Scientific Name (Genus/Species): Begonia grandis subsp. evansiana

Family: (Begoniaceae)

(P) to 2′. Hardy Begonia. China and Japan. Pendant panicles of rosy pink blooms are held over attractive, coppery green foliage in late summer. The flower stems are tinged pinkish red and the slightly “lop-sided” leaves have a noticeable red venation. A joy in our Woodland Garden.  Moist, leafy soil.  Partial shade.  4 & T3

Scientific Name (Genus/Species): Darmera peltata

Family: (Saxifragaceae)

(P) to 4′. Umbrella Plant. Northern California and Oregon. Broad clusters of pale pink flowers appear in spring before the foliage fully emerges. Astonishing clumps of large, rounded, scalloped leaves on thick, hairy stems. A grand effect for a pond or bog garden; combines well with other moisture lovers such as Primulas and Ligularias. Blooms April to July. Moist to damp soil. Shade/partial shade. 4 & 7 for 4 weeks, then T1

Scientific Name (Genus/Species): Glaucidium palmatum

Family: (Ranunculaceae)

(P) to 2′. Japan. Large-lobed, jagged leaves of fresh green are the background for the Poppy-like flowers of delicate lavender. A sight to behold in the middle of May. Cool seedpods follow. Moist soil. Partial shade. 3 & 7 & Δ

Scientific Name (Genus/Species): Jeffersonia diphylla

Family: (Berberidaceae)

(P) to 18″ in flower. Jefferson’s Twinleaf. A native New Yorker. In early spring the emerging foliage is striking in shades of pinkish purple. The stems stay dark and the foliage unfurls into two, blue-green, kidney-shaped, lobed divisions. The eight-petalled, white, cup-shaped flowers face upwards and display a cooling light green centre and creamy yellow coloured stamens. Interesting pear-shaped seed pods with pointed hinged lids hold the shiny brown seeds. Moist woods. Partial shade/shade. 3 & T2 & Δ

Scientific Name (Genus/Species): Kirengeshoma palmata

Family: (Hydrangeaceae)

(P) to 6′.  A Japanese dignitary.  Waxy, soft yellow flowers in late summer, leaves of clear green “…placed oppositely up the arching ebony stem.” (GST**).  Kirengeshoma is a star performer for us in the Woodland, Flower Garden and Himalayan Slope.  We love this plant.  Partial shade and good soil.  5 & T2

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Scientific Name (Genus/Species): Lathyrus vernus

Family: (Fabaceae)

(P) to 12″. Spring Pea. Europe. Purple, pea-like flowers bloom in profusion on this low-growing perennial pea. Foliage is pinnate, providing an almost ferny effect. Simply lovely. Partial shade. 2B & 3, D & T2

Scientific Name (Genus/Species): Actaea alba (syn. A. pachypoda)

Family: (Ranunculaceae)

(P) to 2′. Doll’s Eyes. This American native has a long season of interest from flower to fruit. Racemes of fat, white, bottlebrush flowers bloom early and are followed by china-white berries with black eyes. Sturdy, red-flushed stems and the attractive toothed leaves add interest, too. A “must” for the woodland. Berries are poisonous! Partial shade. 3 & 7 for 3 months, then T2

Scientific Name (Genus/Species): Campanula hofmannii (syn. Symphyandra hofmannii)

Family: (Campanulaceae)

(P) to 2′. A Bosnian native. Marvelous, creamy white, pendulous bells in terminal racemes contrast with the serrated basal leaves. Showy seedpods, too. Self-sows gently. Sun/partial shade. 4 & T2

Scientific Name (Genus/Species): Stylophorum diphyllum

Family: (Papaveraceae)

(P) to 18″. Celandine Poppy. Eastern North America. Terminal clusters of large, lemon-yellow, saucer-shaped blooms light up the woodland garden in May and June. The irregularly lobed, blue-green foliage with a soft, silvery underside is very handsome. Seed is held for months in pendulous, oblong, white to yellow pods covered in fine hairs. Self-sows. Moist, humus-rich soil. Shade/partial shade. 4 & T1

Scientific Name (Genus/Species): Salvia koyamae

Family: (Lamiaceae)

(P) to 2.5′. Japanese Yellow Sage. Most Salvias prefer sun, but this unique Salvia, prefers partial shade. Spikes of whorled, large, clear yellow, hooded and lipped flowers bloom nonstop from August until hit by a hard frost. The bold, arrow-shaped foliage makes a handsome groundcover. 4 & T2