Scientific Name (Genus/Species): Kirengeshoma palmata Koreana Group (syn. Kirengeshoma koreana)

Family: (Hydrangeaceae)

 

(P) to 4′.  A Korean dignitary.  Large, sharply lobed, maple-like leaves in opposite pairs display a handsome silvery pubescence when emerging in spring.  The foliage provides interest through late summer when the flowers emerge.  Pale yellow, waxy, five-petalled flowers are borne on a stiffly upright inflorescence.  Blooms a bit earlier than K. palmata.   A “must-have.”  Prefers partial shade.  5 & T2

Scientific Name (Genus/Species): Actaea japonica (syn. Cimicifuga japonica)

Family: (Ranunculaceae)

(P) to 3′. Bugbane, Rattletop, Snakeroot. Numerous creamy, tufted, sessile flowers bloom on spikes from August through October. Shiny lobed and toothed leaves are very attractive in the woodland. Self-sows nicely. Partial shade. 3 & 6A

Scientific Name (Genus/Species): Primula veris

Family: (Primulaceae)

(P) to 12″. Cowslip. Terminal, nodding, one-sided clusters sport deep yellow, sweetly scented flowers with orange spotted throats that are housed in baggy, pale green calyces. Basal rosettes are softly hairy. Spring blooming. Moist soil. Partial shade. 4 & T2

Scientific Name (Genus/Species): Actaea racemosa (syn. Cimicifuga racemosa)

Family: (Ranunculaceae)

(P) to 6′. Early Snakeroot, Black Cohosh. An eastern North American native with branched wands of white, bottlebrush flowers. Blooms prolifically in June. Light green, divided foliage remains at three feet tall. Partial shade. 3 & 6A

Scientific Name (Genus/Species): Actaea simplex 'Brunette' (syn. Cimicifuga ramosa 'Brunette')

Family: (Ranunculaceae)

(P) to 6′. One of the darkest leaved Cimicifugas. Stems are a rich purplish brown with pure white, upright, fragrant flower spikes in September. Not all seedlings will be as dark as ‘Brunette’, but definitely worth a try. Partial shade. 3 & 6A

Scientific Name (Genus/Species): Anemone virginiana

Family: (Ranunculaceae)

(P) to 2.5′. Central and eastern United States. This plant has long petioled, toothed basal leaves. The flowers are greenish white and not long lasting. However, the fuzzy, white, cotton ball-like seedheads provide an interesting addition to the garden throughout the summer. Not fussy. Partial shade. 3 & 6 & T2

Scientific Name (Genus/Species): Anemonopsis macrophylla

Family: (Ranunculaceae)

(P) to 2.5′. False Anemone. A Japanese aristocrat. Handsome, glossy, dissected foliage. Late-season, nodding, waxy, pink-purple, anemone-like flowers. Wonderful in a woodland setting. Partial shade. 4 & T1

Open PDF

Scientific Name (Genus/Species): Aruncus dioicus

Family: (Rosaceae)

(P) to 5′. Goat’s Beard. Europe and Russia. The tall stature and presence of this Aruncus with its large, creamy white, feathery plumes makes it a show stopper for the back of the border. Prefers moist soil and partial shade. Early summer bloomer. 4 & T1

Scientific Name (Genus/Species): Astilboides tabularis (syn. Rodgersia tabularis)

Family: (Saxifragaceae)

(P) to 4′. William Robinson described it best, “A bold growing and handsome species with huge peltate leaves and plumes of creamy white flowers.” Leaves reach a height of 2 to 2.5 feet. A superb plant to use as a focal point in the garden. Definitely stimulates conversation. Partial shade. 4 & T2

Scientific Name (Genus/Species): Astrantia major

Family: (Apiaceae)

(P) to 2.5′. Great Masterwort. Central and eastern Europe. No garden should be without this effortless and beautiful plant. Several greenish white, often blushed pink flowerheads each arranged in a dome with a “collar” of bracts. Dense clumps of divided basal foliage. Content in the flower garden or in the woodland. Summer blooming. Great in flower arrangements, too. Sun/partial shade. PC- 4 weeks. 4 & 7 for 4 weeks, then T2