A display bed of hostas and ferns at our farm last summer

I often get customers that ask me-I've got a lot of shade; what can I grow? Well, that’s not such an easy question to answer! There are many degrees of shade-from a dense shade to dappled shade to bright light.

The first thing that I advise my customers to do is to “plot” their shade - actually observe the area at several times during the day in order to determine how much sun/shade the area REALLY gets. Once that is determined, you can use the perennial guidelines; just remember, plants that may need more sun may still do well in the area although they will not bloom as much.

 

Heuchera Peach Flambe

Also remember - anything planted under a tree will be competing for water and nutrients with the tree, so it will need to be fed and watered! Lastly, the timing of the sun's exposure needs to be considered - morning sun is much milder than afternoon sun, which needs to be taken into consideration when determining the actual exposure of the area in question.

Be sure to look for the indicating Contrary Mary Favorites - see the Top 10 List for more info! Plants If you would like to print this list, our catalog is available in PDF format.

Remember, not all varieties will be available at the same time and the size listed may not be available.

A few more things: in order to comply with legal requirements, we’ve changed our container size descriptions. The old 1 gallon pot is a #1, 2 gallon is a #2, etc. See our Pot Size Table for exact pot capacities.

Also, because we sell larger, more mature plants, WE ARE UNABLE TO SHIP PLANTS, so please come visit us our farm!

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Plant Name
Size
Container
Price
NEW! Ajuga ‘Black Scallop’
3-5”
Jumbo
$6.95
This great new groundcover has glossy, near black crinkley leaves and deep blue flowers on short spikes in spring. Hummers and butterflies love it and deer don’t!
The following Lady’s Mantles are my favorite perennials - they have beautiful foliage even when not in flower, add texture and depth even in full shade, and have exquisite greenish yellow flowers. All I can say about them is wow, ya gotta try some!!!
Alchemilla Erythropoda
6-8”
Jumbo
$7.95
The dwarf Lady’s Mantle
Alchemilla Mollis
12-18”
#1
$7.95
Lady's MantleWith copious sprays of yellow-green flowers-will take full sun with water. Moisture sparkles like diamonds on foliage!
These anemones are great fall bloomers - they look delicate but sure aren’t!
NEW! Anemone ‘Crispa’
20”
#1
$8.95
This fall bloomer has it all—awesome ruffled, crisped foliage with maroon tips and single pink flowers on tall stems late summer and well into fall! Plants are shorter and more compact than other Anemones… Deer resistant too!
NEW! Anemone ‘Honorine Jobert’
40” ht in flower x 33” w
#1
$8.95
This plant got a good rating (none of the other Anemones got any higher!) from the Chicago Botanic Garden trials! It blooms from mid-September to mid-November (45+ days!) with single white flowers that have yellow stamens.
Anemone ‘Queen Charlotte’
35”
#1
$8.95
Anemone 'Queen Charlotte'Semi-double, pink 3” flowers with yellow
NEW! Anemone ‘Robustissima’
40” ht in flower x 40”w
#1
$8.95
This Grape Leaf Anemone got a good rating from the Chicago Botanic Garden trials too! It blooms from late August to mid-November (63+ days) with single pink flowers.
Anemone multifida ‘Rubra’
18”
#1
$8.95
A nice hybrid of a native that blooms large, rosy flowers in June and boasts deeply divided, fuzzy leaves all season.
Anemone Sylvestris
12-15”
#1
$8.95
Anemone SylvestrisThis snowdrop anemone is a late spring bloomer with large, pure white flowers that give way to white, woolly fruit.
NEW! Aquilegia ‘Clementine Red’
12-18”
#1
$7.95
A compact grower with upward facing, fuchsia red double spurless flowers that resemble miniature Dahlias! A profuse spring bloomer that hummers and butterflies love and deer and rabbits don’t!
Aquilegia ‘Clementine Blue’
18” ht
#1
$7.95
Aquilegia Clementine BlueA bright violet-blue upward facing Columbine that resemble a double clematis! Blooms from late spring to early summer and the foliage is attractive throughout the season. Great cut flower, purportedly rabbit resistant (?!) and a hummer and butterfly attractant!
Aquilegia ‘Lime Frost’
20”
#1
$7.95
Aquilegia Lime FrostGreat columbine with unique variegated foliage and purple blooms. Butterflies and hummers love them. Also known as Aquilegia ‘Woodside Strain.’
NEW! Aquilegia ‘Spitfire’
12-15”
#1
$7.95
A petite Columbine that has red-orange short spurred flowers above nice mounded green foliage. Flower color REALLY attracts the hummers!
NEW! Aquilegia ‘Winky Blue & White’
12-18”
#1
$7.95
Aquilegia Winky Blue and WhiteThis cutie has upward facing short spurred flowers of blue and white above blue-green foliage.
The following are 4 varieties of Arisaemas (Jack-in –the-Pulpits). They have unusual flowers that consist of the spathe (hood) that surrounds the spadix (the thick flower spike). Plant is very tropical-looking and will elicit MANY comments! They should be grown in a shaded, somewhat protected site in moist but well draining humusy soil (NO wet feet!). After blooming, flowers are replaced by black seed clusters that become brilliant orange in the fall. Due to calcium oxalate found in the plant, corm fruit and leaves are considered poisonous and it is deer and rabbit resistant!  Protect from slugs and mulch lightly in winter. Be patient, as they are not quick growers, but once you get a mature specimen you’ll know why they’re “gotta-haves” (yes, again!!)  VERY, VERY, VERY LIMITED!!!
NEW! Arisaema serratum
24-30”
Jumbo
$14.95
This one from Japan has green and purplish brown striped hood held above foliage that is divided into many leaflets. Exotic!!
NEW! Arisaema sikokianum
12-16”
Jumbo
$19.95
Arisaema sikokianumThis stunner has a pure white “golf-tee” shaped spadex held inside a flared spathe that is purple and white striped. Leaves are dark green and divided; blooms early to mid-spring.
NEW! Arisaema sikokianum Patterned Leaf
12-16”
Jumbo
$24.95
Even more awesome than the one above (if that’s even possible!) ‘cause it has green leaves splashed with silver…a jaw-dropper!
NEW! Arisaema utile
15”
Jumbo
$12.95
This one has a trifoliate leaf that is green with maroon veining and a cobra-like spathe that is maroon with white stripes and held below the leaf. Flowers in May and June and perfect in a woodsy setting!
NEW! Aruncus ‘Misty Lace’
18-24”
#1
$9.95
This new Goatsbeard is compact and has creamy white feathery plumes from early to mid-summer atop dark red stems. Foliage is great foil all season! Reputedly deer resistant too!
Aruncus Aethusifolius
8-12”
#1
$8.95
Aruncus AethusifoliusAn adorable miniature Goatsbeard—it blooms its little heart out, then the foliage turns bronze in the fall. A Contrary Mary Top 10 Honorable Mention!
Aruncus Dioicus ‘Kneiffi’
36”
#1
$9.95
Finely cut, fern-like foliage with creamy-white, Astilbe-like plumes mid-summer.
NEW! Asarum canadense
3-4”
Jumbo
$5.95
This NATIVE Ginger is an excellent, no-brainer groundcover for shade—has heart-shaped foliage and a funny little near black flower borne under its leaves so it’s fertilized by the Garden Fairies!
Astilbe ‘Visions’
14”
#1
$7.95
Another mid-to late season bloomer with fragrant raspberry-purple flowers and compact, attractive foliage.
Astrantia ‘Buckland’
24”
#1
$9.95
Astrantia BucklandA Masterwort with very large creamy, spiky flowers and dark green foliage. Unusually-shaped flowers (I LOVE them!) that bloom for a long time (early to late summer) and look fantastic even when dried; plants prefer partial shade and a moist (not wet) soil. Fragrant and butterfly attracting!
Astrantia ‘Claret’
28-30”
#1
$9.95
Dark red flowers with black stems…magnificent!
NEW! Astrantia ‘Star of Beauty’
16”
Jumbo
$12.95
This NEW Masterwort has fresh green foliage and spectacular purple red flowers with white pin-cushiony center from early to late summer. Although the flowers are small, they are unusual and eye-catching! Likes moist soil (not wet) and flowers are great for cuts or as dried!
Brunnera ‘Looking Glass’
12-15”
#1
$15.95
Brunnera Looking GlassI carried this great Brunnera a couple of years ago and brought it back by popular demand…I’d have to say it’s second only to ‘Jack Frost’ on the wow-ometer!! As its foliage ages, the leaves turn solid silver and cup downwards. The young leaves have some green veining and are lightly silvered. Yup, I’m afraid it’s yet ANOTHER “gotta-have”!!
NEW! Brunnera ‘Mr. Morse’
12-15”
#1
$13.95
Brunnera Mr. MorseThis one has more subtle variegation than ‘Jack Frost’ and produces white forget-me-not flowers! Another outstanding foliage plant!
Brunnera Macrophylla ‘Jack Frost’
15”
#1
$15.95
Brunnera Macrophylla 'Jack Frost'This is a STANDOUT and a must have! Frosty, leaves with a silver overlay that resemble cracked porcelain---a GREAT foil for any dark leaved plant, it shimmers in the shade! A Contrary Mary Top 10 pick!
Ceanothus Americanus (New Jersey Tea)
24-30”
#1
$10.95
Ceanothus Americanus - New Jersey TeaThis native’s leaves were once used as a substitute for tea! It has a shrub-like growth habit and is covered with bright white clusters of flowers in July and August—attracts hummingbirds that eat the small insects that pollinate it. It also can take full sun.
Cimicifuga Simplex ‘White Pearl’
36”
#1
$9.95
A late flowering bugbane with pure white, fragrant bottle-brush flowers---extend your blooming season!
NEW! Convallaria ‘Albostriata’
6”
4½”pot
$10.95
Convallaria AlbostriataCertainly not your Gramma’s Lily-of-the-Valley! This NEW and VERY, VERY LIMITED variety has the typical gloriously fragrant white flowers with an unusual twist…it has VARIEGATED foliage! That’s right—green foliage with creamy white veins!!! Talk about a “gotta-have” groundcover!
Corydalis ‘Chocolate Stars’
12-16”
#1
$9.95
An oddity for the shade garden that has chocolate colored foliage in spring that turns green by summer and white flowers. Blooms late spring to mid-summer and is purportedly rabbit resistant!
Corydalis Cheilanthifolia
12”
#1
$8.95
Foliage resembles a delicate leaved fern, it has bright yellow flowers. Needs good drainage.
Corydalis Lutea
12”
#1
$7.95
Corydalis LuteaTONS of bright yellow flowers over lacy blue foliage in late Spring, then sporadically ALL season! ANOTHER MUST HAVE.
Dicentra Formosa ‘Luxuriant’
12”
#1
#2
$8.95
$12.95
Pink, longest blooming
Dicentra Spectabilis (Old-fashioned Bleeding Heart)
30”
#1
#2
$8.95
$12.95
THIS is the one Grandma grew! Pink, heart-shaped flowers May/June-may go dormant, but won’t if you keep it watered.Dicentra Spectabilis
Dicentra spectabilis ‘Alba’
24-36”
#1
#2
$8.95
$12.95
Dicentra spectabilis AlbaA white-flowered form of the old-fashioned Bleeding Heart.
NEW! Epimedium ‘Orangekonigin’
15”
Jumbo
$9.95
Epimedium OrangekoniginThis Barrenwort has TRUE orange flowers…wow! Foliage is heart shaped and dances in the breeze—perfect groundcover for shady areas and tolerates dry soil (gives tree roots a run for their money!). Be patient…somewhat slow to establish!
NEW! Epimedium ‘White Queen’
10-15”
Jumbo
$9.95
Epimedium ‘White Queen’This one has large PURE white flowers and heart shaped foliage that is tinged with red!
Epimedium versicolor ‘Sulphureum’
12”
Jumbo
$8.95
Eipmedium versicolor SulphureumA Bishop’s Cap with yellow flowers in mid spring to early summer and red-tinted foliage. It performs well even in deep shade and can compete with tree roots…looks dainty but has lots of moxie!
Fallopia Japonica Variegata
36-40”
#1
$10.95
Falopia JaponicaBushy perennial that is REALLY outstanding! Stunning white-splashed foliage with pink stems and shocking coral new growth, sprays of white flowers in Aug-Sept. A Contrary Mary Top 10 pick!
The following ferns make great additions to your shade gardens. None are invasive but all will provide seasons-long foliage interest and are great contrasts to other shade-lovers.
NEW! Fern—Athyrium ‘Dre’s Dagger’
30-36”
#1
$9.95
Athyrium Dre's DaggerThis Lady Fern has billowy, feathery fronds that looks like they are reaching out to touch you…talk about texture and grace!
FERN - Athyrium ‘Wildwood Twist’
12-18”
#1
$8.95
Fern Athyrium Wildwood TwistI really love Painted Ferns and this one always catches my eye due to its silvery, almost smoky grey-green foliage. Strong fronds make it a standout in your shade retreat!
Fern - Athyrium Filix-Femina ‘Victoriae’’
18-24”
#1
$8.95
Athyrium VictoriaeA very unusual fern from the Mickel collection, it’s also called “queen of the green”. It has pinnaes which crisscross to form “x’s”, and crested leaflet tips and is a clumper.
Fern -  Athyrium ‘Ghost’ (Ghost Fern)
30”
#1
$8.95
Athyrium 'Ghost'A “haunting” cross between a painted and a southern Lady Fern---stunning silver fronds in rigid clump.
FERN -  Athyrium ‘Ursula’s Red’
12-16”
#1
$8.95
Fern Athyrium Ursula's RedA superior Painted Fern with broad silver fronds that are flushed with red-wine coloration down the center in the spring. Summer color has less red.
Fern - Dryopteris filix-mas ‘Crispa Cristata’
12-20”
#1
$8.95
Dryopteris filix mas Crispa CristataThis Crested Male Fern looks edible with its frilly, almost chartreuse-green fronds. Really different than the “average” garden fern! (Come see a great one in our display bed!)
Fern-Adiantum pedatum ‘Miss Sharples’
12-14”
#1
$9.95
A Northern Maidenhair Fern with large chartreuse leaflets with bronze overtones. Great texture for your shade bed.
NEW! Fern—Dryopteris ‘Parsley’
18-24”
#1
$9.95
Fern Dryopteris ParsleyThis Male Fern has crinkled and crested foliage that looks like parsley!! Must not taste like parsley, though, ‘cause it’s reputedly deer and rabbit resistant!
Galium Oderatum (Sweet Woodruff)
8-10”
Jumbo
$5.95
Sweet WoodruffMy FAVORITE groundcover-it has bright green whorled foliage scented like new-mown hay, masses of pure white flowers in May that are used to flavor German May wine--- ANOTHER GOTTA HAVE!
Gentiana sep. var. Lagodechiana
8-12”
#1
$8.95
Gentiana LagodechianaEveryone’s always looking for  great blue-flowered plants…well look no further ‘cause you’ve found a winner! It has great, bright blue flowers in June and makes a nice little groundcover. Not picky about soil but does not want hot afternoon sun.  
The following are varieties of perennial geraniums—no garden should be without some of these beauties! They not only have unusual flowers, but attractive foliage spring thru late fall. When determining how much sun they can take, the general rule is that the larger foliage varieties need more shade, while the finely divided foliage can take full sun (with watering). Some more general info: g. Cantabrigiense makes a great groundcover, has aromatic foliage and good fall color, can take full sun; g. Cinereum needs a well-drained soil; g. Phaeum makes a great groundcover and can tolerate dry shade; g. Pratense needs to be deadheaded for rebloom, and, if cut back, will reblohom in fall; g. Sangiuneum is a very long bloomer, has great fall color, and can take full sun to almost full shade. Butterflies love them all.
NEW! Geranium ‘Perfect Storm’
12”
#1
$9.95
This lovely perennial Geranium has low, spreading, velvety-green foliage and small, magenta pink flowers with black centers and veins from late spring to mid-summer. Can take almost full sun (with adequate moisture) to bright shade—deer and rabbit resistant too!
NEW! Geranium ‘Sandrine’
18”
#1
$9.95
This one is  a VERY long bloomer (early summer to mid-fall) with 2” magenta purple flowers that have black eyes and veins atop a sprawly plant that has yellow spring foliage that ages to green. Likes bright shade to a half day of sun; reputedly deer and rabbit resistant too!
Geranium Cantabrigiense ‘Biokova Karmina’
10”
#1
$9.95
Geranium KarminaPink flowers, great foliage
Geranium Cantabrigiense ‘Biokovo’
10”
#1
$9.95
Geranium ‘Biokovo’White flowers, great foliage
Geranium pratense ‘Midnight Reiter’
9”
#1
$9.95
A mounding Cransebill with very dark purple, lacy foliage and nearly true blue flowers. A slow grower…be patient! If grown in shade, foliage is dark green with purple highlights.
Geranium pratense ‘Summer Skies’
22”
#1
$9.95
Geranium pratense Summer SkiesA double flowered Geranium with pinkish violet flowers with light centers. Different!
Geranium sang. ‘Ankum’s Pride’
7”
#1
$9.95
Blooms late spring to late summer with fluorescent pink, vivid flowers.
Geranium sang. ‘Max Frei’
8”
#1
$9.95
Geranium ‘Max Frei’Compact foliage with good fall color, many deep magenta flowers.
Geranium sang. ‘Shepherd’s Warning’
6”
#1
$9.95
A Scottish selection with bright pink flowers and low growing dark green foliage. Winner of  Royal Hort. Society Award of Merit (so ya know it’s a “gotta-have”!)
Geranium Wlassovianum
16”
#1
$9.95
Geranium WlassovianumYoung leaves have chocolate blotches which provide excellent contrast to their deep purple flowers that appear in late summer. Older leaves turn a fiery red in Autumn—great three-season interest!
Geranium ‘Orkney Cherry’
10”
#1
$9.95
Geranium Orkney CherryA Cranesbill that has eye-catching bronze foliage and bright pink flowers from June to September. Purportedly deer and rabbit resistant!
Geranium ‘Philippe Vapelle’
15”
#1
$9.95
GORGEOUS softly hairy blue-gray leaves, with bluish-purple flowers over a very long bloom season-he’s a must have!
Geranium ‘Rozanne’
18-20”
#1
$9.95
Geranium‘Rozanne’A great Geranium from Blooms of Bressingham, this one has 2½” saucer-shaped violet blue flowers early to mid-summer (and sporadically thru fall), above deep green foliage slightly marbled with chartreuse. It makes a great groundcover as it spreads 2-3 square feet.
Geranium ‘Salome’
12”
#1
$9.95
A new variety with lightly marbled foliage and violet blooms with dark veins. Blooms late spring to mid-summer, but foliage looks great all season!
Gillenia trifoliate
2-3’
#1
$9.95
This plant is native to the eastern U.S. and is also called Bowman’s Root, and likes moist soil to establish (although it is drought-tolerant once established). It has very unique, cut foliage with mahogany stems and a compact habit. The flowers are ethereal, white with red petioles, and form way-cool seed heads. It’s also deer-resistant!
Hellebores were the 2005 Perennial Plant of the Year, and for good reason ‘cause they are WAY-COOL! What other perennial do you know that has evergreen foliage and blooms while there is still snow on the ground (a real plant after our own Midwestern hearts!!) Some say that hellebores are destined to replace hostas as the easy-care plant for the shade!! They bloom for a very long time in the garden, and make excellent cut flowers too. Try some—they’re well worth investing in.
Helleborus ‘Ivory Prince’
12-18”
#1
$14.95
Helleborus Ivory PrinceThis late winter to late spring bloomer has pink buds that open to ivory blossoms streaked with rose. Dark blue-green foliage is handsome all season!
Helleborus ‘Royal Heritage’
18-24”
#1
$14.95
Helleborus Royal HeritageThis variety has a wide range of colors including purple, near black, red, rose-pink, yellow, pale green and white. The foliage almost looks unreal…it is leathery, serrated, and looks great ALL year!
Helleborus foetidus
12-18”
#1
$14.95
Helleborus foetidusThis Bearsfoot Hellebore has finely-cut, leathery, dark green foliage and blooms very early spring with yellow flowers held above the foliage—flowers stay for a couple of months. I’d also have it for its foliage alone!! 
The following is a selection of unusual coral bells, grown for their outstanding foliage---they really make the shade garden, adding texture, depth, interest. They look great as foils to hostas, or bordering a shady path. Next to lady’s mantle these are my favorites (gotta haves)!
Heuchera ‘Black Beauty’
foliage 10”
#1
$11.95
Heuchera Black BeautyAnother “gotta-have” I’m afraid! This one has somewhat upright leaves that catch the light from all directions, revealing its many dimensions of color including ruby-red!
NEW! Heuchera ‘Blackout
6” foliage ht, 10” flower ht.
#1
$11.95
Heuchera BlackoutA NEW Coral Bell that has almost jet-black, glossy, smooth rounded foliage that forms a perfect little mound and dancey cream flowers…team it up with a bright hosta like ‘Bright Lights’, Ice Cream’ or ‘Jaz’ for an unforgettable combo!
Heuchera ‘Caramel
12” foliage ht
#1
$11.95
Heuchera CaramelA villosa hybrid that’s a strong and vigorous grower…similar to ‘Amber Waves’ in color but a better grower! Best grown in morning sun. A Contrary Mary Top 10 pick!
NEW! Heuchera ‘Christa’
8-10” foliage ht, 20” flower ht
#1
$11.95
This one is a color-changer, starting out with new leaves that are a rose-purple with a peach underlay, maturing to a peach with a silver overlay. Cream flowers too!
NEW! Heuchera ‘Citronelle’
10-12” foliage ht, 14” flower ht
#1
$11.95
Heuchera CitronelleThis sport of ‘Caramel’ has citron yellow foliage with silver undersides. Compact grower and as AWESOME as its parent!
Heuchera ‘Frosted Violet’
foliage 12-15”, flowers 28”
#1
$11.95
Heuchera 'Frosted Violet'This great new intro has burgundy-violet foliage accented by deep veining—color intensifies in the fall. Top it off with pink pearly flowers and it’s a winner!
Heuchera ‘Guardian Angel’
12” foliage ht
#1
$11.95
Another new Coral Bell whose young foliage starts out bright purple, then develops a heavy silver overlay with purple margins. Great contrast between new and young foliage…looks like two separate plants! White dancey flowers on purple scapes.
Heuchera ‘Hercules’
15” foliage ht
#1
$11.95
This one has very marbled green and white foliage and deep red flowers….strong grower (what else would you expect?!) and forms a good sized mound.
Heuchera ‘Key Lime Pie’
12” foliage ht
#1
$11.95
Heuchera Key Lime PieHow could you not love this one named after my favorite dessert! Bright chartreuse foliage looks good enough to eat!
Heuchera ‘Lime Rickey’
foliage 8”, flowers 17”
#1
$11.95
Heuchera Lime RickyA Great NEW Heuchera color…you’ve never seen ANYTHING like it! It has frosted, ruffled leaves that are a shocking LIME GREEN! The flowers are small and pure white and the plant is a vigorous grower. Needs partial to full shade.
NEW! Heuchera ‘Miracle’
8-10” foliage ht, 12-14” flower ht
#1
$11.95
Heuchera MiracleNow this one ‘tis a REALLY different Heuchera! Again, a color-changer with new leaves that are chartreuse with red in the center, maturing to brick red with chartreuse edges. Pair it up with ‘Citronelle’ or ‘Tiramisu’ and watch jaws drop!! Pink flowers.
NEW! Heuchera ‘Mocha’
16” foliage ht, 30” flower ht
#1
$11.95
Heuchera MochaThis is a Heuchera on steroids!!! Huge (6”+) near black foliage and tall white flowers will sweeten up your garden!
Heuchera ‘Mystic Angel’
12” foliage ht
#1
$11.95
Heuchera Mystic AngelThis one looks great with ‘Obsidian’…it has juvenile foliage that is green with bright purple veins. As the leaf matures it turns smokey purple with dark purple veins. White flowers.
Heuchera ‘Obsidian’
foliage 10”
#1
$11.95
Heuchera  ObsidianThis one has moved into Contrary Mary’s top-ten list, so you KNOW how wonderful it is! Shiny, broad, smooth, round leaves that are almost glassy in texture, it was named well! The black leaves are so smooth they almost appear to have been polished…a knock-out effect with any golden-foliaged plant! A Contrary Mary Top 10 pick!
Heuchera ‘Orange Man’
15” foliage ht
#1
$11.95
This one is in the oddity category…it’s spotted and blotched with purple, chartreuse, amber-gold…what do you think?!
Heuchera ‘Peach Flambé’
8” foliage ht
#1
$11.95
Heuchera Peach FlambeStriking peach-colored leaves with red overtones that have a deep purple fall color. It is topped off with white flowers that have reddish purple scapes…flaming!
NEW! Heuchera ‘Pinot Gris’
10” foliage ht, 18” flower ht.
#1
$11.95
This has young foliage that is ginger colored with a silver overlay, with mature foliage that is smoky rose with a silver overlay and purple undersides. Cream flowers too!
NEW! Heuchera ‘Snow Angel’
10” foliage ht, 20” flower ht
#1
$11.95
Oops, forgot to include this one last year! This variegated Heuchera has mottled foliage of creamy white and bright red flowers…eye-catching!
NEW! Heuchera ‘Tiramisu’
8-10” foliage ht, 14” flower ht
#1
$11.95
Heuchera TiramisuHow could you not LOVE this nummy Heuchera with young foliage that is yellow with red centers, maturing to chartreuse with a silver overlay! White flowers.
Heucherella ‘Stoplight’
Foliage 8”
#1
$10.95
Heucherella StoplightIndividual leaf size is up to three times larger than those of ‘Sunspot’, so you know this one is another Contrary fave! Screaming yellow, red centered spring leaves will stop you in your tracks…summer foliage is slightly more muted (but still amazing); also produces white flowers in spring.
NEW! Hypericum ‘Brigadoon’
15” ht
#1
$10.95
Hypericum BrigadoonAnother one I forgot to include last year (and it sold out anyway!), this St. John’s Wort has bright golden yellow foliage with reddish edges and 2” golden flowers late spring to early summer. Best in part to bright shade away from drying winds…outstanding with Heucheras, Hostas and Carex!
Kirengeshoma palmata
36-40”
#1
$8.95
This yellow Wax Bells has a shrub-like habit and pale yellow nodding flowers that bloom late summer thru fall. The foliage has maple-shaped leaves and purple stems.
Lysmachia ‘Aurea’ (Moneywort)
2”
Jumbo
$5.95
Groundcover creeps and glows yellow (see photo in featured garden).
NEW! Oxalis rosea
8-10”
#1
$8.95
This Pink Wood Sorrel has vivid green clover foliage and bright pink flowers all summer if kept moist (not wet!)! Does not set seed; butterflies love it!
Phlox div. ‘London Grove Blue’
8”
#1
$7.95
Phlox London Grove BlueThis Wild Sweet William has one of the most fragrant flowers around---blooms are blue in late spring and the foliage turns burgundy in the winter. And yes, this Phlox prefers shade!
Polemonium ‘Bressingham Purple’
15-18”
#1
$8.95
Polemonium Bressingham PurpleThis great Jacob’s Ladder has deep purple foliage (more intense in more light) and light blue flowers for a long time in late spring/early summer.
NEW! Polemonium ‘Heaven Scent’
18-24”
#1
$10.95
This Jacob’s Ladder has ferny green foliage that has deep purple highlights in spring and fragrant blue flowers. Likes partial shade best; deer resistant!
Polemonium ‘Stairway to Heaven’
12-18”
#1
$13.95
Polemonium Stairway to HeavenA NEW variegated Jacob’s Ladder that is reputed to be MUCH hardier and MUCH more vigorous than ‘Brise d’Anjou’, it has white leaved margins that are also tinged with pink. VERY LIMITED QUANTITIES !!
NEW! Polemonium ‘Touch of Class’
14” ht
#1
$11.95
This sport of ‘Stairway to Heaven’ has lacy green foliage with bright white edges and pink buds that open to pale blue flowers from early to mid summer.
Polygonatum humile
8”
#1
$8.95
Polygonatum humileA true fairy garden plant, this miniature Solomon’s Seal is DARLING! It slowly colonizes and is a natural companion to mini hostas…it awwww-inspiring!
Polygonatum odoratum
18-24”
#1
$8.95
This native Solomon’s Seal colonizes nicely in a woodland setting. It has soft, green leaves on tall, graceful stalks and long white flowers that dangle from underneath the leaves in early spring.
Polygonatum odoratum ‘Variegatum’
18-24”
#1
$8.95
A great VARIEGATED Solomon’s Seal, it has elegant, arching green leaves with white edges and dangling white flowers. Foliage turns golden in the fall and is a real eye-catcher in the woodland garden. Reputed to be deer-resistant, and hummingbirds love it!
Pulmonaria ‘Majeste’
12”
#1
$8.95
Pulmonaria 'Majeste'A fantastic Lungwort with narrow, silver-grey foliage that REALLY stands out in the shade.
NEW! Rodgersia pinnata ‘Die Schone’
40”
#1
$14.95
This great plant has foliage that resembles a Horse Chestnut and is red-tinged, and rose pink flowers in summer. Rodgersia’s like soil that is consistently moist…great near a shady pond!
Sanguinaria canadensis
10”
#1
$8.95
This native Bloodroot is a member of the Poppy family and blooms from March to May in the woods. It has a solitary white flower with a golden-orange center and bluish-green, palmately scalloped, unique leaves. A must for a native shade garden!
NEW! Scutellaria ovata
18”
#1
$8.95
Scutellaria ovataThis NATIVE Skullcap has heart-shaped foliage tinged with purple and is covered with small purple flowers early summer. Can handle dry shade; loved by butterflies and hummers!
All right, I promise this is the last time I say this (at least about perennials!), but foam flowers are among the best plants I know!! They have outstanding foliage and are a must in every garden.
Tiarella ‘Spring Symphony’
10”
#1
$9.95
Tiarella Spring SymphonyI can’t believe this plant - it has compact, “painted” leaves and outstanding pink flowers that rebloom - DOES IT EVER! in my own garden it bloomed May-June, THEN ON & OFF AGAIN ’TIL LATE FALL!
NEW! Tiarella ‘Sugar & Spice’
8” foliage ht, 13” flower ht
#1
$10.95
Tiarella Sugar and SpiceThis foam flower is a clump former and has glossy, deeply dissected foliage with prominent dark centers and fragrant pink and white flowers from early spring to early summer. Deer resistant!
Tradescantia ‘Sweet Kate’
12-14”
#1
$8.95
Tradescantia Sweet KateThis Spiderwort prefers partial shade and has linear, grass-like chartreuse foliage and blue flowers almost all summer. Can tolerate soggy soil.
Tricyrtis Imperial BannerThese next plants are toad lilies (great name, huh?!) They grow in deep shade and have flowers that look like orchids!!! Great for fall bloomers; however, they won’t eat your slugs like other toads will.
Tricyrtis ‘Blue Wonder’
18-24”
#1
$8.95
This Toad has intensely colored, purplish blue spotted flowers in late summer thru fall…looks like an exotic orchid that misplaced itself up north!
Tricyrtis ‘Gilt Edge’
24”
#1
$8.95
Tricyrtis Gilt EdgeAnother great Toad, this one has creamy-yellow edged leaves that give it great interest even when not in bloom. In the fall, the magnificent white, heavily spotted flowers appear. WOW! A Contrary Mary Top 10 pick!
Tricyrtis ‘Golden Leopard’
20”
#1
$8.95
Tricyrtis Golden LeopardO.K., I admit I’m smitten (I love that word!) with Toads, so how could I resist one that has yellow flowers with purple and bronze spots?! A Contrary Mary Top 10 pick!
NEW! Tricyrtis ‘Imperial Banner’
24-30”
#1
$12.95
Tricyrtis Imperial BannerThis ‘Empress’ sport has fabulous glossy, streaky foliage and orchid-like flowers that are white with purple spots and are held by dark purple stems. Fit for royalty, no wonder it’s a Contrary fave!
NEW! Tricyrtis ‘Shining Light’
15”
#1
$8.95
This is a more compact grower with orchid-like flowers that are white spotted with reddish-purple. 
Tricyrtis Hirta ‘Togen’
18-24”
#1
$8.95
Tricytris 'Togen'Bold foliage and large lavender-purple blooms that fade to white in the center. A Contrary Mary Top 10 pick!
Tricyrtis Hirta ‘Variegata’
18”
#1
$8.95
This toad lily has bright green leaves edged with a thin white line and pinkish flowers with dark spots in the fall.
The following are four varieties of NATIVE nursery-propagated Trilliums. All like moist (not wet) shade to partial shade in loamy soil (woodsy setting!) and bloom in April to May. All are in VERY, VERY LIMITED QUANTITIES !!!
NEW! Trillium erectum
18”
4½” pot
$8.95
This Trillium has large, impressive heart-shaped leaves and red to maroon flowers that are held upright.
NEW! Trillium flexipes
20-24”
4½” pot
$8.95
This tall Trillium has bright white, cheerful flowers!
NEW! Trillium grandiflorum
12-18”
4½” pot
$9.95
This Wake Robin has the largest flowers that are upward facing and pure white!
NEW! Trillium luteum
12-15”
4½” pot
$10.95
Trillium leuteumThis NATIVE has lemon yellow flowers above silver and bronze mottled foliage!

 

Top of Page

Home | Plants | Farm & Nursery | Ponds & Water Gardens | Landscaping Services | Specialty Gardens | Seminars

Contrary Mary’s Plants and Designs
2735 Route 52
Minooka, IL 60447
Ponds and Water Gardens
(815) 577-7800
Perennials, Shrubs, and Trees
(815) 521-9535