The American elderberry produces lovely white flowers in the summer that turn into dark berries in the fall, which are great for making jams and syrups. It also provides good wildlife habitat and is a fast-growing shrub that can add great texture to the garden. Heads up: While cooked berries are edible, the raw berries … Elderberry
Ninebark features attractive, peeling bark and clusters of small white to pink flowers that bloom in summer. Its foliage turns vibrant shades of red and orange in the fall, making it a striking addition to gardens, and it’s also a hardy shrub that thrives in a variety of conditions. It grows quickly, so keep it … Ninebark
Virginia willow produces fragrant, white flower spikes in late spring and has beautiful, reddish-purple foliage in the fall. It supports wildlife by attracting pollinators and is deer-resistant, making it a versatile and low-maintenance addition to your garden.
Winterberry holly produces bright red berries that persist through the winter, adding vibrant color to the garden even in the cold months. Its attractive, dense foliage supports wildlife by providing food and shelter, and it’s a hardy shrub that is both deer-resistant and easy to maintain.
Buttonbush produces unique, spherical clusters of white flowers that attract pollinators like bees and butterflies. Its distinctive blooms and dense foliage is deer-resistant, and provides excellent cover for wildlife. Buttonbush thrives in wet or boggy conditions, making it a great choice for rain gardens or water features.
Aptly named, Sweetshrub features fragrant, reddish-brown flowers with a unique, spicy scent that blooms in late spring. Its attractive foliage and aromatic blooms make it a standout shrub in the garden, and it’s also known for its adaptability to different soil conditions and moderate deer resistance. Note: Sweetshrub may spread vigorously from the roots to … Sweetshrub
Moonflower silphium is native only in the Thrive region, though it’s becoming increasingly popular as a garden plant even in Europe. Its large, pale yellow flowers are produced in abundance on sturdy compact stems, and its large wooly leaves are a feature in themselves. It’s a great choice for gardens or meadows and supports a … Moonflower Silphium
Blazing star is a native perennial with tall spikes of purple flowers that attract pollinators. It is drought-tolerant, low-maintenance, and a great choice for meadows and prairies.
Jewelweed is a low-maintenance native annual with orange or yellow flowers that attracts ruby-throated hummingbirds in the fall. Indigenous people used the liquid from the plant for relief for itchy insect bites, poison ivy, or stinging nettle.
Bluestar is a perennial with delicate, blue flowers that bloom in spring and fall. It is drought-tolerant, low-maintenance, and attracts pollinators.