Carex platyphylla

Broadleaf Sedge                                  

Family: Cyperaceae (Sedge Family)

       

·        Hardiness Zones:  4-8

·        Height: 8-12 inches

·        Spread: 12-18 inches

·        Bloom Time: blooms in June, fruit in July

·        Bloom: flowers not ornamentally significant

·        Light: part shade to full shade

·        Soil: prefers loamy high pH soil

·        Moisture: moist; drought tolerant once established

·        Use: shade gardens; border on woodland trails

·        Care: shear the foliage down to1 inch in early March to avoid cutting off early-rising flowers (if you desire seedlings)

·        Concerns: no serious insect or disease problems

·        Native to: southeast Canada and north-central and eastern United States

·        Notes: glaucous, broad (1-2 inch) blue-green leaves; deer resistant

·        Supplier: Landscape Designs, Inc.

·        Teaching Garden Location & Code: Naturalistic Garden H181

 

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       Dane County UWEX Master Gardener Volunteer Program 

 

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Carex plantaginea

Seersucker Sedge                                

Family: Cyperaceae (Sedge Family)

       

·        Hardiness Zones:  4-8

·        Height: 6-12 inches

·        Spread: 10-12 inches

·        Bloom Time: spring

·        Bloom: reddish purple scaly flower spikes are displayed above foliage

·        Light: prefers light to medium shade

·        Soil: prefers rich calcareous soils of woodlands; tolerates alkaline soil

·        Moisture: moist; tolerates some drought once established

·        Use: textural accent for shade gardens; border on woodland trails; rock garden

·        Care: shear the foliage down to1 inch in early March to avoid cutting off early-rising flowers (if you desire seedlings)

·        Concerns: no serious insect or disease problems

·        Native to: eastern North America

·        Notes: leaves are broad and semi-evergreen with a striking lime green color and puckered surface; deer resistant

·        Supplier: Landscape Designs, Inc.

·        Teaching Garden Location & Code: Naturalistic Garden H180

 

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       Dane County UWEX Master Gardener Volunteer Program 

 

       Questions?  

       Dane County UWEX Horticulture Program

 

Pachysandra procumbens

Alleghany spurge                                

Family: Buxaceae (Boxwood Family)

       

·        Hardiness Zones:  4-9

·        Height: 6-10 inches

·        Spread: 1-2 feet

·        Bloom Time: spring

·        Bloom: fragrant white flower spikes

·        Light: part shade to full shade

·        Soil: prefers humus-rich acidic soils

·        Moisture: moist; drought tolerant once established

·        Use: woodland landscape or shade garden

·        Care: low maintenance

·        Concerns: no serious insect or disease problems

·        Native to: southeastern United States

·        Notes: leaves have scalloped margin and take on attractive pale silver mottling; spreads slowly into colonies via rhizomes; deer resistant

·        Supplier: Landscape Designs, Inc.

·        Teaching Garden Location & Code: Naturalistic Garden H182

 

       Content produced through:

       Dane County UWEX Master Gardener Volunteer Program 

 

       Questions?  

       Dane County UWEX Horticulture Program

 

Symphytum grandiflorum 'Hidcote Variegated'

Comphrey 'Hidcote Variegated'       

Family: Boraginaceae (Borage Family)

       

·        Hardiness Zones:  4-10

·        Height: 12 inches

·        Spread: 18 inches

·        Bloom Time: late spring to early summer

·        Bloom: clusters of creamy white flowers

·        Light: part shade to full shade

·        Soil: average, well-drained; best in organically rich soils

·        Moisture: adapts well to dry or moist conditions once established

·        Use: borders, attractive ground cover for woodland areas, shade gardens

·        Care: cut back stems promptly after flowering to encourage rebloom

·        Concerns: no serious insect or disease problems

·        Native to: species native to Caucusus Mountains

·        Notes: green leaves accented with a strong creamy yellow, variegated margin

·        Supplier: Landscape Designs, Inc.

·        Teaching Garden Location & Code: Naturalistic Garden H185

 

       Content produced through:

       Dane County UWEX Master Gardener Volunteer Program 

 

       Questions?  

       Dane County UWEX Horticulture Program