Hibiscus × ‘Holy Grail’ (Rose Mallow)
Bloom Time: July to August
Sun Requirement: Full Sun to Part Sun
Water Requirement: Medium
Wildlife: Attracts Hummingbirds and bees
Tolerates: Drought tolerant but perorms best with consistent moisture
Native to North America: N/A
Zones: 4 to 9
Other: This hibiscus is a show-stopper with gorgeous dark, almost black foliage and deep red flowers.
Location: Wills Perennial Garden
Lagerstroemia ‘Catawba’ (Catawba Crape Myrtle)
Bloom Time: June to August
Sun Requirement: Full Sun
Water Requirement: Medium
Wildlife: Attracts honeybees and bumble bees
Tolerates: Mildew resistant
Native to North America: N/A
Zones: 7 to 9
Other: A small flowering tree reaching about 12 feet tall and features clusters of purple flowers.
Location: Bracken Foundation Children’s Garden
Helianthus giganteus (Giant Sunflower)
Bloom Time: August to November
Sun Requirement: Full Sun
Water Requirement: High
Wildlife: Seed heads attract birds, flowers attract bees and beetles
Tolerates: Wet soils
Native to North America: Yes
Zones: 2 to 8
Other: A very tall perennial with bright yellow daisy-like flowers that adds structure and height to garden beds.
Location: Wills Perennial Garden
Viburnum rufidulum (Rusty Blackhaw)
Bloom Time: April to May
Sun Requirement: Full Sun to Part Shade
Water Requirement: Medium
Wildlife: Host plant for Azure Butterfly and fruit attracts songbirds, squirrels, and chipmunks
Tolerates: Deer resistant and drought tolerant once established
Native to North America: Yes
Zones: 5 to 9
Other: This native small tree has clusters of white flowers in the spring and blue fruits that attract wildlife in the summer.
Location: Sculpture Trail
Iris ‘Summer Olympics’ (Summer Olympics Iris)
Bloom Time: April to August
Sun Requirement: Full Sun
Water Requirement: Medium
Wildlife: Attracts bumble bees and other pollinators
Tolerates: Deer and Rabbit
Native to North America: N/A
Zones: 3 to 9
Other: A reblooming iris that sports fragrant, elegant yellow flowers all summer.
Location: Wills Perennial Garden
Rosa ‘Charlotte’ (Charlotte Rose)
Bloom Time: May to September
Sun Requirement: Full Sun to Part Sun
Water Requirement: Medium
Wildlife: Attracts butterflies
Tolerates: Performs well in both warm and cool climates
Native to North America: N/A
Zones: 4 to 10
Other: The cup-shaped blooms of this English rose are a lovely shade of soft butter yellow.
Location: Rose Study Garden
Clethra alnifolia ‘Ruby Spice’ (Summersweet)
Bloom Time: July to August
Sun Requirement: Full Sun to Full Shade
Water Requirement: Medium
Wildlife: Attracts hummingbirds and butterflies
Tolerates: Deer, Salt and Clay Soils
Native to North America: N/A
Zones: 3 to 9
Other: The delightfully fragrant bright pink flower spikes last up to six weeks on this deciduous shrub.
Location: Bracken Foundation Children’s Garden
Melissa officinalis (Lemon Balm)
Bloom Time: June to August
Sun Requirement: Full Sun to Part Shade
Water Requirement: Medium
Wildlife: Attracts butterflies and bees
Tolerates: Tolerates poor soils and drought once established
Native to North America: No
Zones: 3 to 7
Other: A culinary herb with lemon-scented leaves, commonly used in tea, sauces, and baked goods.
Location: Herb Garden
