Semiaguilegia ecalcarta-False Columbine

Propagating this short-lived perennial is simple, just let it go to seed, or carefully dig up self-seeded plants in early spring and transplant and although this cousin to the regular Columbine prefers full sun in cooler regions of the country, it also prefers a well drained moist soil. This plant is a native to China, blooms late spring to early summer and reaches a height of 8"-18" with violet to purple flowers. It is also deer resistant and possibly hardier under Zone 5 but with extra protection.

Penstemon digitalis-“Husker Red” Penstemon

Propagating Penstemon is hard because there are different varieties and sometimes garden centers will sell plants that are not hardy to your zone so before you buy make certain the variety you are buying is hardy to your zone because there are west coast and east coast types. “Husker Red” is an east coast type and it can be propagated by division, however other varieties can only be propagated by layering or cutting(mid summer to early fall) in west coast types. Now Penstemon’s are native to the USA, however “Husker Red” was hybrized at the University of Nebraska and is hardy in Zones 3-8, however its flower color is white to pale pink however its leaves and stems are deep purple. It grows to a height of 2 ½' and its flowers are hummingbird and bee magnets. To be hardy this variety needs good draining soil where west coast type generally do well in poor soils and need full sun, 10-12 hours daily. Normally “Husker Red” is evergreen and is supposedly deer resistant. One could always check the hardiness of their purchase by going to the Penstemon Society.

Thamnocalamus crassinodus-Mountain Bamboo

Propagating Mountain Bamboo is simple because it is a clumping bamboo and would suggest that propagating either in the spring or fall would bring success. This plant can grow up to 25' so it is a great screening material however it prefers shade or an early morning sun which will bring out the burgundy color of its canes which start in the spring with a blue hue. It is native to East Asia and Africa and is not cold hardy so do not attempt to raise outside of Zones 8-10.