Cephalanthus occidentalis Common Name: Buttonbush This is a shrub that prefers moist soil and can tolerate wet soil. Our Buttonbush is planted in average soil near a birdbath. I empty the birdbath water at the base of the Buttonbush often enough. So far it is doing well. This is a very interesting shrub! The flowers turn into white spheres which attract insects, including butterflies. If you have a wet area to plant in, a grouping of Buttonbush would be attractive…
Echinacea purpurea Common Name: Purple coneflower Native to eastern North America, Coneflowers are found in many gardens and are easy to grow in average to clay soils or dry conditions. They require full sun. Coneflowers are the blooming stars of the gardens this week! Information on Echinacea purpurea Paula Ziegler is a local resident who has a concern for the fate of bees, butterflies and all wildlife which inspires her to find solutions to creating wildlife habitat gardens that fit into…
Asclepias tuberosa Common Name: Butterfly Weed Do you want to add a vibrant orange to your garden? This is another form of milkweed and is beneficial to butterflies. Drought tolerant, this plant is a great addition to the home landscape. Butterfly Weed details here Paula Ziegler is a local resident who has a concern for the fate of bees, butterflies and all wildlife which inspires her to find solutions to creating wildlife habitat gardens that fit into the look…
Asclepias syriaca Common Name: Milkweed Found alongside roads, milkweed was once abundant in fields. This is the plant that monarch caterpillars eat—the only plant that they eat in fact! With the disappearance of fields among other problems, comes the disappearance of monarch butterflies. Can I convince you to add a place for milkweed in your garden? Collect local seeds, move a stray milkweed into your garden or order the seeds online. They really are beautiful plants and yes, we have…
Common Name: Virginia sweetspire I wanted a shrub that would be placed close to the patio but one that we could still see over. Virginia sweetspire will only reach 4 feet in height and spread to a maximum of 6 feet. Currently in bloom, this native shrub will thrive in many conditions and is becoming more popular as a foundation plant for homes. The fall color is red to orange. Missouri Botanical Garden description Paula Ziegler is a local resident…