Pachysandra terminalis 'Green Carpet'

Pachysandra terminalis, commonly called Japanese pachysandra, is a shrubby, evergreen ground cover that grows 8-12" high and spreads by rhizomes to form a dense carpet of rich, dark green foliage. Oval leaves (2-4" long) appear primarily in whorls at the stem ends. Tiny white flowers in 1-2" long, terminal (hence the species name) spikes bloom in early spring. Flowers are not particularly showy, but on close inspection are quite attractive.

Genus's name comes from the Greek words pachys meaning thick and aner or Andros meaning stamen concerning the thickened white filaments.

• Forms a mat up to 6-8 in. tall (15-20 cm) and 12-18 in. wide (30-45 cm).
• A part shade to full shade lover, it is best grown in rich, medium moisture, well-drained soils. This plant is not fussy about soils and tolerates a wide range of conditions. Soils shouldn't be allowed to dry out. Clay soil, dry soil, and drought tolerant! Highly tolerant of urban pollution too.
• Perfect for shade gardens, as a groundcover, or underplanting shrubs. Great for banks and slopes, erosion control, and woodland gardens.
• A hardy, low-maintenance and forgiving perennial, it is also deer and rabbit resistant. 
• Virtually pest-free and disease free. May be attacked by slugs and snails.

Hypericum calycinum (St. John's Wort)

St. John's Wort, Aaron's Beard, Rose of Sharon, Resurrection Plant, Large-Flowered St. John's Wort, Creeping St. John's Wort

Hypericum calycinum (St. John's Wort) is a small, semi-evergreen shrub with screaming bright yellow flowers, 3 in. wide (7 cm), for weeks from mid-summer to mid-fall. Each rose-like flower presents 5 petals surrounding a prominent tuft of bushy stamens and reddish anthers. Borne solitary or in clusters of 2-3 flowers, they appear in such quantities that they literally cover the foliage. Arranged along procumbent stems, the oval leaves emerge chartreuse-bronzed but quickly turn to medium green, dark green, then blue-green - contrasting against the yellow flowers. A popular groundcover thanks to its lush dark green to bluish-green foliage and its golden flowers. Evergreen in warm winter climates.

• Grows up to 12-18 in. tall (30-45 cm) and 18-24 in. wide (45-60 cm). Spreads rapidly by underground stems. May invade other plantings unless confined.
• A full sun to part shade lover, this plant is easily grown in medium moisture, well-drained soils. Tolerates a wide range of soils but thrives in sandy soils. Best flower production occurs in full sun. Drought tolerant once established.
• Low maintenance, this plant is also generally pest and disease free. Deer resistant.
• Perfect for rock gardens, border fronts, naturalized plantings or massed as a ground cover. Great on banks and slopes for erosion control or under trees where it competes well with shallow tree roots.
• Clip or mow plants in late winter or early spring every 2-3 years to renew and promote new growth.
• Native to southern Europe, southwestern Asia

Carex pensylvanica (Pennsylvania Sedge)

Carex pensylvanica, commonly called Pennsylvania sedge, is a shade-loving perennial sedge that is native to thickets and dry woodland areas in Eastern and Central North America from Quebec to Manitoba south to Mississippi and Georgia. In Missouri, it is found mostly north of the Missouri River in dry to mesic upland forests and shaded bluff ledges (Steyermark). It typically grows in loose colonies with a creeping habit. The roots are reddish brown. It is often found in areas with oak trees, hence the additional common name of oak sedge. This is a low sedge with soft, delicate, arching, semi-evergreen leaves (each to 1/8" wide). It typically grows in a clump to 8" tall. It is semi-evergreen in moderately cold winter climates. Narrow, grass-like, medium green leaves (to 8-12" long) are typically shorter than the flowering stems. Plants are monoecious (spikelets of male flowers above female flowers). Flowers bloom in late spring (May) in inflorescences atop rough, sharply triangular culms (stems) which rise singly from the rhizomes. Staminate scales are green often tinged with reddish-purple with white margins. Pistillate scales are dark brown to purplish black with green midribs and white margins. Female flowers are followed by tiny fruits (achenes) enclosed in sac-like bracts (perigynia).

• Performs best in partial shade in loamy or sandy, dry to moist, well-drained soils. Tolerates full shade and occasionally wet soils. Some drought tolerance once established.
• This graceful sedge is perfect as a lawn substitute, groundcover and for edging. Excellent for naturalized areas, woodlands, native gardens, rain gardens and shade gardens. 
• This sedge attracts birds, butterflies and other pollinators, but is deer resistant.
• No serious pest or disease issues. Keep an eye out for smut, rust, leaf spot, aphids, Anthracnose, and Fungus gnat larvae. 

Hydrangea paniculata 'Limelight'

Hydrangea paniculata, commonly called panicle hydrangea, is a vigorous, upright, rapid-growing, somewhat coarsely textured, deciduous shrub that is native to China and Japan. It typically grows to 8-15’ (less frequently to 25’) tall, and features oval to ovate dark green leaves and upright, sharply-pointed, conical, terminal flower panicles (to 6-8” long) containing both fertile and sterile flowers (mostly non-showy fertile flowers) that bloom from mid-summer into fall.

The genus name Hydrangea comes from hydro meaning "water" and aggression meaning "vessel", about the cup-like capsular fruit.

The specific epithet paniculata refers to the arrangement of the flowers in panicles.

‘Limelight’ is a slightly more compact cultivar that typically grows to 6-8’ tall and as wide. It is noted for producing large, dense, upright, cone-shaped panicles (to 8” across) of mostly sterile flowers that change color on the shrub as they mature. Flowers emerge creamy white, mature to chartreuse-lime, and eventually acquire pink-darkening-to-rose tones before finally fading to beige. As the flower show fades in fall, the oval-to-ovate, serrate, dark green leaves (to 4” long) turn attractive shades of red. 

Spiraea douglasii (Western Spirea)

Western Spirea, Steeple Bush, Hardhack, Pink Spiraea, Rose Spiraea

Noted for its vigor, Spiraea douglasii (Western Spirea) is a clump-forming, suckering shrub with narrowly oblong leaves that are dark green above, velvety white underneath and turn yellow in fall. In early summer, long plumes of fragrant, rose-pink flowers, up to 8 in. long (20 cm), are on display at the tips of the branches. Perfect for wild plantings near streams and moist areas.

• Grows up to 4-6 ft. tall (120-180 cm) and 3-6 ft. wide (90-180 cm). A rampant shrub that in time can form a dense thicket. Remove suckers promptly to prevent plants from spreading.
• A full sun to part shade lover, this plant is easily grown in average, medium to wet, well-drained soils. Needs consistent moisture. Soils should not be allowed to dry out.
• Perfect choice for borders, banks and slopes, hedges, cottage gardens, rain gardens, and neard ponds and streams.
• Attracts butterflies but is ignored by deer.
• Virtually pest and disease free.
• Prune as needed immediately after flowering.
• Propagate by softwood cuttings in summer or by division in autumn or spring
• Native to Western North America

Lithodora diffusa 'Grace Ward'

 Lithodora diffusa 'Grace Ward' (Gromwell) is a mat-forming evergreen shrub with trailing stems clothed in small, lance-shaped, dark green, hairy leaves. In spring and summer, it is studded with profuse, star-shaped, brilliant deep blue flowers held in terminal clusters. This plant is ideal for rock gardens, slopes, and cascading over retaining walls. A choice groundcover making an unforgettable display week after week.

• Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society.
• Grows up to 6-12 in. tall (15-30 cm) and 2-3 ft. wide (60-90 cm).
• Easily grown in acidic, well-drained soils in full sun or partial shade. Full sun is best in cool summer climates, but some afternoon shade is appreciated in hot summer climates.
• Deer resistant
• Great for beds and borders, slopes, as a groundcover, cottage gardens, coastal gardens, city gardens, Mediterranean gardens, or gravel and rock gardens. Good choice for containers too.
• Virtually disease and pest free
• Trim back after flowering. Propagate by semi-hardwood cuttings
• Native to Southern and Western Europe.