Malvastrum lateritium-Creeping Mallow

Propagating Malvastrum or Creeping Mallow is as simple as propagating strawberry plants because aerial roots shoot out from the center of the parent plant so just cut a shoot and plant along with bone meal. Creeping Mallow blooms from July to September and the color is an apricot-pink with a yellow center. The plant is evergreen in mild winters, Zones 6-10, its flowers attract butterflies, the plant reaches 6"-8" in height and prefers full sun, but is not drought tolerant.

Farfugium japonicum-Leopard Plant

Propagating Farfugium or Leopard Plant is best done in the spring by locating well rooted rhizomes that spread out from the parent plant. It is only hardy down to Zone 8 but evergreen. It is native to Japan and Korea. It does best in partial shade with no afternoon sun and prefers a moist but not soggy soil and mulch but not too heavily. It is mainly a foliage plant with dark green leaves offset with yellow polka dots although it has yellow daisy like blooms in the fall.

Hepatica acutiloba- Sharp-leaf Hepatica

Propagating Hepatica is done in the fall by digging up the plant and dividing the rooted crowns, it doesn’t like being disturbed so don’t dabble, into equal transplants. This is one perennial that will bloom along with your bulbs in the spring, even in Chicago, and is evergreen in warmer climates. Daisy type blooms range from pink, lilac, white or a mix of all three and they are deer resistant. Some use the leaves as an herbal remedy but they can also be poisonous so do your homework beforehand. The plant is a native to the Northeast and prefers a moist shady location.

Teucrium chamaedrys-Creeping Germander

Propagating Teucrium or Germander can be accomplished in the spring or fall by locating well rooted rhizomes that spread out underground from the parent plant. The plant reaches a height of 6"-8" and blooms in the summer, July-August, and its flowers are pink. The blooms attract butterflies but not deer, are evergreen in warmer zones, and are drought tolerant once established. Since the plant remains compact there is very little trimming necessary and could be considered a woody plant.

Arctostaphylos uva-ursi-Bearberry or Kinnikinnick

Propagating Arctostaphylos or Bearberry which is considered a woody plant versus a true perennial should be done in the spring by pruning off the well rooted stems that spread out from the parent plant and transplant. Bearberry is evergreen, its leaves turn a bronze-red in winter and birds enjoy its red berries after flowering. Hummingbirds also enjoy the pinkish blooms nectar in the spring. It will take light foot traffic and is a great plant to use for soil erosion because it is drought resistant and will take full sun or light shade, not clay soils. It is also deer resistant and grows to a height of 4"-6".

Francoa sonchifolia-Chilean Bridal Wreath

Propagating Francoa or Bridal Wreath, which is hardy down to 20 degrees, is done by digging up the clump in the spring and dividing the crown into well rooted transplants. It is native to Chile and will take either full sun or partial shade, but performs best in cool settings, so no afternoon sun and is a slow grower. It is evergreen and deer resistant. It will bloom from June through to September, comes in either white or pink, and will eventually reach 24" in height.

Rosmarinus officinalis-Trailing Rosemary

Propagating Rosmarinus or Trailing Rosemary can either be accomplished by layering or by digging up the parent plant and dividing the crown. Different varieties of Rosemary have varying shades of blue flowers in spring and are generally evergreen in Zones 8-9. The plant attracts butterflies, is fragrant, prefers full sun, is drought resistant and reaches a height of 4"-6".

Ophiopogon planiscapus “Nigrescens”-Black Mondo Grass

Propagating Ophiopogon or Black Mondo Grass is similar to Liriope, but smaller leaved, which is cutting off the rhizomes extending out from the parent plant or by digging up the parent plant and dividing the roots into equally rooted transplants in the spring. Black Mondo Grass has pinkish blooms in mid summer, is deer resistant, evergreen down to Zone 6, grows to 4"-6" in height and prefers full sun but will take partial shade. Since it is expensive at big box stores, purportedly “rare,” the best option for homeowners is to purchase maybe a half a dozen and in five years they could have a goodly amount if divided every spring.

Helianthemum-Rock Rose or Sun Rose

Propagating Helianthemum or Rock Rose should be done every 4-5 years because the plant becomes woody so in the spring dig up the plant and divide the root crown and discard the woody part and transplant the siblings. The are a number of varieties that come in yellow, pink, white or orange. They generally bloom in April to June and reach a height of 6"-12" and are deer resistant. They will grow in Zones 5-7/8 and are normally drought resistant and do not appreciate wet feet in winter so plant in a sandy well draining soil. They are evergreen and are native to the Mediterranean. Cut back after flowering to induce new flower buds.

Arenaria montana-Mountain Sandwort

Propagating Arenaria or Mountain Sandwort is done either in the spring or preferably in the fall by transplanting the well rooted rhizomes that spread out from the parent plant or if happy it is a great self seeder. It grows to a height of 2"-4" and will take light foot traffic so it is a plant that can be placed between flagstones. It blooms May through June and the basic color is white but there is also a pink variety. It is well suited for alpine gardens and prefers a sandy well draining soil in full sun and is drought resistant when established, deer resistant and also evergreen.

Caltha palustris-Marsh Marigold

Propagating Caltha or Marsh Marigold is preferred in the spring after it blooms because you can view the plants but it can be done in the fall but they must be marked because they will be dormant. Divide the rootstock. Marsh Marigold is the harbinger of spring in northern zones and its blooms will surface shortly thereafter in either the standard yellow or a white variety. It is found in wet settings as the name suggests and should not be allowed to dry out when dormant, summer through fall. It is a good self-seeder, is deer resistant, grows to a height of 6"-12" and prefers shade but will also do well in moist full sun area.

Verbascum-Mullein

Propagating Verbascum or Mullein is done in the spring by digging up the parent plant and dividing the crown into several well rooted stock. Mullein was a weed until it was hybridized since it was found in well drianed gravely soils in full sun. It is a short lived perennial, 2-3 years, that blooms most of the year, although it does go dormant in mid summer but comes back in late summer and blooms until fall, but deadheading will make the flowers flourish. The blooms attract butterflies but deer stay away. Colors range from yellow, to lavender to peach and the plant will grow to a height of 36".

Ranunculus ficaria-Celandine Buttercup or Lesser Celandine

Propagating Ranunculus or buttercup Celandine is best divided in the fall when dormant, mark the spot to locate, because it grows by underground tubers and can be invasive if left to its own devices. They are deer resistant and tolerates summer heat but is not drought resistant. Blooms occur in March through June and varieties come in yellow, white or orange and the plant reaches a height of 2"-6" but will not take foot traffic. Normally the small blooms do not open before 9 A.M. and close after 5 P.M. and during rain showers. The plants leaves are purple-black and are a good contrasting plant to have along borders and are native to Europe and Asia.

Achillea-Yarrow

Propagating Achillea or Yarrow is one of the easiest plants to divide either in the spring or fall. It spreads by rhizomes. It prefers hot dry and sunny locations and too much fertilizer will make it leggy and reaches a height of 18"-24". It blooms from May to frost and colors can vary from yellow, white, pink and red. It is one of the perennials when dried that will retain its true color. It blooms are fragrant and butterflies enjoy their nectar and deer do not. Deadhead spent blooms for more color and Yarrow is native to Europe and Asia.

Alyssum serpyllifolium-Alpine Alyssum or Madwort

Couldn’t find much on Alpine Alyssum for propagating but since it grows in a mound shape and will self seed if the soil is well drained, I believe digging it up in the fall and splitting the crown with a sharpe knife and then transplanting you should be safe. Also you can collect the seeds after the seed heads dry. It has thyme like leaves, silver, and it blooms are yellow, flowering in May/June and prefers a gravely soil that is well drained. It reaches a height of 2"-4", is said to be deer resistant, prefers full sun, is drought resistant when established, is evergreen and is native of the Iberian peninsula.

Cardiocrinum giganteum-Giant Himalayan Lily

Propagating Cardiocrinum or Himalayan Lily is done after it flowers, the plant dies, which takes place three years after planting the bulb or seven years after planting the seed, if they germinate, by digging up the parent bulb and separating the side bulbs from the dead parent and transplant so that the nose of the new bulb is planted sticking above the surface. It is important that after the flower dies that the seed heads are cut off so energy is given to the side bulbs. It is important when planting to dig a cubic yard of soil out and fill it back in with compost and manure because it needs a moist shaded woodland effect. It blooms in June/July and it has fragrant trumpet flowers, similar to the Easter Lily, that can rise as tall as 10'. Obviously it is from the Himalayas and one must be careful of slugs which raise havoc. This is a perennial that needs care initially giving it plenty of organic fertilizer but if you cannot wait three years for it to bloom don’t bother.

Stevia rebaudiana-Sweetleaf

Propagating Stevia or Sweetleaf by seed is slow, cutting are generally faster and dividing in the spring can be a challenge since the plant must be dug up and the roots divided with a sharp knife, its roots are surface shallow like azaleas, if there are ample stems and could possibly self seed. Sweetleaf is a herb that is only a perennial is Zone 9-11, it is an annual if the temperature goes below 32 degrees. It is a native of Paraguay and prefers a sandy acidic soil in full sun but needs moisture. The leaves should be harvested in the fall and dried like oregano. They say Stevia is 300 times sweeter then sugar but it was banned in the U.S. in the 1990's unless labeled as a supplement. It has white flowers.

Paeonia-Peony

Propagating Paeonia or Peony can be difficult because the crown or eyes are almost woody and brittle like so a person needs a sharp instrument to cut the crown in the fall. Transplanting the eye should be planted no deeper then two inches otherwise it will not bloom. It is a native to China and as many know they come in single and double blooms which are fragrant and the plant itself is deer resistant. It is deciduous and upwards of 1500 varieties and for those who are interested there is the American Peony Society. Peony’s bloom late spring to early summer and come in colors ranging from white, pink, red, yellow and orange, there are no blue varieties and plants can reach upwards of 5'. They need to be planted in full sun but are not drought resistant and the dead leaves need to be cleaned up in the fall to prevent disease.

Heliotropium arborsecens-Heliotrope, Cherry Pie

For those living in Zones 9-11, lucky you, propagating Heliotrope can be done either by layering or by soft tip cuttings in the spring. Heliotrope is a evergreen soft wooded sub-shrub, or a sturdy perennial that is great as a container plant, without afternoon sun exposure. It needs moisture, it will not withstand drought. There are many varieties of heliotrope but this variety comes in white, violet or purple and blooms midsummer, July through to frost. It is fragrant, the scent of cherry pie, butterflies love the nectar, it reaches a height of 12"18," and is a native of Peru. If you have room for winter storage this is a great container plant for colder zones.

Rosa Caramba-Groundcover Rose

Since Rosa Caramba or Groundcover Rose is a patented hybrid tea woody plant so for home use layering or cuttings would be the best avenue. Cuttings in the fall are best. Plants prefer full sun and grow to a height of upwards of 24". The blooms are salmon-orange with yellow centers, are fragrant and prefer full sun. They will bloom from June through to frost and because they flower on new growth pruning will stimulate blossoms.

Androsace sarmentosa-Rock Jasmine

Propagating Androsace or Rock Jasmine can be done either in the spring or fall by digging up the rooted rhizomes that trail away from the parent and transplanting into a sandy/gritty composted well draining soil. It fills in the crevices in rock walls just fine. It’s blooms are fragrant and various species come in white, pink or lilac and this variety flowers in May-June. It is evergreen, deer may munch, it reaches a height of 4"5", and is semi-drought tolerant in full sun or partial shade, but in warmer zones no afternoon sun.

Aurinia saxatilis-Perennial Alyssum, Basket of Gold

Propagating Aurinia or Perennial Alyssum is difficult because of its tight clump but if you’d like to try its best to be done in the spring, spread seed directly in the ground in the fall or it can be a good self seeder or attempt hardwood cuttings after bloom. The term saxatilis means “growing among rocks,” so it prefers a gritty or a sandy well draining soil. It blooms among the spring bulbs, April to June, and the basic color is yellow but some cultivars can be obtained in white or gold. It is evergreen, deer resistant, blooms are fragrant, and is drought tolerant. It reaches a height of 8"-12", takes full sun, and is native to Asia and S. E. Europe.

Calamintha grandiflora-Large-flowered Calamint

Propagating Calamintha or Calamint is done either in the spring or fall by locating well rooted rhizomes to transplant or if in a great location is does self seed. A native to the northern temperate regions of Europe, Asia and America. It is considered drought resistant after being established but it needs a well draining soil. It blooms appear along the stem while it leaves can be mottled and blooms through most of the summer reaching a height of 12"-18". It is deciduous and attracts butterflies and honeybees and is also deer resistant. Colors can range from pink, to purple to blue to white and could stand either full sun or partial shade and belongs to the mint family so when the leaves are bruised it gives off a mint fragrance.

Caryopteris x clandonensis-Bluebeard

Propagating this woody plant can only be done by softwood cuttings or layering but its varieties are patent protected. This is one plant that blooms from August through to frost and is deciduous and should be pruned back to six inches in the spring. Its blooms are deep blue to purple, are fragrant, and deer resistant. It is native to China and Japan and it attracts butterflies. Once established it is drought resistant and needs a well draining soil, full sun, and grows to a height of 2'-3'.

Cyclamen hederifolium-Hardy Fall Cyclamen

It’s stated that Cyclamen can only be propagated by seed, it is a profuse self seeder, but it forms a tuber from a corm and I have known examples when people have broken tubers apart and were successful in transplanting, but they were either lucky or more knowledgeable then most. When the seed capsule splits that’s the time to sow the seed in a composted damp mixture in the shade or allow the birds to do the work for you. Hederifolium is the hardiest of cyclamens, it is native to the Northern Mediterranean, blooms from August until frost, and flowers appear before the leaves. This cyclamen is pink but there are white, purple and red varieties as well, hardy to Zone 5, and deciduous in the colder zones. The blooms are fragrant, deer resistant and this is one perennial that will grow under large deciduous trees, i.e., maple, oak, and still bloom. It doesn’t mind dry soil in the summer or wet soil in winter. It reaches a height of 4"-6".

Tanacetum niveum-Snow Daisy

Propagating the relatively unknown Tanacetum or Snow Daisy is accomplished in the spring by digging up the plant and separating the crown into good rooted transplants or allow the plant to self seed since it is a short lived but profusely blooming perennial which will flower from June until frost. It’s petals are white with a yellow center similar to mums/daisies and reaches a height of 12"-18", it also attracts butterflies, is deer resistant, deciduous, does not like wet feet and once established is drought resistant.

Actinidia kolomikta-Kiwi

Propagating Actinidia or Kiwi is sometimes propagated from store bought fruit but the problem is in the second year it must be grafted so I presume cuttings might be the best alternative as is buying stock from a nursery. Surprisingly it is winter hardy down to Zone 4 although a native to Asia. The blooms are fragrant and white in late spring or early summer and it will take 3-4 years before the woody vine bears fruit. It’s growth habit is similar to grape but is much faster, shallow rooted so it needs protection from drying out because it does best with a southern exposure in a well draining soil, and one plant can produce up to 200 pounds of fruit that ripens in the fall. Pruning is done either in the spring or fall and needs a sturdy trellis to support the vine.

Allium neapolitanum-Naples Flowering Onion

Propagating Allium or Naples Flowering Onion can be accomplished by allowing the plant to prosper then dig up the parent plant and separate the bulbils from the parent bulb or allow it to self seed on its own, however be aware it can become invasive in the Zones it thrives in, which are 7-10. This is one plant that does not like moisture except when transplanting bulbils so it does not like clay soils. It prefers full to partial sun. Its characteristics remind me of the wild onion that seem to sprout up in my lawn even after I assumed I eradicated all the bulbs, however the blooms are white and fragrant and attract butterflies. It is deer resistant. The leaves die back in summer after reaching a height of 12"-16" and is native to the Mediterranean.

Echinops tienschanicum-Giant Globe Thistle

Propagating Echinops or Giant Globe Thistle should be done in the spring, wearing gloves and a long sleeve shirt, by digging up the parent plant and dividing into good rooted transplants and should be done at least every 3-4 years. Since they can grow upwards of 6', including the flower head, the plant may need staking in windy locations. Some prefer leaving the dry plants through the winter for its effect but others prefer cutting them back to the ground in the fall. Their light blue blooms flower in August/September, are deer resistant, however its flowers attract butterflies, they do not like wet feet in the winter, and prefers full sun.

Pycnanthemum virginicum-Virginia Mountain Mint

Propagating Pycnanthemum or Virginia Mountain Mint is done in the spring by digging up the parent plant and dividing into good rooted transplants or will self seed in the right environment. The plant prefers rich loamy soil, wouldn’t all plants prefer loam, and must remain moist either in sun or partial shade. The plant exudes a minty fragrance and butterflies and honey bees enjoy it flowers which are pink to white and bloom August-September. Its height can vary from 12"-36" I’ll presume depending on the richness of the soil, is deer resistant, deciduous, and native to North America.

Smilacina racemosa-False Solomon’s Seal

Propagating Smilacina or False Solomon’s Seal can either be transplanted in the spring or fall by locating well rooted rhizome leaders that spread out from the parent plant. It blooms are white and make a show in June/July which are also fragrant. The plant is deer resistant and prefers a moist well drained woodland environment, partial to full shade. Red berries appear in the summer and stay until fall and reaches a height of 24"-36", is a native of North America, and is deciduous.

If you live in or near a major city search craigslist.org for cheap plants

I check craigslist.org every now, farm+garden, and then for sales on perennials and plants. This weekend someone advertised 3 2.5 quart containers of perennials for $5.00 in suburbia. I bought lavender, verbena, soapwort and primrose and repotted into 5 gallon because a 2.5 pot is a bit smaller then a 1 gallon. Early in the spring I bought specific colored azaleas, foster holly, gardenia and repotted into 5 gallon and a 5 gallon Candy Stripe phlox subulata for $5.00 and took cuttings of the plant and planted 4-1 gallons. There are sometimes great deals instead of waiting for close-outs at big box stores. Also in the free people sometimes give away iris and daylilies if you dig. It is a wonderful place to find the plants to increase the color of your garden beds.

Agave virginica-Aloe

Propagating Agave virginica or Aloe can be propagated either in the spring or fall depending on the process used because the plant spreads by rhizomes and produces “pups” or the flower stalk produces bulbils that can be planted in the ground after flowering. It completely dies back to the ground in winter, hardy down to Zone 6, prefers an alkaline sandy/rocky moist soil and drought/heat tolerant. Its flower spikes are fragrant in June/July and can reach a height of 48" but the plant itself reaches a height of 12"-15" and the bloom color is yellow or green, but other varieties offer variegated or spotted leaves and a different bloom range such as the Blue Agave which is used to make Tequila.

Hierochloe odorata-Sweet Grass

Propagating Hierochloe odorata or Sweet Grass can be done in the spring either by locating new stolon growth or digging up the parent plant and dividing. This plant is widely used in Native American ceremonies and prefers a moist but sunny location and in some areas it is labeled as invasive, but is used to stabilize banks. Its blooms are insignificant but it leaves serve many purposes one of which when dried it is used as incense or another when soaked in water it can be used to treat windburn or chapping and when sown together with the stitches treated with flax it becomes water resistant. The leaves give off a scent of fresh mown hay or vanilla, reach a height of 10"-20" and is deer resistant.

Centaurea hypoleuca-Cornflower

Propagating Centaurea hypoleuca or Cornflower is done in the fall after the plant finishing blooming by digging up and separating into how many viable transplants you believe will take root and spread by stolons so be on the look out for plants that crop up at a distance Cornflower is a member of the Aster family so it blooms from early summer to early fall in colors that are pink to mauve/lilac, needs full sun and depending on the location may need staking as they reach a height of 20"-24". The plant is deciduous, deer resistant, do not like wet feet, and its blooms tend to be fragrant and are excellent for cutting.

Teucrium hircanicum-Iranian Wood Sage

Propagation of Teucrium or Iranian Wood Sage is accomplished in the early spring by digging up the root ball and dividing. Iranian Wood Sage leaves are fragrant and smell like Sage and it blooms from late summer to early fall, either pink or reddish purple in color, which attract butterflies and honeybees, but not deer. It grows to a height of 18"-24", is deciduous, hardy down to Zone 5 and does best in full sun, except for new transplants.

Sporobolus heterolepis-Prairie Dropseed

Propagating Sporobolus or Prairie Dropseed is difficult and should be done after cutting back the grass in the spring. It’s tough to propagate because of its deep fibrous root system and you should at least break off a clump that is more then 2" in diameter and if you are successful it will take up to 5 years to mature however it will not flatten under heavy snow cover like most other grasses which is why it is preferred by some for winter effect. It prefers a sandy soil and is drought resistant when mature, white flowers in August/September, the fragrant scent can be compared to cilantro or burnt popcorn and reaches a height of 30". Its fine leaves have an orange glow in the fall, age to copper or tan in the winter and is deer resistant.

Lilium-Trumpet Lily

Propagating Trumpet Lilies takes patience, but should be divided every 3-4 years by digging up the clump in the fall, because bulblets form after a growing season. If you notice grass growing next to the stem in the spring that is an indication bulblets are forming so make a mental note to divide in the fall. After digging up the clump do not remove the bulblets from the stem, but cut the stem down to ground level and transplant. It will take two years for the new transplants to have more then one bloom per stem. They bloom in July and come in a range of colors from white, yellow, orange, red, purple, and pink. The fragrant flower heads can reach a height of upwards of 70" so make certain they are planted in a protected area in either full sun or partial shade, attract hummingbirds and is deciduous.

Euphorbia nicaeensis-Honey-flowered Spurge

Propagating Euphorbia nicaeensis or Honey-flowered Spurge is done in the spring by digging up the clump and dividing the crown then transplanting, but give it some shade then move to the sun after it becomes established in the fall. There are many varieties of Euphorbia but this one prefers a hot sunny location, others prefer moisture. Its leaves are tinted blue and its blooms are fragrant, bloom late summer to early fall, reach a height of 18"-23," and are good as cut flowers. This variety is evergreen, deer resistant, and is hardy to Zone 6. Trim back the plant in the spring to freshen up the plant.

Myrrhis odorata-Sweet Cicely

Propagating Myrrhis or Sweet Cicely should be attempted in the spring or fall by digging up the clump and dividing the into transplants with ample root systems. Sweet Cicely gets its name because its fernlike leaves give off a strong aroma that smalls like sweet licorice and blooms in May/June with large umbels of white flowers. It prefers a moist soil in either full sun or partial shade, is deer resistant, reaches a height of 36"-48" and is deciduous.

Melissa officinalis-Lemon Balm

Propagating Melissa officinalis or Lemon Balm is done in the spring by digging up the plant and dividing the crown or it is a good self seeder.. The blooms are insignificant in the summer, but are lilac in color however the plants gives off a lemony scent but can be used as insect repellant by rubbing the leaves on your body. The plants by mid summer can become raged so prune back to induce new growth and is an evergreen in warmer climates. Lemon Balm is deer resistant however it should not be planted where it gets the force of the afternoon sun because the plant will become scorched and it reaches a height of 12"-24". Honeybees will enjoy the nectar.

Heucherella-Foamy Bells

Propagating the hybrid Heucherella or Foamy Bells is done by division in either the spring or fall or by digging up the plantlets that shoot out from the parent plant. This is a plant that will not take hot humid weather and needs deep winter mulching in colder zones. It is a cross between Coral Bells and Foam Flower and isn’t as hardy as it two parent plants, however it does have the striking leaf colors of Coral Bells and the bloom of the Foam Flower. Make certain that you plant it in a deep compost rich soil in the shade or else an area that gets morning sun otherwise it will burn. It is evergreen in warmer zones, flowers in the spring, and varieties come in either white or pink blooms. It is deer resistant and needs feeding in the spring and mid summer with bone meal. It is a good companion for Hosta, Fern, Astilbes and Coral Bells, needs to be cleaned up in the spring by removing dried leaves and reaches a height of 12"-18".

Juncus effusus-Spiral Rush

Juncus or Spiral Rush can be best propagated in the spring by digging up the sub plants from its rhizomous spread and for this reason it is best to plant in containers, 1"-6" deep in the water, if you don’t want it to spread. It prefers a moist acidic soil, along stream beds or in bog like conditions and its branches are contorted and are used in arrangements. It might be a challenge to use this variety in basket weaving. It is evergreen in milder climates and should be cut back to the ground in the spring to induce new growth, its blooms are insignificant, reaches a height of just under 3' and will do well in either full sun or partial shade

Rubus pentalobus- Creeping Raspberry

Rubus or Creeping Raspberry can be propagated by layering in the spring, it is protected by royalties or by seed. There are many varieties of Rubus so their blooms can range from pink, white, red or purple, but pentalobus blooms are white. It is hardy in Zones 7-9, is an evergreen, deer resistant and some stems tend to be thorny. One aspect is its red fall color, which will persist through the winter. It blooms in late spring/early summer, bears an edible orange fruit, reaches a height of 4"-6", is drought tolerant and will grow in either full sun or light shade.

Perilla frutescens-Beefsteak Plant

There is only way to propagate Perilla of Beefsteak and that is by seed if you live in the Zones where they are annuals, but perennial in Zone 8-10, but not frost tolerant and in these zones you can take tip cuttings. Chill seeds at 40 degrees for 3 days in moist sand and plant in 70 degree heat and will germinate in 1-2 weeks. They are extremely fast growers reaching 2'-3' in height and are deer resistant. Some of the varieties leaves remind one of coleus, but they are either burgundy or green, flowers late summer to early fall, and blooms can range from pink, lavender and white. What is interesting about this plant is that it is used as a food staple in Oriental countries and read that India was figuring how to farm it, because if you do not deadhead it becomes extremely invasive, PA has it on their invasive list. Young leaves and seedlings are eaten cooked or raw. Older leaves are used for garnish or salted and used as a condiment for tofu. Yuck! Older flowers are fried and eaten. The plant also yields essential oil which is used as flavoring in candy and sauces. The flavor is supposedly strange to Western palates ranging from cinnamon to citrus flavor. It will thrive in a poor soil but does not take extended periods of drought and will do well either in full sun to partial shade. Another useful aspect are the leaves that can be used in the compost pile as green manure.

Steel edging

When I did design/build in Denver most of the plants purchased were from Alameda Wholesale Nursery, because their range of plants went from 1 gallon to 8" caliper, but the one thing that I definitely purchased was their steel edging. Yes it eventually rusted, unpainted, and in time they came out with a rubber cover because the steel would cut a child if they fell on it. It came in ten foot sections and had pins, like hangers bent in half, to keep the edging in place. The one good thing about using steel versus the plastic crap garden centers sell, is that you could pound the edging into the turf with a sledge and it would automatically cut the sod so if there were areas where sod had to be removed for a bed, the sod was already cut. Since I used free flowing lines, a bane of the sprinkler guys, it was a snap to lay out the bed with the edging instead of guesstimating with the junk plastic edging. Grass never grew on the other side of the edging and plants didn’t grow into the grass, since it was 4" deep and 14 gauge scrap galvanized rolled top steel. One had to wear gloves carrying it and it was floppy. If only someone would produce edging like that everywhere gardeners wouldn’t be so frustrated keeping their beds in place and the expense of buying painted edging that eventually rusts away is costly.

Polemonium-Jacob’s Ladder

Propagating Polemonium or Jacobs’ Ladder can be accomplished either in the spring or fall by digging up the clumpy parent plant and dividing into how many transplants that have good root systems. In warmer zones Jacob’s Ladder is evergreen and its foliage, fern like and mostly variegated, often dress up a shade garden, leaves burn in sun, besides their bluish tinted flowers that produce blooms in May through July while deadheading will extend the blooms or it is a prolific self-seeder if you allow the flowers to go to seed, since they are fragrant and attract butterflies. Also deer resistant, the plant reaches a height of 15"-30," and prefers a moist soil.

Bidens ferurifolia-Bidens

Propagating Bidens should be done in the fall since it is only grown in Zones 8-10, by dividing the root ball or layering then transplanting when the roots are mature. This plant has yellow to orange blooms in mid summer to early fall, can reach a height of 6" and because it is fragrant honeybees and butterflies are found nearby. It is also a prolific self seeder and prefers a moist well draining soil, full sun, is evergreen, its leaves are dark green and fern-like, needs to be pruned back hard periodically and would be great in hanging baskets and is deciduous.

Hibbertia procumbens-Spreading Guinea Flower

Propagating Hibbertia should be accomplished in the fall by dividing the parent plant into as many pieces that contain a good root system. It has yellow/gold flowers that can appear in the spring and flower through to fall. It is evergreen, in Australia it is considered a shrub, and grown only in Zones 7-8 , is deer resistant, drought tolerant and a plant that should be seeded annually considering its blooming period. It reaches a height of 4".

Pratia “Celestial Spice”-Celestial Spice Pratia

Propagating Pratia is best done in the spring or fall by digging up the rooted branches that spread out from the parent plant. Be careful this is a tiny plant. This is also one plant that will not take to drought and blooms from late spring throughout the summer so plant in semi shade not in the afternoon sun since it prefers a moist well draining soil. This is a plant that might be started in the spring from seed because it is only hardy in Zones 7-9, it has deep blue flowers, there is also a white variety, it reaches a height of 1"-2" and takes light foot traffic, useful amongst pavers and it is even used for a small lawn planting or for patio containers. It is evergreen in its perspective zones. Prune in the spring.

Acinos alpinus-Alpine Rock-thyme

Related to Thyme but not as woody these plants can be divided in the spring by digging up the clump and splitting it into how many rooted plants you believe will transplant well. This thyme will bloom all summer long, is drought resistant, and is loved by honeybees and butterflies for its nectar. It is hardy down to Zone 4, but is only evergreen in warmer climates and will thrive in a sand /gravel soil structure. Its blooms vary from violet, purple, pink, grows to a height of 4"-6" and will presume is deer resistant.

Stachys byzantina-Lamb’s-ear

Unless you have sloppy unfertile soil I have no clue why anyone would want to propagate Lamb’s-ear, but if you do dividing the clump is simple either in the spring or fall. In NC it is a weed and I have killed most of it off when it invades my lawn, thanks to neighbor’s weed patched surroundings. It does have a magenta/pink flower in June which will reach upwards of 18", will take light foot traffic and its leaves are a felty silver grey. On my lot, recently cleared, loads of wildflowers have taken over and I spotted a tiny plant this past weekend with a beautiful half blue tip/half white throat, 3" in height, that I transplanted for safe keeping. It reminded me of Chinodoxia, which it could be since squirrels dug up some bulbs after planting, but normally they bloom with crocus, which had gone by. Recent burned/cleared properties yield tons of plants with unusual flowers that a person would not normally see along with poison oak so if one gets a chance explore do it, because the odds are they will not be found in a nursery. Lamb’s-ear is drought tolerant and deer resistant. Check out the native plant list for your state and usually they have photos.

Armoracia rusticana-Horseradish

Propagating Armoracia or Horseradish is done differently than most of your herbs, root cuttings, whereby you dig up the plant and slice off pieces of the root then replant. From my experience, in Upstate NY, Oswego County, I owned land that was a catch basin of sorts for water that had a muck soil, great for gardening, and no matter if we had a drought or not, the grass and Horseradish always flourished. Since I didn’t cultivate the plant, I’ll presume seeds from the plant propagated themself although I’ve read that the plant itself is sterile. Supposedly it is an evergreen from Zones 5-9, but where I lived it was most definitely Zone 3 and it remained evergreen. “Don’t always believe what you read” when you know differently. It has a fragrant white flower and reaches upwards of 2' in height and I doubt deer would browse and can become invasive if left to its own devices. A good plant to have if you enjoy hot sauces, because they prefer a moist composted well draining soil.

Trifolium repens “Dragon’s Blood”-Variegated Clover

Propagating Variegated Clover should be done in the spring or fall by dividing/ separating the crown. Bees will love the clover for its blooms and many butterfly and moth caterpillars use clover as food but don’t plant this species where it will overtake another. It is an evergreen in warmer climates and grows to a height of 4"-5". Variegated leaves of green, white and red and will do well in clay poor soils. Since clover is a legume it does affix nitrogen to the soil but do not plant around camellias or gooseberries.

Uncinia uncinata-Red Hook Sedge

Propagating this grass like perennial is done in the spring by digging up the parent plant and dividing it into how ever many plants that show a good root system, but it will also self seed depending on the soil, however transplants are slow to respond. It is an evergreen and only hardy in Zones 8-9, it’s a native of NZ. Its flowers are insignificant but the reddish to brown leaves stand out in full sun and throughout the winter, with slight cutting the tips back in the spring. For those living in the Bay area, the San Francisco Botanical Garden will have a plant sale on May 2, and Uncinia is included because is not normally found at retail nurseries. It prefers a slightly acid soil and bog like conditions, reaches a height of 12"-18", is deer resistant and when sold it is generally mis-labeled as Uncinia rubra.

Phlox subulata-Creeping Phlox-Update

Last summer I dug around my existing Phlox bed, 2009 photo, and ripped off a container’s worth of cuttings and planted a half a dozen sprigs into 1 gallon pots, with no roots to speak of, into a sand/manure mix with bonemeal, because I plan on moving and want some early spring color at my new residence. The accompanying photo shows what I got this spring. Three things to remember when dividing plants to transplant, good soil mixture, bonemeal to stimulate root growth, and water. I prefer transplanting into pots versus soil because I pay closer attention to the containers, watering, then to my overall garden beds. Most people have used pots lying around, but when I ran out I went to E-Bay and bought them from “plasticflowerpots” who sells new 1 gallons in lots of 25, inexpensively. I would never buy used pots, because I have no clue how they were used and some think they are valuable or that consumers are clueless. I recently visited Wal-Mart, who marked down their 1 gallon Azaleas to $2.00 so I bought a few and transplanted them into 3 gallon pots and plan on pinching off the flower buds to push the leaf growth, because they sell at HD, 3 gallon, for just under $20. In NC’s climate I can have a full 3 gallon in a year. Those are the tricks of the trade and don’t allow anyone to tell you differently and why everyone should only purchase 1 gallons and transplant into a larger containers, say a 3 gallon, then in the fall if the plant is a perennial divide the 3 gallon into 1 gallons. In one growing season you can double or triple your plants, then the following spring transplant into your garden bed. It’s called stretching your dollar. Don’t forget to add the bonemeal, because too much super phosphate has a tendency to burn.

Muehlenbeckia axillaris-Creeping Wire Vine

Propagating Muehlenbeckia or Creeping Wire Vine can be difficult because of its smallish leaves however since it creeps along the ground and is invasive, pruning off rooted stems and transplanting in the fall but do not plant amongst other perennials because it will smother everything in its path. Generally it is used to retain slopes and not for show because its flowers are insignificant and because it mounds, like hammocks, it wouldn’t be good to plant in between flagstone, tripping, although it will take foot traffic and should be mown to encourage thicker growth in the spring. It is only hardy and evergreen in warmer zones, but read some varieties will take frost. It reaches a height of 2"-4" and is deer resistant. It can also be used as a screen because it will climb up wire fencing but do not plant around wood structures, because it will raise havoc like ivy.

Blechnum spicant-Deer Fern

Propagating Blechnum or Deer Fern is done one of two different ways, either by transplanting the rooted rhizomes in the spring or dividing the parent clump and breaking off well rooted transplants either in the spring or fall. Deer Fern will reach a height of 18"-24", is evergreen, a native of the Pacific NW, deer resistant, prefers a moist acidic well draining soil, and will thrive in shade or partial sun as long as the soil remains moist.

Daphne

Propagating Daphne can be done either by semi-hard tip cuttings in September or by layering since it is more of a woody plant and not a perennial. There are numerous varieties, standard and dwarf, but the blooms of all varieties are very fragrant and come mostly in varying shades of pink, but there is a purple variety and many have variegated leaves which also adds interest in the garden bed. Blooming periods vary according to the variety. Daphne odora or Winter Daphne, reaches a height of 3'-4' and blooms after the snow disappears but other varieties bloom later however all varieties are poisonous and prefer shade without afternoon sun. When I lived in Amherst, MA, a professor had a garden of Daphnes although not hardy per se in that zone, Zone 6 is the limit, with ample snow cover they will survive as long as they are protected against the wind. Depending on the zone they can be either semi-evergreen or evergreen and are deer resistant.

Vaccinium vitis-idaea-Lingonberry or Cowberry

Propagating Vaccinium or Cowberry can be accomplished in different ways and the most popular is by hardwood cuttings in September/November, or by digging up the plant and cutting off a piece of the root then transplant, or since it is a creeping groundcover woody plant, layering might be another option, if the soil is friable. Cowberry, which is the name used in the U.K. is in the Heath family and is similar to cranberry, its red fruit is bitter tasting, it prefers an acidic soil, like blueberry, is evergreen and hardy down to Zone 2., prefers a moist soil, bog like, in either full sun to partial shade. It has a pink bloom in June/July and grows upwards of 1' plus. I will presume it is wildlife resistant since its leaves are on the leathery side.

Polystichum acrostichoides-Christmas Fern

Propagating Polystichum or Christmas Fern should be done every 3-4 years by digging up the clump and dividing the crown. One can also propagate by collecting the fronds but that’s too much work. Like most ferns they prefer a highly organic friable soil in partial to full shade settings and grow up to 24" in height. Also like most ferns this one is deer resistant and it is hardy down to Zone 3 and evergreen as well. This is one of the most popular ferns.

Leptinella gruveri-Miniature Brass Buttons

Propagating Leptinella or Brass Buttons can be done at anytime of the year either by digging up the clump and dividing the crown or by digging up the rooted rhizomes that spread out from the parent plant. It is only hardy and evergreen in Zones 7-9 and prefers shade to partial shade that retains moisture year round because a drought may cause it to become dormant but will green up with water. Its blooms are insignificant and is used in the cracks of walkways or walls because at best reaches a height of 1" and could be used as a lawn in areas that are constantly shaded as long as there is moisture, so not under shade trees.

Dryopteris x remota-Scaly Buckler Fern

Propagating Dryopteris or Scaly Buckler Fern can be done either in the spring or fall by digging up the plant and dividing the crown with ample roots selected for transplanting. Like most ferns this one is also deer resistant, evergreen in warmer zones, hardy to Zone 4, prefers a moist well draining soil, does well in partial or full shade and reaches a height of almost 36".

Chamaemelum nobile-Creeping Chamomile

Propagating Creeping Chamomile can be accomplished either in the spring or fall by removing the stolons from the parent plant that have a good root system or by digging up the parent plant and dividing the crown. If you don’t have stolons coming out from the parent plant it could indicate that the soil is not amended to produce the growth, so add some compost or manure around the base of the plant. The blooms are fragrant, smell like apple blossoms, and bloom from May until June , flowers are daisy like with yellow centers ringed white. Creeping Chamomile reaches a height of 4"-6", is deer resistant, is evergreen in milder zones, read that it is hardy down to -40 degrees, and needs a well draining soil in full sun to partial shade.

Acorus gramineus-Sweet Flag

Propagating Acorus or Sweet Flag which is similar to Liriope, it spreads by rhizomes which can be transplanted in the spring, but unlike Liriope, Acorus is not a grass. Leaves are either green, variegated or white. Loves water but will also tolerate drought, is evergreen in warmer climates but like Liriope the tips may burn so prune back in the spring, but may not be as invasive as Liriope. Reaches a height of 10"-12".

Antennaria dioica-Pussy-toes

Propagating Antennaria or Pussy-toes is accomplished by digging up the rooted rhizomes that spread out from the parent plant or by dividing the clump in the spring. This is one perennial that will grow in sunny poor conditions and tolerates drought. Blooms, depending on variety, can range from red, pink, white or blue and the plant reaches a height of 2"-4" and after flowering May-June, can be mowed and in some instances could be used as a lawn. It is evergreen, deer resistant, and will tolerate light foot traffic.

Acaena caesiiglauca-New Zealand Burr

Acaena or New Zealand Burr grow by rhizomes spreading out from the parent plant so these rooted shoots can be cut from the parent plant in either the spring or the fall, but be aware the plant can become invasive. Acaena reaches a height of 2"-4", will take light foot traffic, and blooms throughout the summer, green blooms which turn into red burrs either on green or silver leaves. The plant is drought tolerant, evergreen in warmer zones, is deer resistant, and prefers full sun.

Yucca-Adam’s Needle

When I lived in Colorado I drove by pastures grazed by horses and Yucca grew all over the place and felt sorry for the horses because not only where the plants not edible but they could also cut into their hides so why anyone would want to raise Yucca is beyond me, but that aside propagating Yucca can be done by cutting off a stem, usually they come in multiples, and trim off the bottom leaves and store the cutting and allow it to dry out for 7 days. Dig a hole, depending how long the cutting is then backfill. If there is more to the top of the cutting then the bottom stake the plant. Water. It will take any where from 3-6 months for the cutting to root. Cuttings can be taken in late spring or early summer. Blooms are white and fragrant and will appear in late summer, the plant is evergreen, drought tolerant, reaches a height of 4', and yes also deer resistant. Yucca comes in green, variegated, and yellow leaves.

Asteriscus maritimus-Gold Coin Beach Daisy

It is stated that propagating Asteriscus or Gold Coin Beach Daisy can only be accomplished by seeding or terminal tip cuttings but because of it growth habit this is one plant where layering might be another option since its stems seem to be strong and it’s evergreen in Zones 8-10, but like many other warm climate type plants that bloom throughout the summer planting seeds where it is considered an annual could be beneficial. Its bloom are yellow, it is in the Aster family, they attract butterflies, the plant is deer resistant and drought tolerant, except for layering. It reaches a height of 8"-12", prefers full sun and thrives along the shore line.

Convolvulus sabatius-Ground Morning Glory, Bindweed

Since Convolvulus or Ground Morning Glory is only a perennial in Zones 7-9, seed in the fall for bloom the following year where it is an annual, or where it is evergreen, dig up the parent plant and separate rooted stems and transplant. It is a colorful weed and entangles itself into plants so be careful growing it. It blooms from June through to early fall and its colors range from white, blue, pink, lilac and along the ground reaches a height of 4"-6" but entangles itself inside of plants especially hedges. It is drought hardy and prefers full sun.

Duchesnea indica-Mock Strawberry

Why anyone would want to propagate Duchesnea or Mock Strawberry is beyond me because in NC it is considered a weed that grows rapidly in the lawn, but it can be transplanted any time of the year by digging up the rooted runners. It resembles strawberries with its flower, although yellow and its leaves, and by the tiny fruit which is not edible. Unfortunately it is deer resistant, blooms throughout most of the growing season, is evergreen and reaches a height of 2"-4". If you have an area where nothing else grows either sun or shade that has ample moisture this could be your answer.

Lamiastrum galeobdolon-Yellow Archangel

Propagating Lamiastrum or Yellow Archangel is as simple as digging up rooted plantlets either in the spring or fall but it can be viewed as invasive, similar to ivy. It is evergreen but should be clipped back hard in late winter and has variegated leaves of green and silver. It blooms in May through June and the flowers are a soft yellow, is also deer resistant, and drought tolerant.

Paronychia kapela-Mossy Whitlow-wort

Propagating Paronychia or Mossy Whitlow-wort is accomplished in the spring by digging up the parent plant and dividing the crown into as many transplants as possible that have a good root system. The plant is evergreen down to Zone 4 and can take light foot traffic since it only reahces 2" in height. It has white flowers in June-July but what is strange about the plant, like Poinsettias in bloom, silver bracts appear around the blooms that have the texture of tissue paper and remain until the fall. The plant is drought tolerant once established but also needs good drainage.

Phyteuma scheuchzeri-Horned Rampion

Propagating Phyteuma or Horned Rampion, a strange and often neglected perennial, can be done in the spring by digging up the plant and dividing the crown then transplanting rooted divisions. It blooms from June-July and they resemble the Sputnik satellite, although a close relative of the Bellflower, which are a deep blue. It is evergreen to Zone 6, prefers either full sun or partial shade and reaches a height of 8"-12" and as with most perennials needs a well drained soil.

Waldsteinia ternata-Barren Strawberry

Propagating Waldsteinia or Barren Strawberry either in the spring or fall is easy since it spreads by stolons so dig up the off-shoots and transplant. It prefers shade, blooms in the spring with small yellow blooms and once established becomes drought tolerant but needs a well draining soil. It is evergreen in milder zones but will do well in Zone 3 and reaches a height of 4"-6". Its leaves resemble strawberry plants.

Scleranthus uniflorus-New Zealand Moss

Propagating Scleranthus or New Zealand Moss can be done either in the spring or fall. The plant forms a tight hummock of moss looking plants and sometimes the clumps become patchy and die back in the center, so dig up the patch and separate the clumps with roots and transplant. It does not like wet feet but prefers a sandy or gravely soil in full sun or light shade and is drought tolerant but only in Zones 7-10. Inconspicuous green/white flowers appear in late summer and is best used as a filler between flagstones because it will take foot traffic, is also evergreen and deer resistant.

Vancouveria hexandra-Inside Out Flower, American Barrenwort

Propagating Vancouveria or Inside Out is simple. Transplant rooted rhizomes in the spring or fall. This is a native of Vancouver and it is named Inside Out because because when the plant blooms white in late spring it’s petals and sepals turn backwards. It is evergreen in warmer climates, deer resistant and depending on the humidity in the air drought tolerant although to grow profusely it prefers a rich moist woodland type soil that is slightly acidic, i.e. oak trees and partial or full shade. It grows to a height of 8"-10" and is classified as a wild flower.

Phormium-New Zealand Flax

Propagating Phormium or New Zealand Flax is similar to Liriope whose rhizomes spread out from the parent plant so transplant in the spring and trim back to 6". Unlike Liriope New Zealand Flax is hardy only in Zones 8 and up and does not bloom, except in old plants, but different varieties have different variegated leaves, ranging from green and red, to pink, to yellow, orange, silver, will reach a height up to 30", remain evergreen, and are deer resistant. Once established plants tend to take dryness but not drought conditions.

Paxistima canbyi-Pachistima

Propagating Paxistima canbyi or Pachistima is done in the spring by digging up the rooted rhizomes that spread out from the parent plant and transplant. Its blooms are insignificant in the spring and reaches a height of 10"-12", is evergreen and susceptible to foliar burn in the winter because it has glossy leaves. It prefers a high pH and a well draining high organic soil and will take full sun or partial shade and is susceptible to Euonymous scale.

Petrorhagia(pet-ro-RAY-jee-a) saxifraga-Tunic Flower

Petrorhagia saxifraga or Tunic Flower is best accomplished in the spring by digging up the root ball and dividing then transplanting and it is similar to but shorter then Baby’s Breathe. It is a groundcover that is evergreen in warmer zones, above 5, and reaches a height of 6"-8". It is a prolific self seeder if flowers are not deadheaded, is drought tolerant, and prefers full sun. It will bloom from May until August and colors vary from pink, violet and white and does best in a well draining soil, either sand or clay.

Raoulia australis-New Zealand Scab Plant, Vegetable Sheep

Propagating Raoulia or New Zealand Scab Plant is done in the early spring by digging up the plant and dividing rooted crowns into transplants. Its blooms are insignificant and it a great creeper in between and over rocks and only grows to an 1" in height and will take moderate foot traffic. It is evergreen from Zone 5 up, drought tolerant which deer tend to ignore and prefers good draining soil but not wet feet.

Stokesia laevis-Stokes Aster

Propagating Stokesia or Stokes Aster should be done in the spring by digging up the parent plant and dividing off good rootstocks for transplant. In warmer zones it is evergreen, but will winter kill below Zone 5. Mounding type of perennial that is tolerant of hot, humid summers in full sun in well drianed soil, especially winters, and butterflies enjoy the nectar, but deer tend not to browse. Deadhead to lengthen bloom time which is July to September and it can reach a height of 12"-24". Colors vary on each plant opening white and turning blue, pink, purple and even yellow.

Schizachyrium-Bluestem

Propagating Schizachyrium or Bluestem is done in late spring after pruning, the new growth is a late arrival, by digging up the plant and dividing the roots. Bluestem is deciduous, but is known for its winter interest and the varieties that show different colored stems. It reaches a height of 2'-3' and is deer resistant. It can take drought as well as wet feet and does well in full to mostly sunny areas.

Sedum-Stonecrop

Propagating the succulent Sedum or Stonecrop can be done by division, either spring or fall, by digging up the plant and dividing the crown and separating the plant with a good root system for each transplant or taking the blossom rosettes out in the spring when pruning and burying them in a well drained soil. Sedum prefers full sun, is deer resistant, attracts butterflies, honeybees but some varieties don’t bloom until the fall and the rest in the spring, and varieties can range in height from 6”-24”. Their flowers can be pink/mauve or yellow, but it is the variegated, blood or black colored leaves that make them stand out in the garden where they need little attention, love humidity, and are evergreen. Sedum tend to become leggy when not cut back in June.

Sempervivum-Hens and Chicks

Propagating Sempervivum or Hens and Chicks is probably the easiest of all perennials. The Chicks grow from the Hens, but not in soil with wet feet, the leaves will rot, so when the off shoots send down roots transplant. They prefer a rocky or gravely soil in full sun or partial shade. They will flower on plants in 3 to 4 years in the fall but then the plant dies. The blooms range from pink to yellow plus there are varieties that seem to have cobwebs growing over the top and leaves that can range in color from lime green to purple/burgundy and only grow to a maximum height of 3”, but will not endure foot traffic, and are deer resistant.

Pachysandra terminalis-Japanese Spurge

Propagating Pachysandra can be done either in the spring or fall by dividing the clumps and transplanting. Pachysandra prefers a slightly acidic soil and will do well in poor soil but prefers a fertile soil and will yellow if exposed to too much sun, so it prefers shade. Its flower is white and insignificant in the spring but do not plant near Euonymous because it is susceptible to Euonymous scale and voles/moles tunneling through the soil damaging the roots. It reaches a height of 12", is deer resistant, and is evergreen.

Zauschneria(Zosh-neer-ee-uh)-California Fuchsia

Propagating Zauschneria or California Fushsia depends who you ask or what variety you chose. Some Zauschneria varieties produce underground rhizomes that can be dug up and transplanted, most say to start from seed or cuttings, but you can also divide to roots or you can layer, it will self seed as well, but the plant must receive afternoon sun to keep the soil moist in that instance. Zauschneria blooms from July to September and the flowers can range from pink to orange to red. It is a plant that attracts both hummingbirds and butterflies but not deer. It does not like wet feet in the winter and is drought tolerant once established but slugs could poise a problem. In warmer climates it is evergreen and is healthy down to Zone 3. It can become rangy in winter so pruning back in the spring will help its appearance.

Tiarella-Foamflower

Propagating Tiarella or Foamflower can be accomplished either in the spring or fall and it is the simplest of division processes, dig up rooted the stolons and transplant. Foamflower is a cousin of Coral Bells however to proliferate it prefers an acidic rich moist sol in light shade. It is evergreen in warmer zones and blooms from May-June, there are variegated leafed varieties, blooms that are either pink or white, some varieties can reach a height of 30", and is deer resistant.

Silene acaulis-Moss Campion

Some will say the best way to propagate Silene or Moss Campion is by seed but those of you that propagate Phlox subulata should be able to dig up this dwarf perennial in the spring and divide the roots and transplant. One good thing about this groundcover is the Zones it is hardy in from 2-9 and is evergreen, however it does best in a moist gravely soil, is not drought tolerant, prefers cool summers, will take light foot traffic, and is deer resistant, so New England it is. The tiny pink flowers will bloom from May to July and trimming back after flowering will make the plant more dense and its reaches a height of only 1".

Scabiosa-Pincushion Flower

Propagating Scabiosa or Pincushion Flower is accomplished in the spring by digging up the parent plant and separating two-three well rooted stems and transplant. Be careful when purchasing Scabiosa initially to make certain you are purchasing a perennial not an annual. Some varieties must be staked because they will reach upwards of 3', and most are deciduous but there are evergreen varieties as well. Scabiosa is appreciated in the garden because with deadheading it will bloom from spring until fall or if left it can be a great self seeder in a well drained alkaline soil in full sun to partial shade. Blooming varieties vary from blue, white, pink, burgundy, yellow, and violet. It tends to be deer resistant, is attractive to both hummingbirds and butterflies.

Corydalis-Corydalis

Propagating Corydalis should be done in early spring/late winter because this is one perennial that will bloom from spring, March/April, until early fall, but only in cooler climates, Zone 5, otherwise in warmer zones it has a tendency to go dormant in mid summer and may or may not sprout again in the fall. In warmer zones I suggest that you plant in an area that does not get afternoon sun and that is susceptible to wind for a longer blooming period and since it does not appreciate summer drought make certain the soil is a heavy rich mixture and not sand nor gravel. Corydalis will reach a height of up to 12" and variety colors range from purple, chocolate, pink, yellow, white, red, blue, tends to be deer resistant, is evergreen and fragrant.

Cymbalaria-Kenilworth Ivy

Propagating Cymbalaria or Kenilworth Ivy can be done either in the spring or fall by digging up the rhizomes that have rooted away from the parent plant. Kenilworth Ivy prefers cool summers but is evergreen in mild winters. Blooms are bluish tints, either light or dark, and pink, flowers from spring-summer and prefers afternoon sun especially in warmer zones, and can be walked on lightly so it is a good filler for flagstone walkways since it only reaches 2" in height.

Passiflora incarnata-Maypop Passion Flower

Passiflora or Passion Flower isn’t really a perennial, more like a climbing woody plant, but it can be propagated by cutting or by digging up the suckers that form around the base of the parent plant in the spring in warmer climates, southeast, it is deciduous and dies or can be back to the ground after frost. It blooms from August through September with various colors, purple, yellow-orange, pink, red, blue, and white. It can be used to screen unsightly areas with a trellis and butterflies are attracted to its blooms and is one of the few plants that prefers poor but well draining soil in full or partial sun.

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