Bergamot (commonly known as Bee Balm or Monarda) is known for its distinct, "shredded" crown-like blooms and aromatic foliage. This hardy perennial is a member of the mint family and does well in all but the wettest of soils. It’s fragrant flowers are a popular nectar source for butterflies, bees and hummingbirds.

Plant Profile

• Sun Exposure Full Sun to Partial Shade

• Water Needs Moderate; prefers consistent moisture but is drought-tolerant once established.

• Soil Type Tolerates Muck, Clay, Loam and Sand, and poor soils.

• Mature Height 4 - 5 feet

• Deer Resistance High

• Bloom Time July – September

• Bloom Color Lavendar

• Plant Spacing 2 - 3 feet

Plant Characteristics

• The leaves release a minty or oregano-like scent when crushed.

• Its unique flower shape has tube-like blossom structures.

• Naturally resistant to many pests, making it an easy-care choice of plants.

Wildlife Benefits

• Bergamot is one of the few plants that consistently draws hummingbirds, butterflies, and native bees simultaneously.

• Serves as a host plant for several species of the Hermit Sphinx and the Raspberry Pyrausta moths.

Fun Fact: For generations, Bergamot was valued by Indigenous communities and early settlers as a healing plant, commonly brewed as a tea or used in simple remedies.

A staple of the American landscape, these iconic wildflowers feature bright daisy-like petals surrounding a deep chocolate-brown central cone. Black-Eyed Susans are extraordinarily hardy, heat-tolerant, and capable of thriving in conditions where more delicate flowers might falter. They are the perfect choice for gardeners who want high-impact color with minimal effort.

Plant Profile

• Sun Exposure Full Sun (Preferred) to Partial Shade

• Water Needs Low to Moderate; very drought-tolerant once established

• Soil Type Needed Adaptable; can thrive in Muck, Clay, Loam or Sandy soils.

• Mature Height 2 – 3 feet

• Deer Resistance Moderate

• Bloom Time June – October

• Bloom Color ‍ ‍ Yellow

• Plant Spacing 10 – 12 inches

Plant Characteristics

• One of the longest bloom periods of any summer perennial, often lasting from early summer right through the first frost.

• The plant is biennial that blooms and completes in life cycle in it’s seconds year. They are self-seeders, so they will appear in your garden for years to come but can succumb to longer-lived perennials in later years after planting.

• Highly resistant to heat, humidity, and drought, making them ideal for "problem spots" in the yard.

Wildlife Benefits

• Pollinator Favorite: The wide, flat blooms act as perfect landing pads for a variety of butterflies, including Monarchs, the Wavy-Lined Emerald and the Silvery Checkerspot.

• Bee Support: A primary nectar source for honeybees and several species of native solitary bees.

• Birds: If you delay your garden cleanup until spring, the sturdy seed heads provide essential winter forage for goldfinches and other small songbirds.

A true standout in the wetland or meadow garden. This hardy native perennial is instantly recognizable by its unique foliage. In late summer, the plant is topped with large, fuzzy clusters of fragrant, creamy-white blossoms. These flat-topped flower heads create a soft, cloud-like effect in the landscape, providing a nice contrast to the purples and golds of late-season asters and goldenrods.

Plant Profile

• Sun Exposure Full Sun to Partial Shade

• Water Needs Moderate to High; prefers consistently moist to wet soil.

• Soil Type Needed Thrives in moist Muck, Clay, or Loam; tolerates "wet feet."

• Mature Height 3 – 5 feet

• Deer Resistance High

• Bloom Time July – September

• Bloom Color‍ ‍ White

• Plant Spacing 1 – 2 feet

Plant Characteristics

• Unique Architecture: The "perfoliate" leaves provide a structural look that adds instant character to your garden beds. The pairs of textured, lance-shaped leaves are fused at the base, making it look as though the sturdy stem is growing right through the center of a single long leaf.

• Wet Spot Solution: It is an excellent choice for rain gardens or areas with poor drainage where other perennials might struggle with root rot.

• Late Summer Glow: While other plants are winding down, Boneset hits its peak, keeping your garden looking lush and full of life well into September.

Wildlife Benefits

• Pollinator Super-Plant: Boneset is legendary for the sheer volume of insects it supports. It is a favorite of honeybees, native sweat bees, and beneficial wasps.

• Nectar Source: A vital late-season fuel stop for migrating Monarchs and other varieties of butterflies and moths.

• Late Season seed source: Goldfinches, chickadees, sparrows and juncos will feed on the fall seed heads.

If you want to bring the vibrant colors of a summer sunset and a flurry of wings to your landscape, Butterfly Weed is the undisputed champion. This award-winning native perennial is famous for its flat-topped clusters of brilliant, neon-orange flowers that practically glow in the garden. Unlike other milkweeds, Butterfly Weed is compact and well-behaved, making it a perfect fit for both formal flower beds and wilder meadow designs.

One of its best features for the home gardener is its extreme durability. Because it develops a deep, sturdy taproot, it is incredibly drought-tolerant once established and thrives in the kind of poor, sandy soil where other plants might struggle. It is a true "plant it and forget it" beauty that rewards you with weeks of intense color from mid-to-late summer.

Plant Profile

• Sun Exposure Full Sun

• Water Needs Low to Medium; very drought-tolerant

• Soil Type Well-drained Sand or Loam soil

• Mature Height 1.5 - 2 feet

• Deer Resistance High

• Bloom Time June – August

• Bloom Color ‍ ‍ Orange

• Plant Spacing 1 to 3 feet

Key Characteristics

• Vivid Blooms: The intense orange hue is rare in the native plant world and provides a high-contrast focal point.

• Low Maintenance: Highly resistant to pests and diseases; it actually prefers "neglect" over heavy fertilizing or overwatering.

• Late Emerger: Don't worry if you don't see it in early spring! It is one of the last perennials to wake up, usually waiting until the soil is truly warm.

Wildlife Benefits

• Monarch Host Plant: As a member of the milkweed family, it is an essential host plant where Monarch butterflies lay their eggs and their caterpillars feed.

• Pollinator Magnet: Its nectar is highly accessible, attracting a massive variety of butterflies, native bees, and even hummingbirds.

Pro Tip: Because of its long taproot, Butterfly Weed does not like to be moved once it is planted. Choose its "forever home" carefully! To get the best blooms, plant it in your sunniest, driest spot and avoid heavy mulching right against the crown, as it loves to stay dry and warm.

This breathtaking native perennial is famous for its towering spikes of vivid red blooms that stand out like a beacon in the landscape. While many flowers rely on bees, the Cardinal Flower has evolved specifically for the hummingbird; its tubular blossoms are perfectly shaped for their long bills. What makes this plant truly special is its ability to brighten the damp, challenging "wet feet" spots of your yard. Thriving in areas where other plants might succumb to root rot, Cardinal Flower is perfect for rain gardens, pond edges, or low-lying swales.

Plant Profile

• Sun Exposure Full Sun to Partial Shade

• Water Needs Medium to High; prefers consistently moist soil

• Soil Type Rich Loam, Clay, or Muck

• Mature Height 2 – 4 feet

• Deer Resistance High

• Bloom Time July – September

• Bloom Color‍ ‍ Red

• Plant Spacing 6 - 16 inches

Plant Characteristics

• Color: The blooms possess a unique "velvety" texture and are a shade of scarlet red. It is often considered the most vibrant in the North American flora.

• Wetland Specialist: Unlike most garden favorites, this plant thrives in heavy clay and saturated soils, making it a problem-solver for drainage areas.

Wildlife Benefits

• Primary Hummingbird Source: The Ruby-throated Hummingbird is the main pollinator of this species. Watching them hover around the crimson spikes is a quintessential summer experience.

• Butterfly Favorite: Large butterflies, such as the Pipevine Swallowtail and various Fritillaries, are frequently drawn to the nectar-rich tubular flowers.

Pro Tip Cardinal Flower is a "short-lived" perennial that maintains its presence by self-seeding and forming small "offsets" or new rosettes at the base. To ensure it returns year after year, avoid covering the base of the plant with heavy wood mulch in the fall. The young green rosettes need a little bit of light and air to survive the winter and prepare for their spectacular summer rise!

If you’re searching for a low-growing, rugged shrub that provides multi-season interest without the invasive headache of other honeysuckles, consider Dwarf Bush Honeysuckle. This is a mounding, woody perennial that is great for dry, difficult shady areas. In early summer, it produces delicate, lemon-yellow trumpet flowers that are a magnet for the tiniest of garden visitors. It starts with dark green foliage that turns yellow-orange, then into vibrant shades of red and purple in the fall.

Plant Profile

• Sun Exposure Partial Shade to Shade

• Water Needs Low to Medium; highly drought-tolerant once established

• Soil Type Adaptable; thrives in Dry Sand, Rocky soil, or dry Clay

• Mature Height 2 – 3 feet

• Deer Resistance Moderate

• Bloom Time June – August

• Bloom Color Yellow

• Plant Spacing 2 – 3 feet

Plant Characteristics

• Three Seasons of Color: Bronze spring buds, yellow summer flowers ending with beautiful red autumn foliage.

• Somewhat Aggressive Spreader: Spready by rhizomes and can overwhelm small landscapes. Keep this in mind when choosing your planting location

  • Will spread to form thickets over time, making it a good choice for shrub borders or hedgerows.

Wildlife Benefits

• Bumblebees: The small yellow blossoms are perfectly designed for bumblebees and other long-tongued native bees to crawl inside.

• Hummingbirds: Though the flowers are small, their nectar is high-energy and often visited by hummingbirds patrolling the garden.

• Host Plant to the Laurel Sphinx moth and the Snowberry Clearwing.

Pro Tip: Dwarf Bush Honeysuckle is incredibly forgiving when it comes to pruning. If it ever begins to look a bit unruly or "leggy" after a few years, you can cut it back nearly to the ground in late winter or early spring. It will roar back with fresh, colorful new growth and a tighter, more compact shape. It’s one of the few shrubs that actually enjoys a "fresh start" every now and then!

While most goldenrods wait for the cool air of fall to arrive, this eager native begins lighting up the landscape in mid-to-late summer. It features elegant, arching wands of tiny, nectar-rich yellow flowers that look like a burst of sunshine caught on a stem.

Unlike some of its taller, more aggressive relatives that can take over a space, this species stays at a moderate, manageable height and forms tidy clumps. It is the perfect choice for adding a "layered" look to your garden beds, filling the gap between your mid-summer blooms and the late-season asters.

Plant Profile

• Sun Exposure Full Sun to Partial Shade

• Water Needs Low to Medium; very drought-tolerant

• Soil Type Well-drained Sand, Loam, or Rocky soil

• Mature Height 2 – 4 feet

• Deer Resistance High

• Bloom Time July – September

• Bloom Color Yellow

• Plant Spacing 1 – 3 feet

Plant Characteristics

• First to Bloom: As the name suggests, it is one of the earliest goldenrods to flower, providing a critical "bridge" of color between summer and fall.

• Pollinator Powerhouse: The brilliant yellow plumes are a primary nectar source for a huge array of beneficial insects during the peak of summer heat.

• Aggressing Spreader: Spreads by rhizomes. Keep this in mind when selecting your planting site, may not be suitable for small landscapes.

  • Thinning every few years is recommended.

Wildlife Benefits

• Butterfly Fuel: It is a favorite stop for Monarchs, Viceroys, and hairstreaks as they begin their late-season activities.

• Native Bee Support: It provides high-quality pollen for specialized native bees that rely on goldenrods to feed their young.

• Songbird Food: In the winter, the dried seed heads offer a tiny but nutritious feast for chickadees and goldfinches.

*Don’t believe the myths—Goldenrod does not cause hay fever! Its pollen is heavy and sticky (designed to be carried by bees, not the wind). The real culprit for itchy eyes is usually Ragweed, which blooms at the same time but has inconspicuous green flowers. You can plant Early Goldenrod with confidence, knowing it brings beauty and health to your garden without the sneezing!

An elegant, long-lived native that looks more like a small shrub than a typical flower. In late spring, it produces tall spikes of deep indigo-blue flowers that resemble Lupine, providing a cool contrast to the yellow-heavy palette of the summer garden. It is often called the "Perennial of the Year" for good reason—it is practically indestructible and offers a shrub-like presence without the woody maintenance.

Plant Profile

• Sun Exposure Full Sun to Partial Shade (Best in Full Sun)

• Water Needs Low to Medium; exceptionally drought-tolerant once established

• Soil Type Adaptable; thrives in Clay, Loam, Sand, or Rocky soil

• Mature Height 3 – 4 feet

• Deer Resistance High

• Bloom Time May – July

• Bloom Color Blue

• Plant Spacing 2 – 3 feet

Plant Characteristics

• Deep-Rooted Longevity: It features one of the deepest taproots of any native plant, making it nearly impossible to kill once established—but also very difficult to move! Pick its "forever home" carefully.

  • It will spend most of the first couple years developing mostly below ground

• Shrub-like Structure: While it dies back to the ground in winter, it regrows into a dense, mounded shape with beautiful blue-green, clover-like foliage that stays attractive all summer long.

  • Because of it’s wide form, generous spacing is recommended.

Wildlife Benefits

• Bees: The "pea-shaped" flowers are specifically designed for heavy-bodied bees, like Bumblebees, who are strong enough to push the petals open to reach the nectar.

• Butterfly Host: It serves as a vital nursery for several butterfly species, including the Wild Indigo Duskywing and the Frosted Elfin.

Also called Brickellbush, this tough-as-nails native is prized for its fine-textured foliage and creamy, vanilla-colored flowers. It provides a soft, neutral "break" for the eye in gardens filled with bright yellows and deep purples, making every other color look more vibrant. Though not very showy, it is an excellent nectar plant for butterflies and moths.

Plant Profile

• Sun Exposure Full Sun to Partial Shade

• Water Needs Low; highly drought-tolerant (Xeric)

• Soil Type Well-drained Sand, Loam, or Rocky/Gravelly soil

• Mature Height 2 – 3 feet

• Deer Resistance High

• Bloom Time August – September

• Bloom Color‍ ‍ Cream

• Plant Spacing 1 – 2 feet

Plant Characteristics

• Deep-Rooted: Like the False Indigo, it possesses a deep taproot that allows it to stay lush and green even during the most punishing summer droughts. Roots can grow up to 17 feet deep!

• Tidy & Upright: It forms a clean, bushy mound of narrow, serrated leaves. It does not flop or lean, making it an excellent "structural" plant for the middle of your garden layer.

Wildlife Benefits

• Nectar Late-Seater: It blooms alongside late-season asters, providing a critical fuel source for the very last of the season's butterflies and migrating Monarchs.

• Moth Host: It is a high-value host plant for several species of flower moths, adding to the nighttime biodiversity of your garden.

• Pollinator Variety: Because the flowers are small and grouped in clusters, they are accessible to a wide range of beneficial insects.

Pro tip: Try planting it directly between Early Goldenrod and False Blue Indigo. The creamy white flowers of the Boneset act as a "color buffer," preventing the bright yellow and deep blue from clashing and creating a more harmonized garden look.

A member of the mint family, this plant is famous for its "obedient" flowers—if you bend a flower to the left or right, it will stay there (at least temporarily). It produces striking, snapdragon-like spikes of pink to lavender flowers that bloom from the bottom up.

Plant Profile

• Sun Exposure Full Sun to Partial Shade

• Water Needs Medium; prefers consistent moisture but can handle dry spells

• Soil Type Adaptable; thrives in Clay, Loam, or Sand

• Mature Height 3 – 4 feet

• Deer Resistance Moderate - High

• Bloom Time August – September

• Bloom Color Pink

• Plant Spacing 1 – 2 feet

Plant Characteristics

• Vertical Accent: The square stems are incredibly sturdy and topped with 10-inch long spikes of flowers.

• Vigorous Spreader: This plant spreads via rhizomes. In rich, moist soil, it can be quite assertive. It is perfect for filling a large area quickly but may require thinning every few years to keep it in its "assigned" layer. Please be mindful when choosing your planting site.

Wildlife Benefits

• Hummingbirds: The tubular shape of the flowers are perfectly evolved for the beak of a Ruby-throated Hummingbird. They are one of the primary visitors to this plant in late summer.

• Bumblebee Favorite: Large bees love to "crawl" inside the blossoms to reach the nectar, often emerging covered in white pollen.

• Late-Season Support: Because it blooms into fall, it provides one of the last high-energy meals for pollinators preparing for winter or migration.

Foxglove Beardtongue is one of the most versatile and "polite" natives you can add to a garden. A standout among native perennials, this plant features smooth, upright stems topped with clusters of white, trumpet-shaped flowers. It gets its name from its resemblance to the classic Foxglove, but unlike its namesake, it is much hardier and easier to grow.

Plant Profile

• Sun Exposure Full Sun to Partial Shade

• Water Needs Low to Medium; very adaptable

• Soil Type Adaptable; Clay, Loam, Sand, or Rocky soil

• Mature Height 3 – 4 feet

• Deer Resistance High

• Bloom Time June – July

• Bloom Color‍ White ‍

• Plant Spacing 12 – 18 inches

Plant Characteristics

• Adaptable: It is very adaptable to light conditions and does well in areas such as clearings within forests, savannas and woods’ edges.

• Tidy Habits: Foxglove Beardtongue is a well-behaved, clump-forming perennial that won't try to take over the yard.

• Beardtongues: If you look closely inside a flower, you’ll see a tiny, hairy sterile stamen that looks like a "fuzzy tongue"—this is designed to help guide bees into the flower.

Wildlife Benefits

• Hummingbirds: The white, tubular flowers are a primary early-season nectar source for Ruby-throated Hummingbirds.

• Support for Specialist Bees: It provides vital pollen for several species of native bees that emerge just as the spring bulbs are finishing.