St. Francisville, LA 70775
Fax number is (225)784-2222
Perennials, Gingers, Herbs, and Ferns
All plants are perennial unless otherwise stated. Mature plant size is expressed as width by height.
We always have small quantities of a great many of varieties of plants; the following listing is just a fraction of them. If you're looking for a particular plant, please let us know -- We may have it, or can get it for you.
Perennials and Herbs are in quarts, unless otherwise noted. $5.
Gingers are always in gallons, @ $ 10.00.
AMSONIA . SEE BLUE STAR, THIS LISTING.
ASTER.
Aster Dumosa 'Woods Purple'. Performs amazingly well here in the humid South. Goes by the specific name of 'Dumosa' for the convenience of the nursery trade; it actually said to be a natural cross between two natives, neither of which has been identified! Usually evergreen ground-hugging foliage and no more than 1' in bloom. Clean leaves--non of the typical aster brown-out often seen here. A haze of purple for weeks in fall. Sun. Zones 6+.BAY.
Laurus nobilis. Sweet Bay. Slow-growing tree with stiff, aromatic leaves and umbel clusters of yellow flowers in late spring. Mediterranean native, often cultivated in pots elsewhere. A culinary “must” in French cooking; also used as an antiseptic and a balm for sore muscles. 25’ to 60’, depending on climate. Sun/pt. shade. Zones 8-11. (Qt. only @ $6).BEGONIA, ANGEL-WING.
Begonia 'Torch'. Tender perennial; protect from frost. Very dark bronzy green wing-shaped leaves with hot orangy-red flowers. Good house to patio plant, Filtered light. 3'. Zones 10 - 11. Gallons only .
GIANT BLACKEYED SUSAN.
Rudbeckia maxima SE US native ; Very tall (8ft or so) coneflower with yellow petals and a big seed studded central cone that provides food for birds. Glaucus grey - green cabbage - like foliage. Sun. 2’ by 8’. Zones 7-9.BLUESTAR
Amsonia hubrectii. Willowlike leaves , clusters of silvery blue blooms in late spring to early summer. Dies back to the root during winter, and is late to break dormancy in the spring. Multiplies from the crown. Foliage turns golden yellow before dieback in autumn. Native to SE US. 1’ by 3’. Part sun to shade. Zones 7-9.BOUNCING BET. Double
Saponaria officinalis . Soapwort. Oval, veined leaves, white or light pink flowers in loose clusters in summer. Native to Europe, Asia, but naturalized in US. Leaves and roots produce a soapy lather that is still used in some museums to clean antique tapestries and fabrics. 3’ by 2’. Sun/pt. shade. Zones 2-9.CARDINAL FLOWER.
Lobelia cardinalis. Lance-leaved basal rosette produces spikes of scarlet flowers. SE American native. Root tea once used to treat syphilis, and as a love potion! Potentially toxic. 1’ X 3’. Moist Pt.shade. Zones 7-10.CATNIP.
Nepeta cataria. Musty-smelling (a little like the cat) grayish leaves, with spikesof pinkish white flowers in summer. Europe. Catnip tea is a calming digestive for people and an intoxicant for cats --although many seem to be immune. Sun/pt. shade. 3’ by 2’. Zones 4-9.CHICORY.
Cichorium intybus. Dandelion-leaved rosette with stalks of feathery blue flowers in summer. Europe, but naturalized in the US. Roasted roots added to coffee; edible leaves. 2’ x 2’. Sun. Zones 3-8. Gal. Avail.CLERODENDREN, HARLEQUIN GLORY BOWER
C. trichotum fargesii. A “passalong plant’ immortalized in the book of that name. A treelike form, with red flowers; the real treat is the fall to winter face of this plant, when it is covered with bright cobalt blue seed s bursting from red calyxes and stems. A dynamite Christmas arrangement spray. Can be invasive, like its brother above. To 10’. Pt. sun. Zones 8-10. Gallons only.CLERODENDREN, RED PAGODA FLOWER
Non fragrant spiky clusters of hot red blooms- Hummingbird candy. Very large roundish leaves. To 6 ft. Zones 8 - 10. Gallons only.
COLUMBINE, NATIVE
Aquilegia canadensis. Dependable native , evergreen foliage similar to above, that responds well to being cut back as it ages. Blooms are yellow with red spurs and appear in spring. Hummingbirds love it. Shade. Good drainage. Zones 6-8.COMFREY
Symphytum officinale x uplandicum .. Very large slightly fuzzy leaves contain a chemical that promotes cell reproduction and, therefore, healing of broken skin. Pale pink to purple bell-shaped blooms held above the foliage attract hummingbirds. Hardy, easy perennial for sun. 3' by 3'. Zones 5-10.Coneflower, Green-Headed
Coreopsis laciniata. Large-flowered form of black-eyed susan, having green centers instead of brown. Yellow petals. Very clean foliage; semi-evergreen, 3'--or taller in very good garden soils. Butterfly attractor. Native to SE United States, but rare in some sites. Zones 6+,
CONEFLOWER, PURPLE.
Echinacea purpurea. Narrow, pointed leaves and large hot pink flowers with prickly orange centers in summer. Central and SE US native. Echinacin contained in the root enhances the immune system. 2’ by 3’. Sun. Zones 3-9.CORAL BEAN. Erythrina herbacea. See Shrubs and Trees Listing.
CULANTRO.
Eryngium foetida. Mexican coriander. Thick, lance-shaped leaves, from a rosette. Tender perennial Mexican native. Flowers are tiny white pincushions. Strongly cilantro flavored, a staple of Mexican cooking. Recommended for the South, as “real” cilantro bolts so quickly here. 2’ by 1’. Sun. Zones 9-10, or in a pot.CURCUMA, 'AUSSIE PLUME'.
Curcuma sp. Showy form of pineapple (aka hidden) ginger. Large magenta cones come straight up from the ground late spring and again in late summer or fall. Big tropical banana-like foliage to 4' - 5'. Part shade. Zones 8-10. Gallons only.
EUCALYPTUS. See Trees listing.
EVENING PRIMROSE
Oenothera biennis. Long, soft, pointed leaves; dramatic flowering stalk the second year (biennial). Flowers, which open in the evening, are yellow, fragrant, and grouped in bunches. Eastern US native. The entire plant is edible; it contains GLA, an acid believed to be responsible for a variety of medicinal effects, from lowering blood pressure to easing PMS. Should be avoided by epileptics. Sun/pt. shade. 1’by 6’(in bloom). Zones 4-9.FERN, CHRISTMAS.
Polystichum aristicoidees. Native to the SE United States. Relatively small with fronds to about 10" to 12". Semi-evergreen (early settlers had green fronds with which to decorate at Christmas -- hence the name). Generally found on slopes, rather than swamps, so is more drought tolerant than many other ferns. Shade. Zones 5 - 10.
FERN, FIVE-FINGERED MAIDENHAIR.
Adiantum pedatum. SE United States native, often found growing on sandy streamsides. Wiry black stems arranged in horseshoe form, with the typical ginkgo - ish maidenhair leaflets. We find this easier to grow than the flat, mounding, Southern Maidenhair fern. Does well in a shady flower bed as long as it isn't too dry. 2'. Zones 5 - 10.
FERN, FLUFFY RUFFLES.
Nephroelepsis 'Fluffy Ruffles'. Very frilly form of Boston Fern, with fronds only 12" long, so it makes a good house to patio plant. Protect from frost. Easy to keep pretty. Filtered sun. Zones 10 - 11.
GERANIUM, SCENTED.
Pelargonium sp. Strongly scented leaves; pinkish purple blooms — not particularly showy. We normally carry either rose or lemon rose varieties. Sturdy grower to 4’, if protected from frost. Easy house plant if given enough bright light. Sun. Zone 10.GINGER, BLUE.
Dichorisandra thyrsiflora. Spikes of electric blue blooms on a die-back perennial. Foliage flushed with burgundy and silver, looks a little like wandering jew, but taller. To 3 '. Part shade. Available mid - Summer. Zones 8B to 10.Gallons only.
Ginger, 'Disney'
Hedychium, 'Disney'. Shorter form of butterfly ginger; Tall spikes of smallish coral florets all open at once, making it very showy. Light fragrance. Sun, part shade. 4' - 4 1/2', Zones 8-10, Gallons only.
GINGER, KAHILI
Hedychium gardenerianum. The best of the Hedychiums. Very large spikes of soft yellow, highly fragrant flowers. Tall canes with narrow foliage. Blooms August to October. To 8'. Part shade. Available late Summer. Zones 8b to 10. Gallons only.
GINGER, WHITE BUTTERFLY
Hedychium coronarium. Extremely fragrant clusters of white blooms in late summer to autumn . Root hardy and a prolific bloomer on new growth. Bladelike foliage to 8’. Will adapt to almost full sun or bloom in the shade. Moist soil. Zones 7-10.Gallons only.GINGER, YELLOW
Hedychium flavum, Very similar to white butterfly ginger, above. Fragrance is grand, color is a soft creamy yellow. 6' - 8'. Sun -- if given plenty of water. Foliage on all the hedychiums will be much paler in full sun. Pt shade is ideal. Zones 8-10. Gallons only.
GOLDEN ALEXANDERS.
Zizia aurea. SE native wild flower. Flat heads of misty lemon yellow flowers rise from rosettes of rounded leaves in Mid Summer. A gloss of burgundy on foliage before winter die back. Tough little plant to look so dainty. To 1'. Sun to part shade. Zones 7-9.
HORSETAIL.
Equisetum hymale. Scouring rush. A living fossil from the Carboniferous Period. Hollow stems with spores in structures at their tips; no true leaves. SE US native. Used to scour pans, and to sand wood; also used medicinally, but cautiously, as it disturbs thiamine metabolism. 6’ by 1’. Sun/pt shade. Moist sandy soil. Zones 3-10. Gallons only.IRIS, BEARDED PURPLE
Iris sp. These hardy, fragrant irises are propagated from a clump of unknown origins found in a rural pasture in central Arkansas. They do very well here (most bearded irises don’t) if given adequate drainage. To 3’. Sun to pt sun. Gallons only.IRIS, CRESTED.
Iris cristata. A woodland native, needing shade and good drainage. Short -- to 1, 1 1/2’--; light blue flowers have a tan crest. Shade/pt sun. Zones 6-9.IRIS VIRGINICA.
Iris virginica. Blue flag. Wetland or emergent plant. Typical lance-shaped iris foliage, light to dark blue flowers with yellow marks in late spring. No. Am. native. Herbal uses uncertain. 2’ by 4’. Sun. Zones 7-9. Gallons only.IRIS, WALKING
Neomarica gracilis. Not a true iris , but looks the part. Blue and beige blooms root in as they fall over, thereby “walking” through the garden. Good drainage. Part sun to pt shade. To 2’. Zones 8-10IRONWEED.
Vernonia altissima. Tall wildling with flat-topped heads of bright purple blossoms in fall. Native to warm regions of North and South America. Used by Native Americans as a blood tonic; good butterly plant. 8’ by 2’, but cutting back in early summer limits height by several feet. Sun. Zones 5-10.JOE-PYE WEED.
Eupatorium sp . Bushy form , light green leaves, broad, compact heads of pinkish-purple flowers in later summer, fall. Good butterfly plant. SE US native. Root and leaf tea used by Native Americans to treat urinary tract stones, gout, and dropsy. To 7’. Sun/pt. shade. Zones 7-10. Gallons only.LAVENDER ' PROVENCE'
Lavendula x intermedia ' Provence'. A typical lavender in every way but humidity tolerant. Lavender is a difficult herb for us in the hot, humid South; this variety performs well for us and is the only one we grow. Good, true lavender fragrance and bloom. To 2'. Sun to part shade. Zones 7-10.
LIZARDTAIL
Saururus cernuus. Large, asymmetrically heart-shaped leaves, tiny white flowers held on a showy, nodding “tail” all summer. Grows in or near shallow water in Eastern USA. A favorite food of wood ducks. Native Americans used the root poultice for wounds and inflamed breasts. 1’by 4’, spreads readily. Sun/pt. shade. Zones 4-10.LEMON GRASS.
Cymbopogon citratus. Fever Tea. Tall grass growing in dense clumps. Rarely flowers. Native to Sri Lanka and India, but widely cultivated in South and Central America. Used variously for fevers, headache, indigestion, and asculinary herb in Thailand and East India. 3’ by 4’. Zone 10, officially, but we have grown it successfully in Zone 8 for 3 years. Gallons only.LEMON VERBENA
Aloysia triphylla. Nothing at all like a verbena -- where do these names come from? Extremely aromatic light green leaves, sweetly lemon, small white to pale lavender flowers on short spikes in summer. Actually reaches shrub proportions in tropical areas to which it is native: Argentina, Peru. Pot growth restricts size. Makes a wonderful tea, and is used in preserves and liquers. It has been shown to kill bacteria, including E. coli, and to assist digestion. 3’ by 6’. Sun/pt. shade. Zones 8-10.MAMOU. Erythrina herbacea. See shrubs listing.
MARJORAM, PERENNIAL.
Origanum marjorana (?) var. Grey - leaved, hardy, strong - growing shrub, much tougher, especially down here, than true sweet marjoram. The flavor is stronger, but works well in most recipes. White, knotty flowers along the stems don’t affect usability of leaves. 3” by 3’. Sun/pt sun. Zones 8 - 10.MEXICAN TARRAGON.
Tagetes lucida. Mint marigold. Willow-like tarragon-scented leaves, singlebright gold flowers in late summer. Mexican. Used as a substitute for French tarragon, which doesn’t grow well in the Gulf South. Sun. 1 x 2’. Zones 8-10.
MILKWEED, MEXICAN
Asclepias Curassava. Bloodflower. Tender perennial, usually grown as an annual. Yellow and scarlet reflexed flowers borne throughout the summer. To 4’. Sun/ pt. sun.MILKWEED, SWAMP.
Asclepias incarnata. Very hardy perennial. Large pink reflexed flowers in early summer, leaving pods of flossy seeds. Nectar source for all butterflies, host of Monarchs. Dies to ground in winter, returns in spring with more stems. SE native of sunny, wet places, adapts to normal garden bed conditions. 3' - 4'. Zones 6-10. Gallons only.
MISCANTHUS ‘ COSMOPOLITAN’
Miscanthus sinensis ‘Cosmopolitan’. An improved version of Japanese silver grass; wider, silver-striped foliage, white plumes in later summer. To 6’ - 8’. Sun/pt. sun. Zones 7-10. Gallons only.MONARDA
Monarda fistulosa. Wild Bergamot. Oval to lance-shaped leaves, lavender flowers occurring as narrow, lipped tubes in crowded heads, in summer. Extremely showy; attractive to hummingbirds and butterflies. Eastern-Central US native. Tasty leaf tea used for colics and colds. Currently offering a mildew resistant form, 'Claire Grace'. 1’by 3’. Sun/pt. shade. Zones 3-9.MONDARDA, JACOB CLINE.
Monarda didyma ‘Jacob Cline’. The most mildew-resistant of the red bee balms, and the only red that blooms well for us this far South.MOUNTAIN MINT.
Pycnanthemum muticum. Eastern Native. Fragrant, minty foliage topped by silvery clusters of white flowers in summer. Favored by butterflies. This is a shrubby non-invasive plant, very different from crawling culinary mints, although it is edible. Needs good drainage, sun to pt. shade. Zones 7-9.OXEYE DAISY.
Chrysanthemum leucanthemum. Very similar to Shasta daisy, but with a smaller bloom. SE American native. Performs much better than Shasta in hot, humid climates. Leaves and flowers eaten in salads. Sun. 2’ (in bloom) by 8”. Spreads rapidly. Zones 6-9.PARTRIDGEBERRY
Mitchella repens. Ground-hugging vine with small oval leaves. White starry flowers in early summer produce inordinately large red berries. Eastern US native. Used to ease childbirth by Native Americans (AKA “Squawberry”). Shade. 4” by 4”. Zones 4-9.PATCHOULI.
Pogostemon patchouli. Very tender, fast-growing perennial, whose large, musky leaves are prized for potpourri. Their fragrance improves with drying. Spikes of tiny, unimpressive white flowers in late summer. Cut ‘em off. 2’ by 3’. Zones 9-10. Available Spring only.PHLOX, SUMMER 'DELTA SNOW'.
Phlox paniculata 'Delta Snow', Discovered in Mississippi, this one handles heat and humidity better than most of this species. Very clean foliage; flowers are palest lavender -- all but white-- with a darker eye. Blooms most of summer and has been green here all winter, even after 26 degrees -- but it was somewhat protected by live oaks. It's a new one and possibly the best yet for our area. Sun. Zones 6-9. Gallons only.
PHLOX , SUMMER, 'ROBERT POORE'.
Phlox paniculata 'Robert Poore'. Perennial with large heads of hot pinky-purple flowers that are magnets for both hummingbirds and butterflies. Goes dormant in winter, but springs up very quickly to form a fresh green low mound until it rises up for bloom in May. Blooms most of summer. Many P. paniculatas do not hold up in our heat and humidity, but this one does. Bred in Mississippi. Often looks a little ratty by August, but cutting back then yields fresh new foliage and often more blooms till frost. Sun. 3'. Zones 6-9. Gallons only.
PICKEREL WEED.
Pontederia cordata. Aquatic plants with arrow-shaped foliage and spikes of beautiful blue flowers. SE US native. Young leaves and the odd, puckery fruit are edible. 1’ by 4’. Sun. Wet site. Zones 5-9.PRICKLY PEAR CACTUS.
Opuntia humifusa. Round, jointed pads with tufts of bristles. Yellow blooms in spring, followed by small, oval fruits. Eastern US native. Peeled pads used by Native Americans as a poultice for wounds, rheumatism. Pad tea was drunk for lung problems. Sandy soil. 1’by 1’. Sun. Zones 5-10.ROSE. See “Shrubs” Listing.
RUE.
Ruta graveolens. Herb O‘ Grace. Lacy, deep-green foliage, umbels of yellow flowers in summer. Early holy water was dew collected in its cuplike blooms, hence the common name. A bitter herb, said to repel insects in the garden. One of the host plants for Giant Swallowtail butterflies. 1’ by 2’. Sun/pt. shade. Zones 6-9. Summer.SAGE, LYRE-LEAF.
Salvia lyrata. Cancer weed. Lyre-shaped leaves splashed with purple form a basal rosette. Pale, bluebell-like flowers in early spring. SE US native. Was indeed used as a cancer treatment by early Native Americans. 10” by 1’. Sun/pt. shade. Zones 8-10.ST. JOHN’S WORT.
Hypericum perforatum. Small-leaved, creeping perennial, native to the Eastern US. Stems are tipped by bright gold flowers in late summer to fall. Currently in the news as a treatment for depression. Sun/pt sun. 8” by 3”. Zones 6-8.
SALAD BURNET
Poterium sanguisorba. Round, deeply-cut, cucumber - flavored leaves used in salads and sandwiches. Insignificant pink flowers in tiny cones in summer. Stems rise fern - like from a central crown. Usually evergreen in mild climates. Non native. Sun/pt shade. 1’ by 1’. Zones 5-9.SASSAFRAS. See “Trees” Listing.
SWAMP SUNFLOWER.
Helianthus angustifolius. Strong-growing, dependable SE US native, has bright gold blooms in late summer to fall. Good butterfly plant. Likes a moist site, but adapts to normal garden conditions. Sun. 2’ by 4’. Zones 6-9.Gallons only.TANSY.
Tanacetum vulgare ‘Goldsticks’. Ferny foliage, flat-topped heads of bright gold flowers in summer. Native to Europe and Asia, naturalized in US. An insect repellent and dye plant; no longer recommended for internal use, as it containsthujone, the same component found in absinthe (wormwood). Very ornamental and very tough. Sun/pt shade. 3’ X 4’. Zones 3-9. Gal. Avail.TOAD LILY.
Tricyrtis formosana 'Samurai'. Also sold under the cultivar name of 'Gilt Edge'. Has a narrow strip of gold along leaf margins and a different habit from most other toad lilies. Stems are shorter and sucker up to form a bushy clump -- though not invasively. Clean foliage, pinky-puple orchid-like flowers in early summer and often again in fall. Goes dormant in winter. Only 2' to 2 1/2'. Shade, part shade. Zones 6-9. Gallons only.
Tricyrtis formosana ' SINONOME'. Candleabras of freckled purple orchid-like blooms held above slightly freckled foliage. Our favorite perennial for shade. Multiplies from the crown; goes dormant in Winter. To 3' in bloom. Shade part sun. Zones 6-9. Gallons only.
TUBEROSE.
Polyanthus tuberosa. Hardy tubers, multiply fast. Grassy foliage to about 2'. Midsummer spikes of extremely fragrant single white tube-like flowers. Excellent cut flower. Easy perennial for sun. 3' in bloom. Zones 6 - 9.Gallons only.
TURTLEHEADS
Chelone ‘Hot Lips’. Tubular lipstick- pink flowers in summer; dark green foliage. Cultivar of a SE native plant, prefers sun to light shade. Die to the root in winter, but returns reliably. To 3’. Zones 7-9.VALERIAN.
Valeriana officinalis. Large segmented leaves, extremely fragrant white flower heads in spring...sometimes called “garden heliotrope”. Native to Europe and Western Asia. Root makes an effective sedative. 1’ X 5’ (in bloom). Sun/pt shade. Zones 4-9.
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