Erysimum 'PAS415015'

Wallflower

Scented, brilliant orange flowers cover well-branched plants in spring on this nonhardy biennial bedding plant. This cultivar is unique in that it does not require exposure to cool temperatures (vernalization) before it produces flowers. This significantly reduces the amount of energy needed to bring this crop to gardeners in northern climates that are too cold for the plant to overwinter naturally.

Biennial plants are adapted to completing their life cycle in two years. During the first year, plants develop extensive root systems to store the nutrients needed to produce flowers and seed the second year. After the seeds ripen and disperse, the plant dies.

Rosa 'Jacmcady'

Floribunda Rose

Walking on Sunshine™ floribunda rose (Rosa 'Jacmcady') is a bright yellow floribunda rose with anise-scented flowers surrounded by glossy, disease-resistant foliage on a rounded plant. The blooms fade with time to a light yellow color that provides a nice two-toned effect.

This is one of two roses selected by the American Rose Society for endorsement in 2011. To win this honor, roses are planted and evaluated in 26 different gardens across the country for two years. Only cultivars that perform well in all American climates earn this prestigious honor.

Penstemon digitalis 'Mystica'

Mystica Foxglove Beardtongue

Clusters of white flowers are blushed lavender at the tips of the stems, featuring deep purple and silver stems and leaves. This 'nativar'—a cultivar of a native species—is perfectly at home in our Chicago area soils and climate. Simply water enough to get the plants established in a sunny location. They attract a number of pollinator insects, including bumblebees and, over time, will produce clumps of up to a dozen flowering stems.

Calycanthus 'Aphrodite'

Aphrodite Sweetshrub

Dark red, fragrant double flowers appear in summer at the tips of the stems clothed in glossy green leaves. The heaviest flowering is in June, followed by occasional blooms into August. Plant 'Aphrodite' in full sun to partially shaded locations with moderately fertile neutral pH soils that never completely dry out. Rabbits and deer avoid eating this plant due to the chemicals that provide the spicy fragrance.

Allium 'Miami'

Miami Onion

Allium Miami grows to 3' tall, producing reddish-purple umbrels in early summer. The airy  flower heads are semi-circular, and are lovely fresh cut or dried.  Plant in a dry area, in full sun.