Perennials at Digging Dog
Rheum to Succisella
Including Rudbeckia, Salvia, & Schizostylis
Rheum
Rhubarb
Ornamental RhubarbRote Auslese means “Red Selection”.
One of the most pleasing of the tall ornamental rhubarbs, this prehistoric-looking specimen has colossal, divided leaves, reddish bronze at first, becoming dark green with purple undersides, and eventually quite red in the fall. Airy maroon panicles are produced atop the towering flower stems.
For a bold vignette, stage with other dynamic performers such as Veronicastrum ‘Erica’, and Hemerocallis middendorffii. Rheums require deep, rich soil and
appreciate mulching in the summer to keep their roots cool, as they detest extreme heat.
Blooms June–July. Size: 6-1/2' high x 5' wide; hardy to zone 5.
AVAILABLE JUNE 2008
Rheum palmatum v. tanguticum Rote Auslese (P-0715)
Each $7.00
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Rodgersia
Fingerleaf RodgersiaRodgersias are fine architectural specimens characterized by brownish black, fleshy rhizomes and large textured leaves spreading to a foot across, so be sure to provide these plants with plenty of space.
Similar to the palmate leaves of Horse Chestnut, the crinkled foliage of this species is tinted bronze and heavily veined. The 7 leaflets radiate from the center and shaggy brown hair covers the loosely branched stalks, which hold pyramidal flowers, ranging in color from porcelain white to muted pink.
Blooms June–mid-August. Size: 3' high x 3' wide; hardy to zone 5.
Rodgersia aesculifolia (P-0311)
Each $7.00
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Thrusting upward from fleshy roots late in the spring, Roscoea’s green stems are sheathed by alternate glossy foliage, while its large lobed flowers possess an otherwordly appeal. An exotic-looking genus that counts Ginger among its kin, these Tibetan and Nepalese natives appreciate a deep planting and a thick layer of mulch for winter protection.
Its grass green leaves are long and lance-shaped. Held on short terminal spikes, the brilliant purple flowers resemble orchids, and display white to pale violet markings on each petal. To create intrigue, plant on the edge of the woodland garden with Heuchera, Tiarellas, and Tricyrtis.
Blooms July–September. Size: 16" high x 16" wide; hardy to zone 6.
Roscoea auriculata (P-1156)
Each $6.50
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Once described by British garden author, William Robinson as possessing “...a beauty quite apart”, this rare Chinese woodland perennial lives up to its reputation as its large, openly hooded ghostlike blooms hover just above tall, lush-looking narrow leaves. Bathed in pale moonlit yellows, the exquisitely strange, yet elegant flowers impart a cool luminosity to a drift of Disporum ‘Night Heron’.
Blooms June–July. Size: 18" high x 12" wide; hardy to zone 6.
Roscoea cautleyoides (p-1321)
Each $6.50
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Black-Eyed Susan
Named by Linnaeus in honor of his teacher Olaf Rudbeck, this North American genus includes 25 to 30 species, many of them famous summer, especially late season, bloomers. These selections are easy to grow, make fine cut flowers, and will brighten any border or naturalized meadow. Offering interest also in the late fall and winter, they combine well with Aster, Eupatorium, and grasses. Black-Eyed SusanYou probably know ‘Swiss Gold’ as Black-Eyed Susan, those robust, bright orange-yellow American daisies with the dark centers. As charming in seed as it is in flower, its abundant chocolate-brown seed heads last until Thanksgiving. Strong stems bear flowers almost 3 ft. high without staking; foliage is dark green and hirsute.
Set a meadow ablaze with a large drift. Effective with Eupatorium ‘Gateway’, Aster ‘Coombe Fishacre’ and Deschampsia ‘Goldgehänge’ for texture.
Blooms August–October. Size: 2-1/2' high & spreading; hardy to zone 4.
Rudbeckia fulgida Swiss Gold (P-1399)
Each $6.00
Add to Cart Compact Black-Eyed SusanSomewhat wilder looking than most of the well-known cultivars, this species holds bright orange-yellow flowers with densely clustered petals on strong, wiry stems. In our garden, its open habit is backed by Persicaria ‘Summer Dance’.
Blooms late July–September. Size: 2' high x 2' wide; hardy to zone 4.
Rudbeckia fulgida speciosa (Newmanii) (P-0552)
Each $6.00
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If you appreciate the curious, the unusual, the truly unique, then allow this novelty to work some magic in your garden. From a leafy green basal clump appear 3 to 5 in. wide flowers on sturdy stalks, each featuring a huge central chocolate brown boss encompassed by approximately ten large and stiff well-spaced bright green sepals.
Unparalleled as a cut flower fresh or dried, florists, gardeners and birds seek out these extraordinary blooms that first form an intriguing golden ring of pollen around their striking cones. Quick to establish and undemanding, this attention grabber guarantees a flashy display of neon color when paired with Kniphofia linearifolia and Salvia ‘Limelight’.
Blooms July–September. Size: 3'–5' high x 2-1/2' wide; hardy to zone 4.
Rudbeckia occidentalis Green Wizard (P-1294)
Each $6.00
Add to Cart Languid petals in lemon yellow shades lazily encircle prominent beehivelike, chartreuse cones during the idle days of summer. With rough surfaces and fuzzy undersides, the broad and deeply clefted green leaves attire sturdy clumping stems in an airy, opposite fashion. This Rudbeckia makes a sunny neighbor for Aster asperulus above our stone wall.
Blooms July–August. Size: 3'–4' high x 2' wide; hardy to zone 4.
Rudbeckia paniculata (P-1295)
Each $6.00
Add to Cart Sweet ConeflowerA Midwestern prairie girl that delivers outstanding flower power along with unwavering fortitude, this taller Black-Eyed Susan cousin is named for her anise-scented daisies. Radiant yellow petals surround purple-brown domed centers creating a buoyant sea of color all summer long. Perfectly branched for bouquets, the sturdy, straight-backed stems host toothed, deep green lush-looking leaves sporting downy undersides.
Blooms August–September. Size: 4' high x 2' wide; hardy to zone 3.
Rudbeckia subtomentosa (P-1398)
Each $6.00
Add to Cart Three-Lobed ConeflowerA summertime show stopper, this floriferous Rudbeckia is a denizen of the Great Plains. At its base, the larger leaves are trilobed, forming a handsome bushy mass that gives way to more narrow upper leaves and openly branched, flowering stems.
Completely covered in glorious golden yellow petals circling jet black centers that fade to brown, Rudbeckia
triloba is a vivacious addition to the border with companions such as Aconitum ‘Arendsii’ and Pennisetum ‘Moudry’. Not as long-lived as other Rudbeckias, Three-Lobed Coneflower eventually wears itself out, but easily reseeds.
Blooms August–October. Size: 5'–6' high x 3'–4' wide; hardy to zone 5.
Rudbeckia triloba (P-1147)
Each $6.00
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Sage
Thought in ancient times to perpetuate good health, an Arab proverb asks, “How shall a man die with sage in his garden?” Our Salvias are diverse perennials, shrubs or subshrubs. Many of them hail from the Mediterranean, Mexico and South America.
Drought tolerant, reliable once established, and generally pest and disease free, they combine an array of flowers and aromatic foliage in many different sizes, shapes, and hues.. Further reading about Salvia:The Gardener’s Guide to Growing Salvias by John Sutton The New Book of Salvias Sages for Every Garden by Betsy Clebsch A bee’s bliss, a gardener’s good friend, and very welcome indeed is this Salvia’s ability to grow in difficult, dry conditions. An excellent ground cover, ‘Bee’s Bliss’ bears abundant clusters of lavender-colored blossoms, which embellish its bright, dense mat of
slender-leafed, aromatic, gray-green foliage. It willingly spills over a wall, softening hard edges, and maintains a tidy look without much care.
Blooms June–August. Size: 12" high x 3' wide; hardy to zone 9.
AVAILABLE JUNE 2008
Salvia Bee’s Bliss (P-0802)
Each $6.50
Add to Cart Blue Sky SageSelected by Yucca Do Nursery, the interesting foliage of this upright Mexican native makes it one of our favorite Sages. Broad, tapered leaves have an unusual bluish hue on top, while undersides turn purple as they mature. Contrast this with the vivid green of the new growth, and you’re in for quite a foliar show. Well loved by hummingbirds, the small, iridescent, deep purple flowers display a splash of white in their throats.
Blooms late August–October. Size: 4' high x 2' wide; hardy to zone 8.
Salvia El Cielo Blue (P-0866)
Each $6.00
Add to Cart A mainstay at the back of the border, this regal Salvia is a cross between Salvia guaranitica and Salvia gesneraeflora. Rising above the textured mint-green leaves,
spikes of vibrant violet-blue blooms add glorious color all summer until frost, and are adored by hummingbirds everywhere. With its upright stance and cool shades, ‘Purple Majesty’ complements the warmer hues of Helianthus angustifolius (Pale Form) for a splendid autumn union.
Blooms June–early November. Size: 5'–6' high x 3' wide; hardy to zone 7.
Salvia Purple Majesty (P-0967)
Each $6.50
Add to Cart Discovered by Art Petty of Austin, Texas, this dream Salvia cross inherits the best qualities of both its parents. Like darcyi, it features fantastically colored blooms, and like microphylla, its good-looking stance is short and compact.
Summer brings plentiful, 15 in. spikes of warm-hued, dark orange-red flowers and by fall, the round-tipped, somewhat reflective green foliage is completely blanketed by them. Renown for an easy going, stalwart and floriferous nature, ‘Silke’s Dream’ tantalizes us with its passionate display, while counterposing Salvia corrugata’s deep blue spires.
Blooms July–October. Size: 2' high x 3' wide; hardy to zone 7.
AVAILABLE FALL 2008
Salvia Silke’s Dream (P-1358)
Each $6.50
Add to Cart Like a well planned composition, this Salvia blends white fuzzy flowers, blushed with the palest of pinks and predominate purple calyxes against a graceful foil of textured grayish green foliage.
Given to us by David Salmon of High Country Gardens, we planted it in front of Cotinus ‘Grace’, whose leaves repeat the deep color of ‘Santa Barbara’s calyxes.
Blooms late June–early November. Size: 3' high x 3' wide; hardy to zone 8.
Salvia Waverly (P-0660)
Each $6.00
Add to Cart This bold Mediterranean native serves up a remarkable portion of eye catching appeal on its almost platter-sized, soft and silky white, felted foliage. Emerging in a dramatic basal clump, new leaves are crinkled, but flatten as they grow, while their margins retain a sinuous wave. A spectacular showing of dramatic 2 to 3 ft. candelabralike stems are decorated in small, white, hooded flowers, each with a slight tinge of pink and a subtle grayish calyx.
After the bloom, leaves transmute to a pale gray-green, and when cooler weather returns, they turn silvery once again. Positively show-stopping along a dry wall, or in the herb garden with Lavender and Rosmarinus ‘Maltese White’, Salvia argentea demands well drained soil, tolerates drought, and will live longer if spent flower stalks are attentively removed.
Blooms June–July. Size: 5' high x 3' wide; hardy to zone 9.
Salvia argentea (P-0678)
Each $6.00
Add to Cart Arizona Sage
A loose mound of luxuriant verdant foliage and trailing stems, this native of southern Arizona, Texas and northern Mexico thrives in the partial shade of small trees and shrubs. With a multitude of small, bright purple flowers held by smoky violet calyxes and a refreshing minty scent, Arizona Sage makes a delightful understory for Euphorbia griffithii ‘Great Dixter’.
Blooms June–July & again in September. Size: 18" high x 2' & spreading; hardy to zone 7.
AVAILABLE FALL 2008
Salvia arizonica (P-0771)
Each $6.00
Add to Cart Pitcher SageHighly esteemed for its densely packed whorls of true sky blue flowers, this U.S. native assures a scene stealing, late season hurrah that beckons both butterflies and gardeners. Numerous slender stems stand tall while narrow, linear gray-green leaves are covered in a downy softness. Exhibiting a vigorous drought, heat and cold tolerant nature, this stalwart beauty deserves a prime position in more gardens.
Blooms July–September. Size: 3'–4' high x 2'–3' wide; hardy to zone 4.
Salvia azurea Nekan (P-0162)
Each $6.50
Add to Cart Guatemalan Blue Vine SageTouted some 70 years ago by British garden writer William Robinson, this exceptional, long blooming Salvia offers fuzzy gentian-blue flowers. Its small but abundant, vividly colored blooms garnish terminal racemes above a many stemmed emerald-green foundation of thick triangular leaves.
Indigenous to the mountainous regions of southern Mexico, Honduras and Guatemala, Salvia cacaliaefolia can be found growing as high as 8000 ft., its slow-to-spread, creeping roots thriving with well drained soil, regular water and high shade. A harbinger of cool, late season color, it can be positioned right up front next to Geum ‘Starker’s Magnificum’.
Blooms July–October. Size: 2'–3' high x 3'–4' wide; hardy to zone 8.
Salvia cacaliaefolia (P-1322)
Each $6.50
Add to Cart Native to southern California’s chaparral country and perhaps the most good-looking of the shrubby sages, you can usually smell this extremely long flowering, drought tolerant cultivar before it comes into view. The pleasantly sweet and woody aroma is a grace note to its compact and lower growing, winsome habit.
Evergreen, narrow linear leaves have a pewter green tone, punctuated by a springtime flash of bright green stems. Excellent in dried arrangements, ‘Aroma’s jewel-like lavender flower whorls are enhanced with dusky mulberry-colored calyxes. Prune regularly to maintain a handsome appearance.
Blooms June–October. Size: 3' high x 3' wide; hardy to zone 8.
Salvia clevelandii Aromas (P-1223)
Each $6.50
Add to Cart With velvety, reddish purple stems, smooth, bright green new foliage that matures to a textured dark green, and fuzzy, vermilion flowers, this Brazilian native is lush and tantalizing. Wonderful cut or dried, the 6 to 10 in. long flower spikes make a bold statement in the fall border with Asters and grasses, and combine beautifully with mounding perennials.
Blooms September–November. Size: 5' high x 3' wide; hardy to zone 9.
Salvia confertiflora (P-0214)
Each $6.00
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Widely distributed in the Andes from southern Columbia to Peru, Salvia corrugata features deeply puckered, dark green foliage. While newly emerging leaves have downy, copper-colored undersides, each mature lance-shaped leaf has a sheen on top and contrasting grayish tomentose below. Light gray-green, fuzzy stems are crowned with showy racemes of deep blue flowers held by violet calyxes. This distinctive, upright Salvia makes a great specimen for the mixed border.
Blooms August–October. Size: 3-1/2'–5' high x 3' wide; hardy to zone 9.
Salvia corrugata (P-0965)
Each $6.50
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The large, almost triangular leaves of this Bulgarian native make a striking base for the long spires of white-streaked, violet-blue blooms. Robust flower stems arch gracefully above the basal foliage, which lies close to the ground. Accent the beautiful foliage and position midborder in well drained soils with fine textured perennials and grasses like Miscanthus sinensis ‘Morning Light’.
Blooms June–September. Size: 2' high x 3' wide; hardy to zone 6.
Salvia forsskaolii (P-0215)
Each $6.00
Add to Cart Plant aficionado Tom Peace helped establish this lavishly hued, west Texan’s notoriety. Quick to grow, full of vigor and more tolerant of cold, damp winters than most other greggii species, ‘Wild Thing’s leafy, good-looking form presents lustrous green foliage and droves of vivid cherry-pink flowers with contrasting wine-colored calyxes. Plant next to Agastache ‘Apricot
Sunrise’ and Verbascum ‘Sixteen Candles’ for a wild, long blooming
vignette.
Blooms June–September. Size: 3' high x 3' wide; hardy to zone 6.
Salvia greggii Wild Thing (P-1224)
Each $6.50
Add to Cart Black and Blue Guarani SageAn absolute favorite of our hummingbirds, this eye catching Salvia offers abundant, deep cobalt blue, tubular blooms and nearly black calyxes on 15 in. terminal flowering spikes all summer long. More compact than many of the guaranitica species, ‘Black and Blue’ provides complementary color for the shining blooms of Crocosmia ‘Star of the East’.
Blooms mid-July–October. Size: 3-1/2' high x 3' wide; hardy to zone 7.
Salvia guaranitica Black and Blue (p-0772)
Each $6.50
Add to Cart Pennantlike spikes of large, Cambridge blue, tubular flowers and bright green calyxes proudly rise above the spade-shaped leaves, which cloak ‘Blue Ensign’s upright, but freely branching stance. A drift mid-border makes a compelling statement with the yellow-orange coloring of Euphorbia ‘Fern Cottage’s fall foliage nearby.
Blooms mid-July–October. Size: 3-1/2'–4' high x 3' wide; hardy to zone 7.
Salvia guaranitica Blue Ensign (p-1138)
Each $6.50
Add to Cart Hailing from the cool highlands of Guatemala and Chiapas, Mexico, this vigorous Salvia volunteers hundreds of brilliant cardinal red, whorled blossoms in late fall. A yellow-green cast infuses young growth while mature leaves are darker green. Marked by light green grooves, the numerous, wine-infused lax stems become obscured by prominently veined triangular leaves, which taper to pronounced narrow tips.
Paying homage to Edward Holway, an American mycologist and plant collector who traveled to Mexico in the early 1900s, Salvia holwayi blooms all winter long in warmer areas, gracing its lush and bushy good-sized mass with much appreciated color and hummingbird food.
Grateful for a well drained, humus rich spot and a hard cut after blooming, it creates a verdant backdrop for the mixed border, an excellent conservatory plant in colder climates and a splendid long lasting cut flower when they’re aren’t many others around.
Blooms October–December. Size: 4' high x 4'–6' wide; hardy to zone 9.
Salvia holwayi (P-1345)
Each $6.00
Add to Cart Roseleaf SageLarge and rounded, dusky magenta buds cluster at stem tips and open into brilliant pink, fuzzy tubular flowers toned down by deep purple calyxes. Handsome, dark green nearly heart-shaped leaves are arranged in pairs and complement red petioles on strong straight stalks.
Revered by hummingbirds, this bushy Salvia makes a perfect addition to the meadow garden, and along with Salvia ‘Nekan’ and Aster ‘Ochtendgloren’ augments a late season blend of blue and pink. Zone 8/9.
Blooms August–mid-October. Size: 4' high x 3' wide; hardy to zone 9.
Salvia involucrata Hidalgo (P-0296)
Each $6.00
Add to Cart Mulberry Jam Roseleaf SageA selection from Betsy Clebsch’s garden, ‘Mulberry Jam’ is smaller and more upright than the species. Large, rounded, dusky magenta buds open into vivid, fuzzy pink, tubular flowers nicely toned down by deep purple calyxes. Revered by hummingbirds, this bushlike Salvia makes
a perfect addition to the meadow garden with Salvia ‘Nekan’ and Aster ‘Ochtendgloren’ for a blend of late season pinks.
Blooms June–mid-October. Size: 4' high x 2' wide; hardy to zone 8.
Salvia involucrata Mulberry Jam (P-0713)
Each $6.00
Add to Cart Anthony Parker Bush SageFrances Parker of South Carolina discovered this unlikely cross and named it for her grandson. Blessed with attributes from both parents, ‘Anthony Parker’ features extraordinary, nearly 2 ft. long spires of midnight purple-black, leucantha-like flowers topping attractive leaves and young downy white stems. The broad-based, grayish green foliage tapers to a point, and displays a venation similar to Salvia elegans.
Gracing an herbaceous border or even an arrangement, this robust Salvia’s dark flowers will set Sedum ‘Autumn Fire’ aglow.
Blooms August–October. Size: 3'–4' high x 4' wide; hardy to zone 9.
Salvia leucantha x elegans Anthony Parker (P-1140)
Each $6.00
Add to Cart Grape-scented SageThe name of this charming Sage, long used by the Tarahumara Indians of Mexico for medicinal purposes, comes from the Greek words meaning fragrant and honeybee. Bees, moths, butterflies and hummingbirds alike are attracted to the sumptuous, nectar-laden panicles of pleasantly scented, periwinkle flowers and fuzzy, sable-colored calyxes.
Elegant leaves with downy silver undersides embellish its graceful upright presence.
Blooms May–October. Size: 5'–6' high x 3' wide; hardy to zone 9.
Salvia melissodora (Yucca Do Form) (P-0774)
Each $6.50
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