Noort Bulb Co. & Florissa.

A virtually hassle-free perennial, offering three months of vanilla-scented, white flowers in clean clusters from midsummer to early fall. Deadheading the flowers will stimulate another bloom cycle about a month after the first one. The flowers, which are heavily laden with nectar and pollen, are particularly attractive to hummingbirds, butterflies, bees, and other beneficial insects.

Light Requirement: Full Sun to Partial Sun

Mature Size:

• Height: 18 - 24"

• Width: 18 - 24"

Zone: 3

Photos courtesy of Van Noort Bulb Co. & Florissa.

The leaves emerge frosty blue with a bright yellow margin that lightens to creamy white during the summer.  It forms a medium sized mound topped with light lavender flowers in mid to late summer.

Light Requirement: Full Sun to Partial Sun

Mature Size:

• Height: 18"

• Width: 12"

Zone: 3



Bee balm is a classic American native and cottage garden favorite, it's beloved by gardeners not only for its beautiful whorled blooms in red, pink, purple and white; but for the evocative fragrance given off by foliage warmed by the sun or touched by the gardener.

And it’s just as beloved by wildlife as it is by gardeners. Plant bee balm and you can be sure of the attention of hummingbirds and bees in the summer and by seed-loving finches in the winter. It’s an all-around garden winner that provides so much for so little effort.

This herb that can be harvested for making tea. Pick the leaves just before blooming and dry completely for the best flavour.   

Light Requirement: Full Sun to Partial Sun

Mature Size:

• Height: 36 - 48 "

• Width: 16 - 24"

Zone: 3

Photos courtesy of Van Noort Bulb Co. & Florissa.

Achillea Yarrow blooms for weeks starting from early to late summer and is known for attracting butterflies.

A deer, drought and rabbit resistant perennial that features clusters of petit flowers with a long stem. 

Deadheading will encourage new blooms and will prevent from spreading it's seeds, yarrow seeds can fall from previous blooms and will spread if not monitored. 

Light Requirement: Full Sun

Flowering Season: Mid Summer

Mature Size:

• Height: 32"
  
• Spread: 20"
  

Zone: 2b

Trollius x Cultorum ‘Lemon Queen' is a well known and liked perennial, it blooms in late spring and early summer. This unique selection has semi-double flowers in a wonderful soft butter-yellow shade. Sometimes called Buttercups, these grow well in a sunny or part-shaded border.

 Shear plants back after blooming to encourage a flush of new leaves to last through the summer. Clumps may be easily divided in fall or early spring.

Light Requirement: Partial Shade to Full Shade

Mature Size:

• Height: 20 - 24"

• Width: 16 - 18"

Zone: 4

Photos courtesy of Van Noort Bulb Co. & Florissa.

Whoops A Daisy' a Petite daisy at just over a foot tall. 3-4" fluffy white flowers blanket the foliage. Perfect size for the front of the border.

Photo courtesy of Ball Seed