‘Grande’ Bluestar Amsonia is a gorgeous native perennial. It is low-maintenance, deer-resistance and blooms in spring. Even after the flowers have bloomed, the lush foliage looks elegant and pairs perfectly with grasses and other flowering perennials.

A beautiful shimmer of purple covering this Bala Cynwyd lawn.

Amsonia are some of my favorite native perennials. Amsonia hubrechtii is the most commonly seen species along the Main Line and it is primarily grown for its fine leaves that take on a shaggy yellow appearance at the end of the season and look awesome paired with grasses.

‘Grande’ is an incredible selection of another species called Amsonia tabernamontani. It has broad leaves and beautiful clusters of blue flowers from late April through May. The foliage adds an elegant green texture to the landscape once flowers have faded.

Grande isn’t the easiest selection to find, so I gathered 2 clumps from a generous client in Villanova in December and now have 40 plugs and dozens of larger plants ready for potting and planting this spring.

Working with the plants used in landscape designs from roots to flowers keeps you connected to how the plants develop over time and function in the field.

There are beautiful varieties of native plants that have been carefully tested and selected and can be used in a garden setting to support wildlife and provide a beautiful aesthetic without looking out of control. Many, like this Amsonia have drought and deer resistant qualities that are hard to beat in addition to the gorgeous flowers.

Looking forward to bringing these perennials back out into the landscape as part of several new designs in just a few weeks.

Evergreens play an important role in the designed landscape. They provide year-round screening and privacy and also structure the landscape in winter. Beyond just being functional, species like Southern Magnolia have beautiful fragrant spring flowers. Available in a variety of selections from full-sized to dwarf species, Southern Magnolias are a great evergreen tree to consider planting.

Meadows in Winter

When does it make sense to step back and plan your landscape as a complement to the rest of your home?