Vernonia lettermanii (Ironweed)
Bloom Time: July – August
Sun Requirement: Full sun
Water Requirement: Dry – medium
Wildlife: Butterflies & hummingbirds
Tolerates: Drought
Native to North America: Yes
Zones: 4 – 9
Other: A low-maintenance, late summer blooming perennial that tolerates a range of soil types.
Location: Bracken Foundation Children’s Garden
Saponaria officinalis (Common soapwort)
Bloom Time: July – September
Sun Requirement: Full sun – part shade
Water Requirement: Dry – medium
Wildlife: Bees, butterflies, hummingbirds
Tolerates: Deer & rabbit
Native to North America: No
Zones: 3 – 9
Other: A native to Europe, soapwort has naturalized well in N. America. Is leaves contain as substance that lathers!
Location: Herb Study Garden
Clethra tomentosa ‘Cottondale’ (Summersweet)
Bloom Time: July – September
Sun Requirement: Part shade
Water Requirement: Medium – wet
Wildlife: Butterflies
Tolerates: Wet soil & erosion
Native to North America: Yes
Zones: 7 – 9
Other: A fragrant, deciduous shrub, it was found growing wild in the Florida panhandle.
Location: Bracken Foundation Children’s Garden
Rosa ‘Quietness’ (Rose)
Bloom Time: May – October
Sun Requirement: Full sun
Water Requirement: Medium
Wildlife: Bees & butterflies
Tolerates: Some shade
Native to North America: No
Zones: 5 – 9
Other: Introduced in 2003, ‘Quietness’ is a double bloom and moderately fragrant.
Location: Rose Study Garden
Nelumbo nucifera ‘Drunken Concubine’ (Lotus)
Bloom Time: June – August
Sun Requirement: Full sun
Water Requirement: Wet
Wildlife: Pollinated by beetles
Tolerates: Acidic waters
Native to North America: No
Zones: 4 – 11
Other: Grows in submerged water. In addition to the beautiful flower bloom, its fruiting body is very unique and used in floral displays
Location: Herb Study Garden
Indigofera amblyantha (Chinese Indigo)
Bloom Time: May – September
Sun Requirement: Full sun
Water Requirement: Medium
Wildlife: Bees
Tolerates: Some shade
Native to North America: No
Zones: 6 – 8
Other: A member of the pea family, this plant is the source of the dye, indigo. It is a deciduous shrub. Can grow to be 4′ – 6′ tall.
Location: Bracken Foundation Children’s Garden
Juniperus chinensis ‘Hetzii Columnaris’ (Upright Chinese Juniper)
Bloom Time: N/A
Sun Requirement: Full sun
Water Requirement: Medium
Wildlife: Berries provide food for birds
Tolerates: Deer & drought
Native to North America: No
Zones: 4 – 9
Other: Fast-growing; easily shaped. Can grow to 15′ x 15′. Good size for a large container display.
Location: Gillespie Border/ Beer Garden
Hibiscus ‘Lord Baltimore’ (Hibiscus)
Bloom Time: July – September
Sun Requirement: Full sun
Water Requirement: Medium – wet
Wildlife: Butterflies
Tolerates: Deer & wet soils
Native to North America: Yes
Zones: 4 – 9
Other: Keep deadheaded for optimal blooming. Great specimen for wet areas!
Location: Bracken Foundation Children’s GardenAugust is in full effect and the gardens are loving it! Cheekwood’s Plant Collections Manager, Shanna Jones, shares her favorite plants at the estate!