Acanthus Alba

A long-lived, impressive perennial. Usable as a striking specimen plant in the sun or partial shade. It takes some time to settle in a new place in the garden before it flowers. However, it is also decorative with its fresh green, shiny, and noticeably lobed leaves. These are known as the motif for the acanthus decor used in architecture and applied arts since antiquity.

Oriental poppy Royal Wedding is an unmissable perennial that brings true elegance to the spring garden. It originally comes from the harsher conditions of the Caucasus, Turkey, and Iran, where it grows on sunny rocky slopes and dry meadows. Because of this, it is exceptionally resilient, easily handling frosts down to minus forty degrees, and can do without complex care. You will receive a grown seedling in a pot from us, which you just need to transplant to a sunny location with well-drained loamy soil. The cultivar Royal Wedding will reward you in May and June with huge bowl-shaped flowers with pure white petals, which hide a distinct dark burgundy spot in their center. Moreover, these enchanting flowers reliably attract pollinators from far and wide. It is typical for Oriental poppies that their strikingly fuzzy green leaves die back soon after flowering. The plant takes a break over the warmest summer to gather strength, and a smaller portion of the leaves often sprouts again only at the end of summer. Therefore, it is ideal to plant the poppy in the flower bed in close proximity to other perennials that sprout slightly later and naturally fill the empty space left by the resting poppy. It avoids diseases and needs no support, reaching a height of around sixty to eighty centimeters. Just watch out for field voles, which might develop a taste for its fleshy roots. Otherwise, it is a long-lived plant that even a complete beginner can handle without worries. Given that the plant is poisonous, it is naturally not intended for consumption. The giant white flowers are also a great attraction for lovers of cut flowers, although they require a little trick. Similar to other poppies, the stems need to be harvested exactly at the moment when the buds begin to color and slightly crack. Right after cutting, we sear the ends of the stems with a flame for about twenty seconds to prevent sap leakage, and then we put them into cold water. Thanks to this procedure, they will stay beautiful for about four days in a vase and add amazing lightness to bouquets. Although these delicate flowers are not suitable for drying, they simply have no competition in fresh spring bouquets.

Phlomis tuberosa, known in Czech as tuberous Jerusalem sage, brings an unmistakable silhouette to perennial plantings. This robust plant, originally from the European steppes, is perfectly suited for lovers of natural gardens looking for something novel. Its dark purple stems form an interesting contrast to the light pinkish-lilac flowers, which are arranged in regular whorls one above the other. This tiered structure appears very decorative and looks interesting in the bed, especially in combination with finer plants. For florists, Phlomis is a literal treasure. You can cut it for fresh summer bouquets, but its true moment comes when dried. The faded seed pods hold their shape perfectly and will continue to look spectacular in a vase all winter. If you leave it in the bed, it will provide a beautiful spectacle even in the months when the garden is sleeping. It is a completely undemanding and frost-resistant perennial that loves the sun and well-drained soil. In nature here, it belongs to the critically endangered species, so growing it in the garden is also a small contribution to the protection of biodiversity.

Baptisia comes from North America, belongs to the legume family, and resembles the lupine in appearance. Unlike lupines, however, it does not suffer from fungal diseases and does not taste as good to slugs. In addition to the blue flowers, the large pods are interesting, decorating the plant long after flowering. Native Americans used Baptisia roots to disinfect wounds and reduce fever, and the leaves to dye fabrics. Patience is key with Baptisia; it takes some time to fully establish and create a massive root system adapted to survive long periods of drought and fire. Then it is very long-lived. It was voted Perennial of the Year for the 2019 season. The elegant pure white 'Alba' also has slightly lighter leaves.

Feather grass flowers capture attention in beds and bouquets with their lightness and delicacy. All feather grasses love full sun and dry, stony, well-drained soil. To look most natural in beds, it is good to plant them in loose groups of several pieces together with other drought-loving perennials and bulbs. Only then do their stems and inflorescences, set in motion by the slightest breath of wind, truly stand out. Stipa 'Ponny Tails' is a species native to the steppes of Mexico, Texas, and Patagonia. Airy, dense clumps of hair-like delicate leaves resemble horsehair. The leaves are green, turning up to straw-colored towards the flowers. In a suitable location, it also self-seeds.

Hellebores are evergreen perennials that form slowly spreading clumps of leathery, dark green leaves. The stems usually carry four to five flowers. They bloom very early, as early as late winter and early spring. They can be used in a vase only after conspicuous seed pods form in the center of the flower and the flower matures. Picked earlier, they tend to wilt and the stems cannot hold the flower upright. All parts of the plant are poisonous. The semi-double flowers of the Double Ellen Picotee hellebore take on white and light pink hues with a purplish-burgundy edging.

Hellebores are evergreen perennials that form slowly expanding clumps of leathery, dark green leaves. The stems usually bear four to five flowers. They bloom very early, already at the end of winter and the beginning of spring. They are usable for a vase only after conspicuous seed pods form in the center of the flower and the flower matures. Earlier, they tend to wilt, and the stems cannot hold the flower upright. All parts of the plant are poisonous. The 'Double Ellen Yellow Spotted' hellebore has light yellow-green semi-double flowers with striking, dark burgundy spotting.

Hellebores are evergreen perennials that form slowly expanding clumps of leathery, dark green leaves. The stems usually bear four to five flowers. They bloom very early, already at the end of winter and beginning of spring. They are suitable for a vase only after prominent seed pods form in the center of the flower and the flower matures. Before that, they tend to wilt and the stems cannot hold the flower in an upright position. All parts of the plant are poisonous. The flowers of the 'Double Ellen Green' cultivar are semi-double, bright light green with white stamens.

Clematis 'Mrs R. Brydon' is an unusual and very resilient perennial that brings softness and color to the garden just as summer transitions into autumn. The original species comes from the shrubby and forest edges of East Asia, which is why a location in the sun or partial shade suits it well here too. It will thrive in loamy and humus-rich soil with regular watering. An interesting feature of this clematis is its variable growth. If you provide it with support in the form of a fence or trellis, it will willingly climb up to a height of two and a half meters. However, if you leave it to grow freely without support, it grows like a carpet and forms a dense shrub. You will receive a grown seedling in a pot from us, which you can simply transplant straight into the garden. Care is easy, it doesn't suffer from diseases or pests, and even beginners can easily manage it. During August and September, it gets covered in an abundance of flowers in a gorgeous lavender-blue shade, which react to the ambient temperature and can interestingly fade or darken. The flowers reliably attract bees and are suitable for cutting into bouquets. When handling, remember that the plant is poisonous.

Columbine meadow-rue is a charming perennial that looks like a fluffy colored cloud in the garden. Its species name refers to the striking resemblance of its leaves to columbines; they are finely divided, grayish-green, and very decorative even before flowering. Originally, this species grows in moister open forests and meadows of Europe and Asia, which is why it will also thrive in your garden in humus-rich and non-drying soil in full sun or partial shade. In June and July, the plant drapes itself in a veil of tiny blossoms, consisting mainly of conspicuous clusters of stamens without petals. These fluffy inflorescences in shades of lilac and light pink attract a multitude of pollinators and bees. Thanks to its height, which can exceed one meter, it is perfectly suited for the background of perennial beds, to which it adds lightness, height, and airiness. The flowers are also excellent for cutting into a vase, where they stay fresh and act as a delicate filler material. It is a long-lived and completely frost-resistant plant suitable even for beginners; you just need to keep in mind that it is poisonous.

This species of Iris likely originates from the Mediterranean. A long-popular ornamental garden plant, bred into many cultivars. Allegedly grown by the Celts, popular in the Middle Ages, and became a heraldic plant. Lasts 3–7 days in a vase. The Iris Immortality has sweet-smelling, pure white flowers.

Veronicastrum is a native perennial of the eastern part of North America, where it grows in damp meadows and in bright forests. Its flowers, arranged in upright branched spikes, are impressive. They are a great attraction for insects and butterflies. After flowering, the plants are decorated long into winter by durable seed heads. These impressive perennials last about 7 days in a vase. Pink Glow is a garden cultivar of the wild light pink flowering form of Veronicastrum. It has sturdy light pink inflorescences.

This species of sage originates from the steppe regions of Central and Eastern Europe. It forms profusely flowering small clumps with straight, upright stems. In flower beds, it looks best in groups. It is traditionally planted as a companion to roses due to the matching flowering time. However, it looks equally good in mixed drought-tolerant steppe plantings with grasses. It is an excellent food source for bees. Lasts 7 days in a vase. Adrian is a white-flowering cultivar.

Phlomis, sometimes nicknamed Jerusalem sage, is a valuable perennial bringing a Mediterranean atmosphere to the garden. Originally from the Greek islands and Turkey, this plant is accustomed to harsher conditions, thanks to which it perfectly handles our hot summers and poorer, well-drained soils. Its gray-green, felt-like leaves form a dense cover that works as a reliable barrier against weeds, and it surprisingly tolerates shade under tree canopies well, provided it is not too moist there. In summer, it will thrill you with pastel yellow flowers arranged in regular whorls above each other, which look very exotic and attract plenty of bees and bumblebees. For florists, phlomis is a literal treasure. The fresh flowers look very elegant in a vase, but dried stems with mature seed pods will put on an even greater show. These hold their shape for a long time and are one of the best materials for dried arrangements. Moreover, you can leave them standing in the flowerbed until spring, because their striking silhouette looks breathtaking when covered in frost. It is a rewarding and long-lived plant that even a complete beginner can easily handle.

Betony Superba, also known as Stachys, is a perennial you will fall in love with for its low maintenance and striking inflorescences. It originally comes from the mountain meadows of the Caucasus, where it grows on sunny slopes, and thanks to this, it is completely frost-resistant and hardy here. It forms dense carpets of deep green, wrinkled leaves, above which sturdy stems with large, purplish-pink flowers stand tall in June and July. These are literally a magnet for bees, bumblebees, and butterflies, providing them with a rich source of nectar. In the garden, it is perfectly suited for mixed perennial beds or as an underplanting beneath taller shrubs, where it reliably suppresses weeds in both sun and partial shade. If you like creating bouquets, betony will also please you as a cut flower; it will last to make a show in a vase for quite a long time. It is a long-lived plant that will last in one place for many years without the need for frequent transplanting or complex care.

Most hybrids available here come from plants originating in North America and Mexico. It is characterized by a delicate overall appearance. An elegant plant with small fragrant leaves, it blooms continuously during the summer with plenty of tiny florets and attracts butterflies and bees.

A perennial species of Verbena native to North America. In natural habitats, it grows in wet meadows, pastures, and along water bodies. It is a great attraction for bees and butterflies. Although not very long-lived, it can maintain itself in good conditions by self-seeding. It blooms gradually over a long period with many tiny flowers. The spent inflorescences are also effective, both in beds and in bouquets. White Spires is an elegant cultivar with pure white flowers.

Baptisia comes from North America, belongs to the legume family, and resembles lupine in appearance. Unlike lupine, however, it does not suffer from fungal diseases and does not taste as good to slugs. Besides the blue flowers, the large pods that adorn the plant long after flowering are interesting. North American Indians used Baptisia roots to disinfect wounds and lower fever, and leaves to dye fabrics. With Baptisia, patience is most important; it takes some time to fully establish and create a massive root system adapted to survive long periods of drought and fire. Then it is very long-lived. It was chosen as the Perennial of the Year for the 2019 season.

It is a typical Mediterranean species that tolerates drought and heat well here, but not winter waterlogging. The wulfenii cultivar should be less sensitive to cold, but intolerance to winter waterlogging remains. Plant in protected places, e.g., in front of a warm house wall in Mediterranean-style beds. Floristically, it is valuable for its greenery and early flowering. Lasts 7–10 days in a vase. Beware of the milky sap in the stems, which can irritate the skin.

Japanese bugbane brings freshness to the shady corners of the garden. In its homeland, it grows in the shady mountain valleys of Japan, which is why it is best suited to partial shade to full shade and moister, loamy, humous soil here. From the mature potted seedling you receive, a reliable and long-lived perennial will grow, which even beginners can handle. It does not require complex care, does not suffer from diseases or pests, and can withstand even severe frosts down to minus twenty-eight degrees. However, the entire plant is poisonous. It decorates flowerbeds not only with white flowers but also with striking dark green leaves. In spring, it needs plenty of space and time to sprout. Ideally, you can combine it with early bulbs that will fill the empty space. From August to September, it creates upright inflorescences full of tiny flowers, which are excellent for cutting into late summer bouquets. The 'Silver Dance' cultivar grows to a height of eighty centimeters, stands out with its compact growth, and blooms truly very long and tirelessly.

Perovskia are sparsely branched subshrubs, originating from areas ranging from Afghanistan to Tibet. They grow in open, sunny, rocky, and stony habitats. Their white-felted shoots and grayish aromatic leaves are striking. They fit well in sunny flower beds with other drought-loving perennials, where they create interesting structures even in the winter months. Little Spire is a smaller cultivar suitable even for pots with a soil volume of 7 liters or more.

The Canon Went toadflax is a delicate-looking perennial with upright, thin stems, originally hailing from the Mediterranean. Even though it looks fragile at first glance, it is a resilient plant that creates wonderful vertical accents in the garden. It loves sunny locations and well-drained, even sandy soil, where it thrives best. It blooms repeatedly throughout the summer until autumn, so it will bring you joy for a really long time. The Canon Went cultivar boasts tiny flowers in a light salmon-pink shade, resembling miniature snapdragons. The leaves are also delicate, linear, and have a grayish-green color. In flower beds, it perfectly complements ornamental grasses or other drought-tolerant perennials, adding lightness and airiness to them. It is also a great magnet for pollinators, especially bees. Although it is a short-lived perennial, it reliably self-seeds in a suitable location, allowing you to enjoy it for many years. If you like to decorate your home, you will be pleased to know it is suitable for cutting and lasts up to 14 days in a vase.

Chasmanthium is one of the most charming ornamental grasses, bringing movement and a gentle rustling sound to the garden. It originates from the eastern part of North America, where it naturally grows in light, damp forests or on the banks of streams, so it is best suited to partial shade and humous, non-drying soil. Its greatest adornments are the flat spikelets resembling small fish, which hang from arched, drooping stems and change color throughout the season from fresh green through beige to warm copper tones, while the leaves turn golden-yellow in autumn. Chasmanthium is an excellent choice for cutting into fresh bouquets, where it adds airiness, and it looks even better dried, retaining its shape and color for a long time. Furthermore, it is a fully frost-hardy perennial that easily handles winters and will please any grower with its low-maintenance nature.

Devil's-bit scabious is a beautiful and delicate perennial, whose name is accompanied by a very strange legend. According to it, the devil, in anger over the protective power of this herb, bit off its rhizome. In the wild, it grows most often in damp meadows and pastures, but in the garden, it will thrive perfectly in a sunny spot with well-draining soil. You will receive a grown seedling in a pot from us, which you can simply transplant straight into the chosen flowerbed. It is an ideal plant for beginners, reliably withstanding frosts and not suffering from any pests or diseases. It grows to a height of thirty to eighty centimeters and from July to September forms magical spherical flowers of a blue-purple color. These act as a literal magnet for bees, hoverflies, and rare butterfly species, providing them with a rich pasture. In the garden, the devil's-bit scabious stands out perfectly in naturalistic plantings, where you will appreciate it alongside loose ornamental grasses. The sturdy stems with flowers can also be successfully used for cutting into summer bouquets, where they create a soft and playful structure, or you can dry them for winter decorations.

Betony, or Stachys, Morning Blush is a reliable perennial that will win you over not only with its flowers but also with its leaf structure. The original species comes from the mountain meadows of the Caucasus and northern Turkey, where it grows in sunny and slightly moist habitats. In the garden, it creates dense, compact clumps of wrinkled, deep green leaves that work as great ground cover and suppress weed growth. Above them, from May to July, sturdy upright stems carrying large deadnettle-like flowers rise. It is a magnet for bees and bumblebees, which find a rich source of nectar in the flowers. The Morning Blush cultivar is exceptional for its delicate coloring. Unlike the more common purple varieties, it offers a palette from pure white to softly pinkish, bringing light and elegance to flower beds. It fits into country gardens as well as more modern perennial plantings, where it contrasts beautifully with darker plants. The inflorescences are also suitable for cutting into a vase, where they stay fresh for several days. It is a long-lived and undemanding plant that handles our winters perfectly and requires almost no care.

This species of sage originates from the steppe regions of Central and Eastern Europe. It forms profusely flowering small clumps with straight, upright stems. In flower beds, it looks best in groups. It is traditionally planted as a companion to roses due to the matching flowering time. However, it looks equally good in mixed drought-tolerant steppe plantings with grasses. It is an excellent food source for bees. Lasts 7 days in a vase. Amethyst is an elegant variety with long stems and a pink flower color that is unusual for sages.

Hellebores are evergreen perennials that form slowly spreading clumps of leathery, dark green leaves. The stems usually bear four to five flowers. They bloom very early, as early as late winter and early spring. They are usable for vases only after conspicuous seed pods form in the center of the flower and the flower matures. Earlier, they tend to wilt and the stems cannot hold the flower in an upright position. All parts of the plant are poisonous. Double Ellen White is an almost pure white, double-flowered hellebore. The petals are slightly wavy and the bottom row of petals is lightly tinged with green.

Hellebores are evergreen perennials that form slowly spreading clumps of leathery, dark green leaves. Stems usually bear four to five flowers. They bloom very early, already in late winter and early spring. They are usable for vases only after conspicuous seed pods form in the center of the flower and the flower matures. Earlier, they tend to wilt and the stems do not hold the flower in an upright position. All parts of the plant are poisonous. Double Ellen Pink Spotted has double, soft pink flowers with dark burgundy spots.

Rudbeckia Henry Eilers is an extraordinary perennial that will bring the magic of late summer and the wild North American prairies into the garden. As a native species, it grows wild on sunny plains, so even here it thrives best in full sun in loamy, clayey, and well-drained soil. You will receive a grown seedling in a pot from us, which you simply transplant straight into the flower bed. It is a very reliable and long-lived plant that does not suffer from diseases or pests and easily handles harsh frosts down to minus twenty-eight degrees. Even complete beginners can playfully manage caring for it. The Henry Eilers cultivar, named after its discoverer, catches the eye at first glance. Bright yellow petals, which are unconventionally rolled into narrow tubes, grow out of prominent brown centers. The flowers on sturdy stems grow over one meter tall and do not need any support. In the garden, this rudbeckia is perfectly suited for prairie plantings alongside ornamental grasses or in country gardens, where its flowers attract bees and butterflies. Florists love using it for cutting. We cut the stems for a vase as soon as the flowers open, and they will bring you joy for seven to ten days. The faded dark cones look great in dry arrangements, and if you leave them in the flower bed, they will create a beautiful spectacle during the winter, especially when covered in frost.

Hellebores are evergreen perennials that form slowly expanding clumps of leathery, dark green leaves. The stems usually bear four to five flowers. They bloom very early, already at the end of winter and the beginning of spring. They are suitable for a vase only after the conspicuous seed pods form in the center of the flower and the flower matures. Earlier, they tend to wilt, and the stems won't hold the flower in an upright position. All parts of the plant are poisonous. Hellebore 'Pretty Ellen Spotted' is a beautiful variety with simple white flowers dotted with a wine-red color. The center with creamy stamens is further highlighted by a lime yellow-green coloration.