New Natives for 2016

Desert Penstemon (Penstemon pseudospectabilis) is a perennial that is native to southern California,  Arizona and western New Mexico.  The rose colored flowers last for many weeks and are spectacular when planted in large groups.  Desert Penstemon is perfect for the western Xeriscape garden and pollinator plantings.   The flowers are attractive to hummingbirds, honey bees and native bees.

On the other end of the moisture spectrum is Swamp Sunflower (Helianthus angustifolius), also known as Narrow Leaf Sunflower.  This species is native from New York south to Florida and westward to Missouri and eastern Texas.  It can be found in habitats with moist soils such as swamps, wet pinelands and meadows, floodplains, ditches and even coastal salt marshes.  Swamp Sunflower is a fall bloomer and pairs nicely with purple asters.  The flowers are also attractive to birds, butterflies and many native pollinators.

Check back for information on our new garden flower species and Monarch-friendly seed mixes!