April Bloomers
Columbine
Aquilegia canadensis
Size 24” to 36” tall1
Distribution Eastern and Central North America1,2
Habitat Rocky woods, slopes, ledges, and open areas1
Description Bell-like red and yellow flowers that can bloom
from March to July. Other common names include
wild honeysuckle, meeting-houses, and rock lily.2
Conservation Listed as endangered in Florida.2
Special Uses Attracts bumblebees and hummingbirds.8
IZ Location Ruth Lilly Shade Garden, Heritage Garden, PHHDG
Sunken Garden
Photo by Missouri Botanical Garden
Lenten Rose
Helleborus orientalis or Helleborus x hybridus
Size 12” to 18” tall1
Distribution Northeastern Greece and Turkey, Caucasian
Russia1
Habitat Landscapes protected from harsh winter winds1
Description Flower colors range from white to pink to light
purple. Blooms for 8-10 weeks in early spring.1
Conservation Not applicable.
Special Uses Not applicable.
IZ Location Ruth Lilly Shade Garden, PHHDG Sunken Garden
Other Names: Hellebore
Photo by Judy Gagen
Virginia Bluebells
Mertensia virginica
Size 18” to 24” tall1
Distribution Eastern to Central United States and Canada2
Habitat Woodlands and river floodplains1
Description Clumping plants with clusters of trumpet-like
flowers which emerge with a pinkish cast and
eventually turn blue and bloom in early spring.1
Conservation Listed under protected status in Michigan and New
York.2
Special Uses Attracts a variety of butterflies, moths, and bees.8
IZ Location Ruth Lilly Shade Garden & Indianapolis Garden
Club Heritage Garden
Photo by Missouri Botanical Garden
May Bloomers
Clematis
Clematis ‘Niobe’
Size 8’ to 12’ tall1
Distribution Species from North and Central America, Europe,
China, Australasia1
Habitat Woody or semi-woody areas1
Description Deciduous vine found in Northern and Southern
hemispheres. Red flowers that bloom from late
spring to late summer.1
Conservation Not applicable.
Special Uses Not applicable.
IZ Location PHHDG Motion Garden, Raised Garden
Photo by Monrovia
Cobra Lily
Arisaema ringens
Size 12” to 18” tall1
Distribution Japan, China, Korea, and Taiwan1
Habitat Woodlands1
Description Single stalk with two glossy green trifoliate leaves,
with each leaf having three ovate to elliptic
leaflets. One flower that blooms in spring.1
Conservation Not applicable.
Special Uses Not applicable.
IZ Location Ruth Lilly Shade Garden
Photo by Missouri Botanical Garden
June Bloomers
Balloon Flower
Platycodon grandiflorus 'Sentimental Blue’
Size 6” to 12” tall1
Distribution Species found in China, Japan, Korea, and Russia1
Habitat Light, well-drained soil1
Description The bell-shaped blue/purple flowers bloom from
June to August. Unopened flowers look like hot air
balloons.1
Conservation Not applicable.
Special Uses Used medicinally in Asia.9
IZ Location PHHDG Whimsy Garden
Photo by Missouri Botanical Garden
Butterfly Weed
Asclepias tuberosa
Size 12” to 18” tall
Distribution North America1,2
Habitat Open woods, prairies, grasslands, fields, and
roadsides1,2
Description Orange flowers bloom from June to August.1
Conservation Listed as endangered in New Hampshire and
threatened in Vermont.2
Special Uses Monarch caterpillars feed exclusively on the
leaves of milkweed plants.1
IZ Location PHHGD Raised Garden, Virginia Fairbanks Sun
Garden, Heritage Garden
Other Names: Butterfly milkweed, orange
milkweed
Photo by Missouri Botanical Garden
Buttonbush
Cephalanthus occidentalis
Size 5’ to 12’ tall1
Distribution North America, Cuba1
Habitat Wet open areas like shorelines and swamps1,2
Description Deciduous, multi-stemmed shrub with round, white
flower clusters that bloom from June to September.
Flower heads look like little pincushions.1,2
Conservation Not applicable.
Special Uses Suitable for wetland restoration.2 Attractive to bees
and butterflies.1
IZ Location Ruth Lily Shade Garden, Virginia Fairbanks Sun
Garden
Photo by Missouri Botanical Garden
Chinese Wisteria
Wisteria sinensis
Size 10’ to 25’ tall1
Distribution China1
Habitat Well-drained soil in full sun1
Description The large vine produces fragrant blue-violet
flowers that bloom in early summer. In fall, 6” long
velvety seed pods take place of the flowers.1
Conservation Invasive in Southern United States4
Special Uses Not applicable.
IZ Location Knot Gardens
Photo by Carla Knapp
Lilac Sage
Salvia verticillata 'Purple Rain'
Size 12” to 24” tall1
Distribution Species native to Europe to Western Asia,
introduced to Northeastern United States and
Canada1,2
Habitat Easily grows in most soils in direct sunlight1
Description Whorls of lilac-blue flowers throughout summer
and are very attractive to bees and butterflies.1
Conservation Not applicable.
Special Uses Attracts butterflies and bees.1
IZ Location PHHDG Motion Garden
Photo by Missouri Botanical Garden
Paw Paw Tree
Asimina triloba
Size 15’ to 10’ tall1
Distribution Northeastern, Central, Midwestern, and
Southeastern United States, and Southeastern
Canada1,2
Habitat Low bottom woods, wooded slopes, ravines, and
along streams1,2
Description Tree often spreads to form colonies or thickets.
Cup-shaped purple flowers appear in spring and
edible, long yellow fruit mature in fall.1
Conservation Listed as endangered in New Jersey and threatened
in New York.2
Special Uses Zebra swallowtail caterpillars feed exclusively on
the leaves2
Photo by Missouri Botanical Garden IZ Location Ruth Lily Shade Garden
July Bloomers
Black Elderberry
Sambucus nigra ‘Eva’ BLACK LACE
Size 6’ to 8’ tall1
Distribution Species is native to and introduce to North
America and can also be found in Europe,
Southwestern Asia, and North Africa1,2
Habitat Grows in sun or partial shade and tolerates a wide
range of soils1
Description This cultivar has black leaves with tiny white
flowers that bloom in mid-summer. Black, edible
elderberries appear in late summer. Shrub spreads
by roots to form colonies.1
Conservation Not applicable.
Special Uses Attracts birds and butterflies. Berries are edible
and used in jams, jellies, pies, and wines.1
Photo by Missouri Botanical Garden IZ Location Along the fence by the back gate
Japanese Spikenard
Aralia cordata ‘Sun King’
Size 3’ to 6’ tall1
Distribution Species native to Japan, Korea, and East-central to
Southern China1
Habitat Shaded parts of grassy slopes and forests1
Description Small white flowers bloom from July to September.
Other common names include mountain asparagus
and udo. This cultivar has yellow leaves.1
Conservation Not applicable.
Special Uses Roots, shoots, and leaves are edible.1 Birds eat the
fruit.1
IZ Location Ruth Lily Shade Garden
Photo by Missouri Botanical Garden
Pale Purple Coneflower
Echinacea pallida
Size 24” to 36” tall1
Distribution Southern Canada, Northeastern to Southern United
States1,2
Habitat Prairies, glades, and open woods1
Description Daisy-like flowers with thin, pink-purple petals that
droop. Blooms all summer.1
Conservation Listed as threatened in Tennessee and Wisconsin2
Special Uses Attracts butterflies. Used by Native Americans
medicinally, and used in modern days as an herbal
remedy.1,2
IZ Location PHHDG Motion Garden
Photo by Missouri Botanical Garden
Rattlesnake Master
Eryngium yuccifolium
Size 4’ to 5’ tall1
Distribution Eastern half of United States1,2
Habitat Rocky woods, glades, and prairies1
Description Thistle-like, green-white flowers that bloom in
summer.1,2
Conservation Listed as endangered in Maryland and threatened
in Michigan and Ohio.2
Special Uses Attracts a variety of insects. Use by Native
Americans as a snakebite remedy (although
ineffective) as well as rattles, and the leaves for
weaving and sandals.8,2
IZ Location Along the fence by the back gate
Other names: button eryngo or button snakeroot
Photo by Missouri Botanical Garden
Trumpet Vine
Campsis radicans f. flava
Size 25’ to 40’ tall1
Distribution Native to Southeastern United States, but has been
naturalized in most of the US and parts of Canada1,2
Habitat Woods, thickets, fields, and along streams1
Description Rapidly-growing vine with trumpet-shaped orange
flowers that bloom in July and August.1,2
Conservation Considered invasive in many parts of the United
States.2
Special Uses Attracts hummingbirds.1
IZ Location Knot Gardens
Other names: Trumpet creeper
Photo by Missouri Botanical Garden
Water Lily
Nymphaea ‘Turtle Island Violicious’
Size Flowers are 5 to 7” across5
Distribution No natural distribution.
Habitat Fresh water.5
Description Purple flowers with gold/orange centers and dark
green leaves. Cross between a tropical and a hardy
water lily, so it has the brighter tropical color but
can survive our winters.
Conservation Not applicable.5
Special Uses Not applicable.
IZ Location Allen W. Clowes Water Garden
Photo by Turtle Island Water Lilies
August Bloomers
Black Eyed Susan
Rudbeckia species
Size 24” to 36” tall1
Distribution North America, primarily in the Eastern half1,2,
Habitat Open woods, prairies, fields, and roadsides1
Description There are dozens of species of black eyed Susans.
Most species feature bright yellow, daisy-like
flowers with a dark center.1,2
Conservation Rudbeckia hirta is considered invasive in Alaska3
Special Uses Used in many areas for erosion control. Attracts
birds and butterflies.1,2
IZ Location PHHGD Motion Garden, Shade Garden, Heritage
Garden, along the fence by the back gate
Species at IZ: R. fulgida, R. hirta, R. submentosa, R.
maxima
Photo by Missouri Botanical Garden
Cranesbill
Geranium ‘Gerwat’ ROZANNE
Size 12” to 18” tall
Distribution Genus found in temperate areas.
Habitat Grows best in moist soil but can be drought and
heat tolerant1
Description Blooms from early to late summer, usually later in
northern climates. Flowers are violet with white
center.1
Conservation Not applicable.1
Special Uses Attracts butterflies1
IZ Location Ornamental Allee
Other Names: Cranesbill
Photo by Missouri Botanical Garden
Garden Phlox
Phlox paniculata ‘David’
Size 24” to 48” tall
Distribution Species found in Eastern half of United States1,2
Habitat Low woods, thickets, and along streams1
Description White flowers are densely packed in tiered, domed
clusters and bloom from late summer to early fall.1
Conservation Not applicable.
Special Uses Attracts hummingbirds and butterflies1
IZ Location Ornamental Allee
Photo by Missouri Botanical Garden
Giant Hyssop
Agastache ‘Blue Fortune’
Size 24” to 36” tall1
Distribution Species found in North America1
Habitat Species grows best in medium-moisture and full
exposure to sun1
Description Tiny, tube-shaped lavender-blue flowers packed
around a tall stem. Blooms late summer to early
fall.1
Conservation Endangered in Iowa.2
Special Uses Attracts butterflies.1
IZ Location Bicycle bed (front of WRG entrance)
Photo by Missouri Botanical Garden
Japanese Forest Grass
Hakonechloa macra ‘Aureola’
Size 12” to 18” tall1
Distribution Species found in Central Japan1
Habitat Wet rocky cliffs and moist woodlands1
Description Also called Hakone grass. Notable long gold
stripes with yellow-green flowers that bloom in
mid-summer.1
Conservation Not applicable.
Special Uses Not applicable.
IZ Location Ornamental Allee and Ruth Lilly Shade Garden
Photo by Missouri Botanical Garden
Panicle Hydrangea
Hydrangea paniculata ‘Limelight’
Size 6’ to 8’ tall1
Distribution Native to China and Japan, introduced to North
American1,2
Habitat Grows best in well-drained soil in full sun to
partial shade, can thrive in urban conditions1
Description Rapidly-growing, large shrub with conical
bunches (aka panicles) of flowers that bloom from
mid-summer to fall. Different hydrangea varieties
have different colored flowers. ‘Limelight’ flowers
emerge creamy white, mature to chartreuse-lime
and eventually acquire pink-darking to rose tones
before finally fading to beige.1
Conservation Not applicable.
Special Uses Not applicable.
Photo by Missouri Botanical Garden IZ Location PHHDG Asymetry Garden
Santa Cruz Lily
Victoria cruziana
Size Leaves over 6 ft in diameter
Distribution Argentina, Paraguay, Brazil, Bolivia7
Habitat Freshwater pond, lake, river7
Description Circular floating leaves with upturned rims, large
cream white colors, turning pink after pollination.7
Conservation Lives in shallow waters that may be threatened by
climate change and deforestation.7
Special Uses Seeds once used to make flour in Paraguay.
IZ Location Allen W. Clowes Water Garden
Photo from Plants.USDA
Smoketree
Cotinus coggygria ‘Royal Purple’
Size 10’ to 15’ tall1
Distribution Native from Southern Europe to China, introduced
in Northeast North America1,2
Habitat Can grow in a wide variety of soils1
Description Tall shrub that gets its name from the pink/purple
billowy hairs that appear in late summer. Royal
purple variety has dark purple/red leaves.1
Conservation Not applicable.
Special Uses Not applicable.
IZ Location Along the fence by the back gate
Photo by Missouri Botanical Garden
September Bloomers
Fall Blooming Anemone
Anemone x hybrida
Size 2’ to 4’ tall
Distribution Native to China6
Habitat Well drained, evenly moist soil, sun to part
shade11
Description White or pink flowers atop willowy stems.6
Conservation Not applicable.6
Special Uses Not applicable.
IZ Location PHHDG Discovery and Whimsy Gardens, Ruth
Lilly Shade Garden, IGC Heritage Garden
Photo by Carla Knapp
Calamint
Calamintha nepeta ‘White Cloud’ and ‘Montrose White’
Size 12” to 18” tall1
Distribution Europe, Northern Africa, Western Asia, introduced
to Eastern United States1,2
Habitat Can grow easily in a variety of habitats and soil
types from very moist to near drought1
Description A fast-growing bushy herb from the mint family.
Tiny, tubular white to lavender flowers can bloom
anytime between June and September.1
Conservation Not applicable.
Special Uses Flowers attract bees.1
IZ Location Calamint: PHHDG Sunken Garden
White Cloud: PHHDG Cutting Garden
Montrose White: Pollinator Garden and Exterior
walkway Shade Garden Beds
Photo by Missouri Botanical Garden
Plumbago
Ceratostigma plumbaginoides
Size 9” to 12” tall1
Distribution Western China, introduced to United States1,2
Habitat Can grow in most soil except for very wet, poorly
drained ones and tolerates most any light conditions11
Description Also called leadwort or bunge blue leadwood.
Spreads via rhizomes (roots) to form groundcover.
Leaves are green most of the year and turn bronze-
red in fall. Deep blue, five-petaled flowers bloom at
the end of summer.1,2
Conservation Not applicable.
Special Uses Not applicable.
IZ Location Along the fence by the back gate
Photo by Missouri Botanical Garden
Adam’s Needle
Yucca filamentosa ‘Color Guard’
Size 3’ to 6’ tall1
Distribution Species found in Southeastern United States and
Mexico1,2
Habitat Hot and dry areas like beaches, sand dunes, and
fields1,2
Description Features a rosette of sword-shaped yellow and
green leaves with curly threads along the edges.
Flower stalks appear in the center in springtime
and white flowers typically bloom in mid to late
summer. Evergreen.1,2
Conservation Not applicable.
Special Uses Attracts butterflies and hummingbirds1,2
IZ Location PHHDG Raised Garden
Other Names Yucca, needle palm, Confederate flax, Spanish
Photo by Missouri Botanical Garden
bayonet, and grass cactus
Gaura
Gaura lindheimeri ‘Crimson Butterflies’
Size 12” to 18” tall1
Distribution Species found in Texas and Louisiana1,2
Habitat Grows best in sunny areas in sandy soil1
Description White flowers that fade to pink bloom from late
spring to early fall. They are on long, wand-like
stems that sway in the breeze, hence the name
Crimson Butterflies.1,2
Conservation Not applicable.
Special Uses Not applicable.
IZ Location PHHDG Motion Garden
Other Names Lindheimer’s beeblossom
Oenothera lindheimeri)
Butterfly Gaura
Photo by Missouri Botanical Garden
Water Lily
Nymphaea ‘Wanvisa’
Size Spread 3-5 ft.5
Distribution Not applicable.
Habitat Fresh water.5
Description Orange-red to yellow flowers with yellow flecks
and dark green foliage.5
Conservation Not applicable.
Special Uses Not applicable.
IZ Location Allen W. Clowes Water Garden
Photo by Turtle Island Water Lilies
Resources
1 Missouri Botanical Gardens. Retrieved from www.missouribotanicalgardens.com on February 1, 2018.
2 USDA. Retrieved from plants.usda.gov on February 1, 2018.
3 Monrovia. Retrieved from http://www.monrovia.com/ on February 1, 2018.
4 Invasive Plant Atlas. Retrieved from https://www.invasiveplantatlas.org/ on February 1, 2018.
5 Turtle Island Water Lilies. Retrieved from https://turtleislandwaterlilies.com/shop/nymphaea-turtle-island-violicious-
hxt-hardy-purple-waterlily/ on February 1, 2018.
6 Fine Gardening. Retrieved from http://www.finegardening.com/article/fall-blooming-anemones on February 1, 2018.
7 Victoria Cruiziana. Kewscience. Plants of the World Online. Retrieved on February 17, 2018 from
http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:605778-1#uses.
8 Retrieved from Illinoiswildflowers.info on February 17, 2018.
9 Comparative Study of Platycodon Grandiflorus Cultivars. Chicago Botanical Gardens. Retrieved on February 28, 2018
from https://www.chicagobotanic.org/downloads/planteval_notes/no32_platycodon.pdf.
10 Evans, Nina. Personal communication on February 24, 2018. Email.
11 Japanese Anemone, Windflower. Retrieved from http://pss.uvm.edu/ppp/pom14/oct14per.html on March 2, 2018.
