COLORFUL PENTSTEMON 
Not all of our favorite Perennials have 
everything, but for some real outstanding 
colors try Pentstemon. ‘Though it has not 
always proved hardy, it is well worth 
the extra trouble a little winter protection 
might be. The colors run from deep pink 
in dark red, on foliage that seems to be 
pest free. The flower form is very simi- 
lar to the foxglove flower. Pentstemon 
blooms all summer long, and prefers a 
sunny location with a rich, loamy soil. 
HARDY LILIES 
Lilies make wonderful accent points 
throughout the border, and contrary to 
belief, are not at all difficult to grow. 
One of the first to be planted in any 
garden should be the Madonna Lily (L. 
Candidum). Its snow white flowers ap- 
pear freely on 3 to 4 ft. stems during 
June and July, and are delightfully fra- 
grant. Or try the new Cascade Strain, a 
disease proof Madonna Lily of perfect 
form and extra large. If your Madonna 
Lihes are already established let us rec- 
ommend the Estate Lily. It blooms just a 
little later, stalks about 4 ft. high, with 
numerous extremely large, pure white 
trumpets. 
HYPERION ANYWHERE 
One of the perennials that will grow 
almost any place, and can be transplanted 
any time is Hemerocallis, variety Hyper- 
ion. It will not bloom all summer, but 
does its producing during July and part 
of August. Many light yellow flowers are 
carried on erect 3 ft. stems. Hyperion’s 
foliage is desirable for its graceful arching 
effect. Extraordinarily vigorous and eas- 
ily grown. Very fine as a cut flower, and 
remember, it is a member of the “‘wet or 
dry soil, sun or shade location”? class. 
USEFUL HYPERICUM 
For the large space that you want to 
fill as attractively as possible, consider 
Hypericum Moserianum. ‘Vhis can be 
used either as a specimen plant in the 
border, or massed as a blooming ground 
cover. Also very useful along shrub bor- 
ders to cover bare lower branches of 
taller shrubs. Hypericum grows about 
18” tall, and spreads about 2 ft. From 
early summer until frost large golden 
yellow flowers adorn the plant. Hyperi- 
cum is not too particular as to soil re- 
quirements. 
GOOD NEW BUTTERFLY BUSH 
Another large plant, classified as a 
shrub, is Buddleia (Butterfly bush). One 
of the newest and most desirable varieties 
in this group is Empire Blue. The sym- 
metrical bloom spikes are a very deep 
blue, and are present in great numbers 
all Summer until frost. Very easily 
grown, and requires no special care. 
ASTILBE MOST VERSATILE 
It is unfortunate that some home own- 
ers are limited in plant materials that can 
be used in their gardens because of too 
much shade, and/or too much moisture. 
It is very fortunate, on the brighter side, 
that there are some plants that can be 
used to advantage under these conditions. 
Mentioned before in this letter were 
Helleborus, Lythrum, and Hemerocallis 
Hyperion. Another one that is adaptable 
to a wide range of conditions is 4stdbe— 
often called Spirea. Astilbe has flower 
spikes ranging from white to deep red 
and bronzy-green deeply cut leaves that 
are beautiful all of the growing season. 
The foliage rarely grows over one foot 
tall, but the flowers are tall spikes, some- 
times 2 ft. higher than the leaves. Bloom- 
ing during June and early July. There is 
room for this perennial in every sunny 
garden, and gardens with too much shade 
and moisture could very well use Astilbe 
in varieties for the predominant material. 
page 6 
Consult “What to Plant... Where es ” 
