Amsonia ‘Blue Ice’
Blue Ice Eastern Bluestar
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Flower description / bloom time
Dark blue buds open to clusters of bright, lavender-blue, star-like flowers from May into June for about 6 weeks. Each star-like bloom is ¾ inch wide.
Foliage interest—color/texture
‘Blue Ice’ has very clean, lustrous green, willow-like foliage that turns yellow in fall.
Habit and growth rate observations
This is a compact, mounded plant. The size reported varied from 1 to 2 feet tall but the width averaged twice as wide as tall. This compact cultivar does not need to be cut back after flowering, and generally requires no staking or support when grown in full sun to part shade.
Site preference—soil and light
‘Blue Ice’ does well in sun to light shade. It performs well in average garden soil with good drainage. The trial for Amsonia ‘Blue Ice’ included the drought of 2005 and it performed very well with only a little extra watering required.
Successes and possible drawbacks—how to overcome them
The strong habit and easy care make it a great choice for the garden. It lacks the size of Amsonia tabernaemontana and the fine-texture of Amsonia hubrichtii but makes up for it with darker, more impressive flowers and a sturdy mounded habit.
Notes from growers/retailers
Although it is a slow grower with a long production time [slow to fill a #1 container], it has no pest or disease problems. Amsonia ‘Blue Ice’ is rated USDA Zones 4 to 9 for hardiness.
Best combinations
‘Blue Ice’ can be combined with taller grasses such as Calamagrostis x acutiflora ‘Stricta’ (feather reed grass), Iris sibirica ‘Caesar’s Brother’ which bloom at the same time, and contrasts nicely with Heuchera ‘Lime Rickey’ or other plants with yellow or chartreuse foliage.
Parting SHOT — the overall evaluation results were Excellent ****
All plants under evaluation survived in each location. Amsonia ‘Blue Ice’ was rated as an excellent plant for the garden for its great blooms, pleasing foliage and clean form. It is a carefree plant requiring no extra care but adds beauty to the garden with its spring flowers, summer foliage and habit, and added yellow fall color.
Evaluated 2004-2007
Astilbe X arendsii
‘Beauty of Ernest’
Color Flash® Astilbe
Flower description / bloom time
This Astilbe has airy plumes of fragrant, pale pink. The flowers are supposed to bloom June through August; however, one evaluator noted its bloom time as being only in August and some evaluators noted it did not flower at all. It was observed that Color Flash® was not as floriferous as Astilbe ‘Hennie Graafland’.
Foliage interest—color/texture
Compound leaves emerge a rich green, turning slightly glossy, lower leaves edged with burgundy or red as the season progresses.
Habit and growth rate observations
The foliage becomes a vigorous mound to 12 inches tall and 24 inches wide. The blooms add 12-18 inches of height in mid-summer.
Site preference—soil and light
This plant grows best in part sun or dappled shade. It prefers constant moisture and will need supplemental watering in extreme heat.
Successes and possible drawbacks—how to overcome them
This Astilbe’s strong growth and changing foliage color keep this plant interesting throughout the season. It can have leaves in all shades of green and burgundy to red at the same time. The flowers attract butterflies and it does not appear to attract deer or rabbits. It was recommended by evaluators that Color Flash® be deadheaded so that the color on the foliage stands out. Keep this plant well watered since it needs moist soil for best performance; a mulch will help to retain the soil moisture. It was not bothered by slugs or other insects or by rabbits.
Notes from growers/retailers
This plant looks great in a container and the colored foliage stands out on a retail bench. Although easily grown, it is patented so propagation is by license only.
Best combinations
Color Flash® works well in combination with ferns, especially Dryopteris filix-mas and Ajuga ‘Black Scallop’.
Parting SHOT— the overall evaluation results were Poor *
This one was hard to rate, because there is nothing wrong with it, yet there is nothing outstanding either. It certainly has nice clean foliage and grows well.
Unfortunately, Color Flash® demonstrated weak growth for most of the evaluators. Three of the evaluators lost the plant completely and only two had 100 percent survival during the testing period.
Evaluated 2005-2008
Aster tataricus ‘Jindai’
Jindai Tatarian Aster
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Flower description / bloom time
Small, ¾-inch, lavender-blue daisies with a yellow center are clustered at the tips of the stems. ‘Jindai’ blooms in September and October.
Foliage interest—color/texture
Distinctive paddle-shaped, almost tobacco-like basal leaves are up to 18 inches long and 5 inches wide. Leaves on the upper stems are smaller.
Habit and growth rate observations
‘Jindai’ is a compact plant with upright stems to 4 or 5 feet tall, which is about 2 feet shorter than the species. It spreads by rhizomes to 3 feet wide.
Site preference—soil and light
Tatarian aster is easily grown in average, well-drained soils in full sun.
Successes and possible drawbacks—how to overcome them
‘Jindai’ features late-season lavender-blue flowers and a different habit from most commonly grown asters. Divide Jindai every 3-4 years if needed to control growth. Plants can spread widely by rhizomes under optimum growing conditions. This is the only aster that rabbits do not eat!
Notes from growers/retailers
‘Jindai’ had no grower notes except that it was long-lived and trouble free.
Best combinations
Calamagrostis acutiflora ‘Karl Foerster’ and Eupatorium maculatum are good companion plants for ‘Jindai’.
Parting SHOT— the overall evaluation results were Good
Bold and colorful best describes this showstopper! Pretty late season lavender-blue flowers, bold foliage, and an upright habit give ‘Jindai’ a nice presence in the garden. It’s habit can be aggressive, so a word of warning to gardeners is warranted. ‘Jindai’ is a great aster for massing or for the back of the perennial border.
Evaluated 2004-2007
Athyrium ‘Ghost’
Hybrid Fern
Flower description / bloom time
Ferns are non-flowering plants.
Foliage interest—color and texture
Ghost fern with its soft silvery gray fronds and dark maroon midrib is a cross between Athyrium nipponicum var. pictum (Japanese painted fern) and Athyrium filix-femina (lady fern). It exhibits the silver coloration of Japanese painted fern and the upright character from its lady fern parentage. The fronds of the Ghost fern start out silvery in the spring, and age to a grayish green as the season progresses.
Habit and growth rate observations
The plants have a mature height of 24 to 30 inches and a spread of 18 to 24 inches. It is this fern’s more upright habit that makes it different in the Japanese painted fern world.
Site preference: soil / light
Ghost fern does best in partial shade with moist, rich, loamy soil but is tolerant of full shade.
Successes and possible drawbacks—how to overcome them
This deciduous fern was rated Good by the perennial evaluators for habit, foliage and overall effect. Although the Ghost fern was introduced as an improvement over Japanese painted fern, the evaluators didn’t necessarily see this as better, but its habit and leaf color does provide a slightly different feel in the garden.
Notes from growers / retailers
There were varying reports from growers: Two and one half inch plugs finish in 8 to 10 weeks which are then potted in June for sale the following year. Another grower uses a four and one-half inch plant as a liner in order to get a full plant. And yet another grower reported inconsistent vigor for this fern being slow to fill a one-gallon container.
Best combinations
Brunnera macrophylla, Heuchera ‘Plum Pudding’, Viola labradorica, Carex morrowii ‘Ice Dance’
Parting SHOT —the overall evaluation results were Good ***
Athyrium ‘Ghost’ overall received a Good rating from evaluators. Despite not being so different from other Japanese painted ferns, one evaluator suggests that Ghost fern still has a place in the shade garden. Any plant that brings color into the shade garden has value! But most of the Evaluation Team said they would not recommend this fern over Athyrium nipponicum var. pictum.
Evaluated 2002-2005
Baptisia x variicolor ‘Twilite’ PPAF
Twilite Prairie Blues False Indigo
Flower description / bloom time
Slow to establish flowers are often hidden in foliage or may not flower in year one. Once set, dark chocolate/ purple flowers highlighted by lemon yellow tips on tall stems up to 32″ above the foliage create a striking floral effect. Flowers fade to violet-purple. Blooms approx. three weeks from late May into June. Good cutting flower attracts many types of butterflies.
Foliage interest – color/texture
Clean, blue- green to blue- grey foliage. In partial shade foliage will present overall green. Seed pods create winter interest
Habit and growth rate observations
Nice, clean shrub-like habit exhibits slow growth the first year. Grows 3’ tall by 3’ wide when mature and may create an overall rounded form.
Site preference – soil & light
Evaluation sites ranged from full sun to part shade and evaluator’s noted plants became floppy on shadier sites. Twilite was successful on sites ranging from well drained soil to heavy clay.
Successes and possible drawbacks – how to overcome them
Cut back to the ground in the spring. Some plants attracted Japanese Beetles in 2010 but damage was not enough to disfigure. Cage in early spring if preference is for upright plant.
Notes from growers/retailers
Excellent grower with low maintenance requirements. Finishes on the small side in one season so it may be difficult to find full pots on the retail table
Best combinations
Coreopsis Golden Showers, Geranium sanguinium, Stokesia Mary Gregory, Sedum Neon, Iris hybrids, and ornamental grasses. Use Nepeta at the base to layer in the garden.
Parting SHOT – Overall evaluation results were Good/3.5.
Recommended for the texture and seasonal interest in the garden. Twilite’s large habit creates an excellent backdrop for the deeper perennial border or as a structural accent. Standout glowing purple flower color is attractive to butterflies.
Evaluated 2007-2010
Bergenia ciliata
Hairy Bergenia, Pigsqueak
Panicles of pink buds open to a one-inch blush pink flower above emerging foliage. As flowers mature they turn rose pink.
Foliage interest – color/texture
Flowers bloom in early spring as foliage is just emerging. By June foliage has matured and is the best feature of the plant. Leaves can be 6-8 inches in diameter and are reminiscent of African Violets. Dark green, hairy foliage remains lovely all summer and gives great texture to the garden border. In the fall the foliage declines and remains green.
Habit and growth rate observations
Bergenia ciliata forms a mounded clump 8 inches tall and ranging in spread from 12-20 inches wide; not fast growing. Correct siting is very important for the foliage to look its best; avoid dry or excessively moist locations.
Site preference – soil & light
Bergenia ciliata likes part sun to shade and average to moist soils and will tolerate clay soils.
Successes and possible drawbacks – how to overcome them
Flowers aren’t reliable from year to year depending on cold and late freezes that may inhibit bloom in early spring. Best success will be in light shade on a moist site where it is not allowed to dry out; yet not overly wet. Can attract deer or rabbit browsing although listed as being critter resistant. Foliage was stunted in growth during years when there was excessive moisture or drought. Placed in too much sun foliage will rust out in summer.
Good combinations
Astilbe, Hosta, Ajuga ‘Chocolate Chip’, Cimicifuga, Aruncus aethusifolius or Aruncus dioicus
Parting SHOT – the overall evaluation results were Good
Foliage is the highlight of this plant and its quality texture performs when well-sited. Fuzzy oversized leaves are interesting all summer. The early spring flower, although not dependable, is attractive when it appears. Siting is very important for the success of this plant.
Evaluated 2007-2010
Brunnera macrophylla ‘Jack Frost’
Siberian Bugloss
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Flower description / bloom time
Jack Frost has China-blue sprays of flowers in April and May for 3 to 4 weeks with no repeat flowering later in the season. However, flowers are not Jack Frost’s main featuer— flowers only received a ‘good’ rating over the evaluation period.
Foliage interest / color and texture
Medium green, heart-shaped leaves are heavily marbled in silver-white. The variegated foliage boldly stands out as a ‘color’ throughout the growing season in the shaded garden. Even in a drought year [2005] foliage did not have browned edges.
Habit and growth rate observations
The mounded habit of the foliage takes about a year from planting to achieve a height of 12 inches with the flowers adding an additional 9 inches. The plants reached a width of 18 to 24 inches in a 2- to 3-year period.
Site preference / soil and light
Jack Frost grows best in slightly moist, well draining soil in part shade or shade. It showed great drought tolerance in 2005 while growing under Norway maples.
Successes and possible drawbacks—how to overcome them
Showy foliar variegation stands out in shaded gardens from April to November. For appearance the plant looks best if the spent flower stems are removed. It was also thought that seedlings might revert to the species but on at least one site the seedlings remained true to type. There was only one report of minor slug damage.
Notes from growers / retailers
Foliage seems to be very consistent and nicer than other variegated Brunnera macrophylla cultivars. As recommended for garden planting, Jack Frost requires excellent drainage to avoid root diseases. By mid-June the plant develops nice foliage, is moderately rooted and in bloom. Jack Frost can be potted bare root in mid-April and grown outdoors under 30% shade cloth. One grower generally sells about 75% and over winters the remaining 25% under micro foam and white plastic right on the ground. Another grower recommended growing plants in a ‘squat pot’ (wider than tall). Brunnera is also salt-sensitive so growers should periodically drench soils to remove excess salt.
Best combinations
Some suggested companion plants include Athyrium filix-femina ‘Frizelliae’, Carex ‘Ice Dance’, and Impatiens ‘Lipstick’.
Parting SHOT —the overall evaluation results were Excellent ****
Brunnera macrophylla ‘Jack Frost’ is an easy-care perennial for brightening a darker area of the garden – it is the foliage of Jack Frost that makes this plant a standout! For most of the evaluators this plant performed well in dry, shaded conditions filling a much-needed position in the garden. Jack Frost received the highest overall rating of Excellent ****.
Evaluated 2002-2005
Brunnera macrophylla ‘Looking Glass’
Looking Glass Siberian Bugloss
Light blue forget-me-not-like flowers with yellow centers appear in early April and lasted four weeks for some of our evaluators. Others noted plants never bloomed or bloomed sporadically.
Foliage interest – color/texture
Unique feature of this medium textured plant is the silver heart-shaped foliage with fine green veins.
Habit and growth rate observations
On sites where Looking Glass performed best, mounds were 12 inches tall and 18 inches wide, with flowers floating 6 inches above the basal foliage. Plants that struggled and bloomed sparsely or not at all were 10 inches tall and 8 inches wide.
Site preference – soil & light
Plants did best in dry shade with some morning sun. Good soil drainage is essential.
Successes and possible drawbacks – how to overcome them
Plant Looking Glass with good air circulation and water only as needed in the morning hours. Looking Glass competed well with maple roots, but two hours of exposure to high sun caused leaf edges to scorch. Some evaluators found that a top dressing of compost in spring and fall was beneficial. In all but one site, the foliage was affected by black leaf spot during the hot and humid days of summer.
Notes from growers/retailers
Looking Glass looks good in a container but has a short retail shelf life. Grow Looking Glass on the dry side and monitor salts carefully. Keep fertilization low. Does not like heat and growth rate is slow.
Best combinations
Actaea racemosa, Peonies, Carex pensylvanica, Narcissus, Aster divaricata (Eurybia divaricata), Ferns and Hosta
Parting SHOT – the overall evaluation results were Fair**
Even though the mostly silver leaves are very striking, the overall plant performance is not as dependable as Brunnera macrophylla ‘Jack Frost’ or Brunnera macrophylla.
Evaluated 2007-2010
Calamintha nepeta ssp. nepeta
Calamint
Flower description / bloom time
Calamintha has masses of dainty white flowers that change to soft blue as they age. The tiny blooms dance airily just above the foliage continuously from June through October!
Foliage interest / color and texture
Calamintha is a fine-textured plant with rich, shiny green foliage. A member of the mint family, the leaves have a peppermint fragrance when crushed.
Habit and growth rate observations
This upright plant is approximately 12 to 18 inches tall and wide. It forms a clump and is not spreading or aggressive.
Site preference—soil / light
Calamintha grows in full sun with ordinary soils and requires little care. Be careful not to cover the crown of the plant when planting. Heavy mulch and over-irrigating is not necessary and can, in fact, be detrimental. Less tender, loving care is better for calamint.
Successes and possible drawbacks—how to overcome them
Be sure to get the subspecies since the straight species Calamintha nepeta will reseed and has dull gray-green leaves. The more desirable Calamintha nepeta ssp. nepeta has small glossy leaves and is sterile.
Notes from growers / retailers
The true plant is supposed to be sterile or semi sterile. From cuttings, it takes three months to have ready for sale. Two and one-half inch plugs finish in 5 to 6 weeks, bloom in late July. Calamint makes a great plant for August sales and over winters easily under micro foam and white plastic.
Best combinations
The Evaluation Team rated this plant Fair in most categories but recommended its use overall as a long blooming perennial to use as a filler among ornamental grasses, roses or perennials.
Parting SHOT —the overall evaluation results were Fair **
While not overly impressive by itself, it really shines as a filler plant or a plant to weave in and around plants, especially in the rock garden.
Evaluated 2002-2005
Campanula glomerata ‘Freya’
Freya Clustered Bellflower
Flower Description and Bloom Time
Star-shaped clusters of deep violet/purple flowers bloomed from June into July.
Foliage Interest — Color and Texture
Coarse, green foliage stayed healthy until later in the growing season when it turned brown and yellow in some evaluation sites.
Habit and Growth Rate Observations
Plants ranged in size from 13 to 18 inches tall and 10 to 12 inches wide. While some plants remained sturdy, others flopped and grew slowly throughout the season.
Site Preference — Soil and Light
Prefers full sun and moist, well-drained soil.
Successes and Possible Drawbacks
When in flower, the plant wowed evaluators with its deep purple flower clusters. After blooming, the foliage browned and turned yellow on some plants. To clean up the plant after blooming, evaluators recommended removing all the stems down to the basal foliage, the leaves closest to the ground and crown of the plant.
Notes from Growers/Retailers
N/A
Good Combinations
If you try this plant, pair it with other sun-loving perennials such as Coreopsis, Echinacea, Liatris and Stachys.
Parting SHOT — The overall evaluation results were poor. **
Three evaluators trialed this plant from 2012 to 2015 in the western suburbs of Chicago and in northern Illinois near the Wisconsin border. Although the plant is rated for Zones 3 to 8, most of the nine trial plants were dead by the third year. Problems with lack of flowers or foliage that was unsatisfactory accounted for the low ratings.
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Campanula ‘Samantha’
Samantha Dwarf Hybrid Bellflower
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Flower description / bloom time
Pretty, dainty, long blooming, fragrant, upward facing, ¾ inch violet-blue flowers with a white halo inside. Samantha blooms constantly [almost ridiculously], starting in June through summer with a little maintenance.
Foliage interest—color/texture
This bellflower forms a mat-like mound of dense, deep green heart-shaped foliage and is fine textured. No disease or insect problems were noted.
Habit and growth rate observations
The slow spreading mat forms a dense mound and remains compact in ideal conditions. If exposed to excess moisture or too much shade, it can sprawl to 20 inches and open in the center.
Site preferenc—soil and light
Samantha prefers full sun to light shade and is easily grown in moist well-drained soils. Heavier shade leads to fewer flowers and a sprawling open habit.
Successes and possible drawbacks—how to overcome them
Exceptional blooming characteristics and dense foliage make Campanula ‘Samantha’ an excellent choice for the edge of the border, rock garden or mass planting. Although deadheading is time-consuming due to the amount of flowers, it will significantly improve the appearance of these bellflowers. Deadheading or shearing after the initial heavy bloom also encourages plants to push more flowers and extend the bloom period.
Notes from growers/retailers
This bellflower is a good retail seller because it grows easily, begins blooming in early summer, and has neat and tidy foliage.
Best combinations
Samantha works best as an edger in the garden and mixes well with all other colors.
Parting SHOT —the overall evaluation results were Good ***
The profuse and repeating bloom of blue, up-facing flowers makes Campanula ‘Samantha’ very desirable. But in years with heavy spring rains the stems did ‘lodge’ or fall away from the center.
Evaluated 2004-2007
Campanula ‘Sarastro’
Bellflower
Flower description / bloom time
Large, 2 ½ inches long, dark purple, bell-shaped flowers appear heavily in June for about two weeks, and then smaller flowers appear sporadically through August.
Foliage interest / color and texture
Small heart-shaped leaves are medium green and a medium texture, which stay healthy all year long.
Habit and growth rate observations
Sarastro is a cross between Campanula punctata and Campanula trachelium and is 18 to 20 inches tall with an equal spread. The growth rate is slow and by underground rhizomes.
Site preference / soil and light
The most successful plantings were in moist, well-drained soils with supplemental watering and a light mulch. These received morning sun and afternoon shade. Some plants sited in full sun died the first year.
Successes and possible drawbacks—how to overcome them
The positives reported for Sarastro were the showiness of the flower and stems that remained more up right than Campanula ‘Kent Belle’. Cutting the plant back after first bloom rarely resulted in a good second flush of growth.
Notes from growers / retailers
While easy to grow in pots, the plant does not have much eye appeal in containers, unless it is in bloom.
Best combinations
The dark purple flower color will combine nicely with soft pastel colors such as pink, lemon yellow, and white. Some suggestions included Achillea ‘Moonshine’, Iris sibirica ‘Gull’s Wing’, Geranium sanguineum ‘Album’, and Geranium ‘Ankum’s Pride’.
Parting SHOT —the overall evaluation results were Fair to Poor *
The Evaluation Team did not recommend this plant, as the overall rating was Fair to Poor. The showy flower display in June was rated good to excellent, but problems with vigor and hardiness brought the ratings down. In our study, only 65% survived the three years. It did stay more upright than Campanula ‘Kent Belle’, but still needed some support during its heavy bloom period.
Evaluated 2003-2006
Carex dolichostachya ‘Gold Fountains’
Carex dolichostachya Gold Fountains™ ‘Kaga-nishiki’
yellowish leaves, Grown primarily for its foliage and arching form, it is touted as a
ground cover for the shade garden.
Flower Description and Bloom Time
Like most Carex flowers, they are small and unremarkable when they appear in spring.
Foliage Interest – Color and Texture
The narrow, fine-textured leaves have a cream-chartreuse edge and form an arching
mound.
Habit and Growth Rate Observations
The plant forms an arching mound that is very slow growing. In the evaluation gardens,
it barely filled out to a 6-inch width over the summer. In optimal conditions, the plants
will eventually form a 2-foot wide, arching mound.
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Site preference — Soil and Light
This plant prefers a half day of sun and well-drained, moist soil. It does not do well in
clay soils that have not been amended with organic compost or mulched leaves. Thrives
in moist soils, but will grow well in average garden soil as long as plants do not dry out.
Success and possible drawbacks
Although this plant is evergreen in Zones 7 to 9, it has little foliage color in northeastern
Illinois unless winter temperatures are unusually mild. For best growth results, cut the
plant back in late winter or very early spring.
Notes from Growers/Retailers
N/A
Good Combinations
Hostas, Iris cristata, Dennstaedtia punctilobula (hay-scented fern)
Parting “SHOT” –The overall evaluation results were Poor*
Of the 14 plants evaluated, only 3 survived. This plant is a gamble but you may be sold
on its wispy, fine-textured foliage. Otherwise, don’t expect it to survive over the duration
of several winters. Not recommended for our area.
Evaluated 2002-2005
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Carex platyphylla
Silver Sedge
This foliage plant produces no true flower and is native from the East Coast to the Missippi.
Foliage interest – color/texture
Semi-evergreen, lanceolate leaves are 1-2 inches wide by 8-10 inches long. Showy powder blue to blue-green color. Spreads slowly in clumps to form a lovely textured groundcover.
Habit and growth rate observations
Grows slowly into clumped mound 8-12 inches high by 12-24 inches wide. Tendency to heave with freeze/thaw cycles in winter.
Site preference – soil & light
Moist, well –drained organic soil in deep to part shade. Needs moist conditions to establish; did not take dry shade in evaluator gardens.
Successes and possible drawbacks – how to overcome them
Success with this sedge depends on placement: Amended, well-drained soil, part shade with supplemental watering or irrigation system. Mulch well in fall and prune back in spring. Establishment appeared better if planted in groupings of 3 or 5. Beware: Attractive munching for dogs!
Notes from growers/retailers
After establishment, plant may take drier conditions in shade. Best performance with a hard clipping in spring.
Best combinations
Could pair well with other 12+ inch shade plants such as: Heuchera americana ‘Green Spice’ or Heuchera micrantha ‘Paris’, Brunnera macrophylla ‘Jack Frost, and ferns like Adiantum pendatum , Dryopteris marginalis, and/or Athyrium felix-femina
Parting SHOT – the overall evaluation results were Poor
Over-winter hardiness issues and slow growth rate overall make this an iffy selection. There are better native sedges to try such as: Carex ‘ Ice Dance’, Carex pennsylnvanica!
Evaluated 2005-2008
Caryopteris ‘Snow Fairy’
Snow Fairy Bluebeard
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Flower description / bloom time
The soft blue flowers begin blooming in late July and are ¼ inch or less in small clusters on the tip and sides of the stems. Though pretty, they can get lost in the bright, variegated foliage.
Foliage interest— color/texture
This bluebeard has fine-textured, variegated foliage. The 2-inch leaves are toothed, sage green, with an irregular white margin. The foliage is clean throughout the season and the variegation has a strong effect in the garden until frost. When crushed or bruised, foliage has a mint-like fragrance.
Habit and growth rate observations
‘Snow Fairy’ has a vase-shaped habit that reaches 24-30 inches high and wide. Though very slow to return in the spring, it shows more vigorous growth by mid-summer.
Site preference—soil and light
‘Snow Fairy’ is said to prefer sun to light shade in average, well-drained soils, but it also did well in the shady garden [see picture below]. It did not overwinter in wet soils.
Successes and possible drawbacks – how to overcome them
The bright, clean variegated foliage provides interest all season and the mid-size, graceful form of the plant makes it multifunctional in the garden. However, it emerges as late as early June, so do not be too hasty to assume it has died. Rabbit problems can require fencing for protection.
Notes from growers/retailers
Growers consider this plant to be an easy container plant to grow with an average finish time. They suggest starting small, shifting up to a larger pot size and pruning once to fatten” up the plant. Grow in part shade for best coloring of the foliage.
Best combinations
Consider combining ‘Snow Fairy’ with Stachys byzantina and Geranium sanguineum. It goes well with bright colored flowers and plants with bolder foliage.
Parting SHOT— the overall evaluation results were Good ***
This plant is no trouble at all and makes a big foliage statement from June until frost. The flowers do not show up unless you are standing close, but who cares? Foliage and growth habit make this plant a winner!
Evaluated 2006-2009
Digitalis ‘Spice Island’
Spice Island Foxglove
The 2-inch florets of cream-yellow with light orange blush appear on 24-30-inch racemes in early June and continue mid to late June. Sporadic re-bloom in late July through mid-August occurs with or without cutting back spent flowers.
Foliage interest – color/texture
Dark green, medium textured foliage is glossier than the species and grows from a basal clump. No fall color but foliage remains somewhat evergreen in winter.
Habit and growth rate observations
Two to three flowering stems spring from the 12 inch tall by 18-24 inch wide clump. Slow growth rate results in a plant that stays in place and does not reseed. Flowers do not flop, but may grow toward sun in shadier sites.
Site preference – soil & light
Best results were reported in gardens with well- drained, clay loam soil and part shade conditions.
Successes and possible drawbacks – how to overcome them
Hummingbirds were observed feeding on the flowers. Deer and rabbit resistance is a big plus for foxgloves. Lack of vigor in our climate can be helped by providing good drainage and adding organic matter to the soil.
Notes from growers/retailers
It looks great in a #1 pot and is a quick grower for Digitalis. Grow plants on the drier side with no pruning or pinching required for fullness.
Good combinations
Combining ‘Spice Island’ with Hosta ‘Touch of Class’ and Aruncus aethusifolius highlights the yellow flower color and provides textural contrast.
Parting SHOT – the overall evaluation results were Good
The evaluations were sharply split on this foxglove—half of the comments were glowing, half the ratings were fair to poor. Plant losses were observed in all trial gardens, and were most likely due to the wet spring of 2009. The more successful plantings were appreciated for their attractive flowers and foliage over the summer, deer / rabbit resistance, and food for hummingbirds.
Evaluated 2007-2010
