Medium-Wet
Medium-Wet
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.
This native perennial is easily recognized by its unique branching flower spikes that resemble a multi-armed candelabra. Tiny, vibrant violet-blue flowers bloom in succession from the bottom up in the July heat. Unlike many garden perennials that shy away from "wet feet," Verbena hastata thrives in moist-to-wet soils, making it an invaluable choice for rain gardens, pond edges, or that low-lying corner of the yard where other plants struggle.
Plant Profile
Sun Exposure Full Sun to Partial Shade
Water Needs Moderate to High; standing water is not tolerated, but it prefers consistently moist soil.
Soil Type Moist to wet; Can tolerate Muck, Clay, Loam or Sand.
Mature Height 4 - 6 feet
Deer Resistance Moderate to High
Bloom Time July – September
Bloom Color Blue
Plant Spacing 18 – 24 inches
Plant Characteristics
Vertical Interest: Its tall, slender habit adds height without adding bulk, allowing it to weave beautifully between other plants.
Naturalizes Easily: A biennial plant that is a wonderful self-seeder. It also will slowly spread through rhizomes allowing it to fill in gaps over time, but it will not compete well with more aggressive vegetation.
Color: The violet-blue flower spikes can bloom for up to 2 months.
Wildlife Benefits
Butterfly Magnet: A vital nectar source for a wide array of butterflies, including Swallowtails, Fritillaries, and Skippers.
Native Bee Support: Blue vervain attracts a variety of different native bees.
Songbird Food: In the fall, the slender spikes produce tiny seeds that are a favorite for finches, and sparrows.
Pro Tip: Because Blue Vervain grows quite tall and narrow, plant it in clusters of three or more. This creates a stunning "haze" of purple-blue color that is much more impactful than a single specimen, and it provides extra support for the stems in windy areas.
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.
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!
Just like the goldenrod, this plant is a "bridge" species—but while the goldenrod bridges the seasons, the Evening Primrose bridges day and night! While most flowers wake up with the sun, this native waits for the twilight. It features bowl-shaped yellow blossoms that unfurl in late afternoon and evening.
Plant Profile
Sun Exposure Full Sun to Partial Shade
Water Needs Low to Medium; very drought-tolerant
Soil Type Adaptable; prefers Sandy, Rocky, or Lean soil
Mature Height 4 – 6 feet
Deer Resistance Moderate
Bloom Time July – October
Bloom Color Yellow
Plant Spacing 1 – 2 feet
Plant Characteristics
Long Bloom Time: It is one of the last natives blooming into late fall.
Hardy & Resilient: It thrives in "neglected" areas where other plants struggle. It is highly resistant to pests and can handle poor, dry soils with ease.
Wildlife Benefits
Polinators: Although labeled as a weed by some, it is a very important native plant with a long bloom time. It benefits many different kinds of bees, nectaring moths, butterfiles, and caterpillars.
The "Night Shift": The flowers attract sphinx moths (hawk moths), which are nocturnal.
Hummingbirds: Though they open late, the flowers stay open long enough for hummingbirds to visit them for a breakfast snack in the early morning.
Garden Note: Common Evening Primrose is a prolific self-seeder. Because it is a biennial, it relies on dropping seeds to ensure a new generation blooms every year. If you want to limit its spread, simply snip off the seed pods after the flowering season is finished!
This towering native perennial is famous for its deeply lobed, sandpaper-like leaves that traditionally orient themselves North and South to avoid the intense midday sun—giving the plant its iconic name.Rising on sturdy, sap-filled stalks, its cheerful, sunflower-like yellow blooms provide a vertical element that can be seen from across the yard.
It is a slow-growing "anchor" species that invests its early years into developing a massive taproot that can reach up to 15 feet deep. This incredible root system makes it virtually bulletproof against drought and extreme heat, allowing it to remain lush and vibrant even when the rest of the garden is parched.
Plant Profile
Sun Exposure Full Sun to Partial Shade
Water Needs Low to Medium; exceptionally drought-tolerant
Soil Type Loam, Sand
Mature Height 5 – 8 feet
Deer Resistance High
Bloom Time June – September
Bloom Color Yellow
Plant Spacing 3 – 5 feet
Plant Characteristics
Height: Given rich soil, compass plants can reach upwards of 8 feet in height making it a natural focal point or a stunning "back of the border" screen.
Living Compass: The large basal leaves align with the Earth’s magnetic poles to maximize water use in the leaves and increase CO2 gain.
Centuries-Long Life: This is a "legacy plant." Once established, a single Compass Plant can live for up to 100 years, becoming a permanent fixture of your home's ecosystem.
Wildlife Benefits
Pollinators: The resin-rich flowers are a favorite of bees, and butterflies.
Birds: Seeds are a high-energy food source for goldfinches and other songbirds throughout the fall and a favorite perching spot.
Pro Tip: Patience is a virtue with the Compass Plant! Because it spends its first few seasons focused on growing that legendary 15-foot taproot, it may only produce a small cluster of leaves at first. Don't be fooled—it is building the foundation for a lifetime of beauty. Due to this taproot, it is very difficult to move once planted, so choose its "forever home" in a sunny spot with plenty of vertical room to grow.
This stately native perennial is beloved for its unique, candelabra-like flower spikes that bloom in a soft white to pale lavender. Unlike the shaggy look of some prairie plants, Culver’s Root has deep green leaves arranged in tidy, horizontal "whirls" around the stem, providing beautiful texture even before the flowers appear. This plant is the perfect "bridge" for your garden, thriving in that sweet spot between moist and well-drained soils.
Plant Profile
Sun Exposure Full Sun to Partial Shade
Water Needs Medium; likes moist, well drained soil
Soil Type Needed Muck, Loam, Clay, or Moist Sand
Mature Height 4 – 6 feet
Deer Resistance High
Bloom Time June – August
Bloom Color White
Plant Spacing 2 – 3 feet
Plant Characteristics
Candelabra Blooms: Each main flower spike is surrounded by smaller secondary spikes, extending the bloom time and creating a multi-tiered "candelabra" effect.
Formal Structure: The unique "whorled" leaf pattern (growing in circles around the stem) gives the plant a clean, geometric look that fits beautifully in modern or formal landscapes.
Non-Aggressive: It is a well-behaved clump-former, meaning it stays exactly where you plant it and won't try to take over the rest of your garden.
Wildlife Benefits
Bees & Butterflies: It is a vital nectar source for butterflies and a variety of bees.
Pro Tip: Culver’s Root is a true "sun-seeker." While it can handle partial shade, its stems are sturdiest and its flower spikes are most upright when it receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight. If you are planting it in a more shaded spot, consider placing it near a fence or sturdier neighbors like Joe Pye Weed for a little extra support. To encourage the best display, keep the soil mulch-covered to retain the moisture this "cool-season" beauty loves!
Early Sunflower (often called False Sunflower or Oxeye Sunflower) is a champion of the "pre-autumn" season. While it looks remarkably like a true sunflower, it’s actually a distinct native perennial that is far more manageable and long-lived in a garden setting.
A cheerful, multi-stemmed native that produces a profusion of daisy-like yellow flowers. It is one of the longest-blooming perennials in the summer garden, often starting its show weeks before the rest of the sunflower family.
Plant Profile
Sun Exposure Full Sun to Partial Shade (Best in Full Sun)
Water Needs Low to Medium; drought-tolerant once established
Soil Type Adaptable; thrives in Clay, Loam, Sand, or Rocky soil
Mature Height 3 – 5 feet
Deer Resistance High
Bloom Time June – September
Bloom Color Yellow
Plant Spacing 1.5 – 3 feet
Key Garden Characteristics
Prolific Bloomer: Unlike true sunflowers that bloom once, this species is "deadhead friendly"—removing spent flowers will keep the gold coming all summer long.
Sturdy & Reliable: While it can get tall, its stems are generally stiffer than true sunflowers.However, in very rich soil, it can become "leggy," so it's actually happier in leaner, average soil.
Clump-Forming: It stays where you put it! Unlike some aggressive spreaders, this species grows in a tidy, non-invasive clump that increases in diameter over time.
Wildlife & Garden Benefits
Specialist Pollinator Support: It is a critical host for the Holcopasites heliopis bee—a tiny specialist pollinator that relies specifically on this plant.
Bird Buffet: If you leave the seed heads standing in the fall, they become a favorite snack for goldfinches and other small songbirds.
Pro Tip: Try planting Early sunflower with purple-blooming companions like Blazing Star or Ironweed that would contrast beautifully with all that yellow.
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.
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.