Perennials & Biennials
Showing 9–12 of 490 results
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Aconitum fischeri Fischer’s monkshood syn. A. carmichaelii
Spikes of cobalt blue hooded blooms September – October
Aconitum fischeri Fischer’s monkshood syn. A. carmichaelii Z 2-7
Spikes of cobalt blue hooded blooms September – October POISONSize: 24-36”x 10”
Care: part shade in moist soil
Native: No. Japan, E. Russia, Korea, China
Wildlife Value: Deer resistant. Attracts butterflies.The name Aconitum is from the mythical hill Aconitus in Pontica where Hercules fought with Cerberus. Philip Miller in The Gardener’s Dictionary (1768) wrote that the name Aconitum comes from Greek word for dart “because the Barbarians used to daub their darts therewith.” The Monkshood reputedly sprang from the jaws of Cerberus, the guard dog of the underworld. In China called “bao ye wo tou.” Wm. Robinson considered this one of the best monkshoods. Collected before 1820.
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Aconitum napellus Monkshood, Wolfsbane Z 5-8 POISON
Midsummer, blue spikes of hooded blooms
Aconitum napellus Monkshood, Wolfsbane Z 5-8 POISON
Midsummer, blue spikes of hooded blooms.Size: 2-3’x 12”
Care: part shade, cool, moist soil
Native: Europe
Awards: Elisabeth Carey Miller Botanical Garden Great Plant PicksThe name Aconitum is from the mythical hill Aconitus in Pontica where Hercules fought with Cerberus. The Monkshood reputedly sprang from the jaws of Cerberus, the guard dog of the underworld. Believed to make a potion that helped witches fly. Philip Miller in The Gardener’s Dictionary (1768) wrote that the name Aconitum comes from Greek word for dart “because the Barbarians used to daub their darts therewith.” Used by physicians in 1200’s and to poison wolves: “This Wolf’s bayne of all poisons is the most hastie poison.” Wm. Turner, 1560’s. Introduced to the new world by John Winthrop in 1631. Miller wrote “in flower it makes a pretty appearance” so that many people grow it in their gardens.
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Adenophora lilifolia Ladybells Z 3-8
Fragrant, flared, downfacing bluebells
Adenophora lilifolia Ladybells Z 3-8
Fragrant, flared, downfacing bluebells in midsummer, July and AugustSize: 18" x 12" spreader
Care: full sun to part shade in moist well-drained soil
Native: central Europe east to SiberiaAdenophora is Greek from aden meaning “gland” and phore meaning “to bear.” Japanese cultivated this for edible root. “Fragrant blue flowers, freely borne on a loose pyramidal inflorescence.” H.H. Thomas, 1915. “Well suited for the mixed border.” William Robinson, 1899.
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Adiantum aleuticum Western Maidenhair Fern Z 3-9
Bright green fronds perch atop black stems like the fingers of an open hand
Bright green fronds perch atop black stems like the fingers of an open hand
Size: 30” x 30”
Care: shade in moist, well-drained soil
Native: Both east and west of the Cascade Mountains and is also found scattered along the eastern seaboard
Wildlife Value: Deer resistant
Awards: Elisabeth C Miller Great Plant Pick, RHS Award of Garden MeritNatives used the stems of Maidenhair Fern in basketry designs. They also used a tea made from the leaves as a hair wash. The Quinault burnt the leaves and rubbed ashes in their hair to make it long, shiny and black. California natives used the stems for pierced earrings, either alone or with feathers; inserting them into the ear lobe to keep the hole from closing. The leaves were also chewed for internal wounds, chest pain, or stomach trouble. Capillaire cough syrup originally made from A. capillus-veneris has also been made from A. aleuticum.
