Common name:Autumn Joy Sedum
Botanical name:Sedum 'Autumn Joy'

Autumn Joy sedum is a garden staple, and for good reason. Emerging in early spring, fleshy, green to grey-green leaves form a rosette of foliage, and soon expands on sturdy stems, growing about 18 to 24 inches tall and wide. Flower heads begin to form in early to mid summer, looking something like little cauliflower, but soon the buds open to pale pink stars that progressively deepen in color, until they become a russet red in the fall. Use in perennial, shrub, or foundation borders, in parkstrips, with ornamental grasses. Attracts butterflies and bees. Flower heads persist well into winter.

Common name:Variegated Iris
Botanical name:Iris pallida 'Variegata'

If I had to pick my top five must-have perennials, this would be on the list. A species of bearded iris, yellow variegated iris has long, sword like foliage that emerges in early spring and is colored pale, grey-green and lemony yellow. Flowers bloom late spring to early summer, are a pale blue to violet-blue, and are very fragrant (like a cross between grape and apple juice). Absolutely fills the yard. And after flowering, the foliage holds out all summer, unlike other bearded iris; the variegated leaves a striking presence, even without the flowers. The foliage is about 18 to 24 inches tall, and the flowers rise to about 30 to 40 inches. I have never had a garden that didn't include this iris. There is also a variety with white variegation, usually listed as Iris p. 'Argenta.' Fabulous anywhere, and plant enough so you can cut them and bring them indoors.

Common name:Mountain Flame Hummingbird Trumpet
Botanical name:Zauschneria garrettii 'Mountain Flame'

Another Z. garrettii cultivar, 'Mountain Flame' has the same brilliant orange to scarlet trumpets mid-to-late summer, and dense, light green leaves. It is taller than 'Orange Carpet,' growing about 18 inches tall and 18 to 24 inches wide. It blooms earlier than Z. arizonica. A wonderful addition to the perennial border, or along the edge of a sunny shrub or foundation border. Attracts hummingbirds.

Common name:Lambs' Ear
Botanical name:Stachys byzantina

Lambs' ear is a most fabulous perennial and groundcover, grown primarily for its soft, velvety leaves. It grows about a foot or so tall and spreads 2 to 3 feet. Leaves are grey-green and hairy, with the hairs giving the leaves a silvery cast. Though not really evergreen, the leaves turn a lovely buff come fall and persist well into the winter months, until buried under snow. Erect flowering stems arise May and June, with pink to lavender flowers at the terminal end. Some remove the flower stems before they bloom, but they are simple and charming. Use as a edging plant for a perennial, shrub, or foundation border, or as a ground cover. There are some named cultivars; 'Helene Von Stein' and 'Big Wave' claim to be flowerless, though in my experience they all eventually come to flower. Leaves are wonderful on wreaths (but you'll need a glue gun). There are lambs ear planted at the Washington Square Demonstration Garden.

Common name:Hollyhock
Botanical name:Alcea rosea

Hollyhocks are an old-fashioned garden favorite, and for good reason. Tall spires of open bell-like flowers bloom through the summer months, and the large, round leaves are lush and tropical-looking. Flower colors range from white through every shade of yellow, pink, lavender, and red, to nearly black. Plants may grow 2 to 8 feet, depending on variety.

Common name:Magnus Coneflower
Botanical name:Echinacea purpurea 'Magnus'

'Magnus' is a cultivar of E. purpurea, and is selected for its bright reddish pink petals that lay out flat, and don't recurve as is typical with most coneflower. Blooms mid to late summer. The plant stands about 3 to 4 feet tall and about 18 to 24 inches wide, with large, deep green leaves typical of the species. Great in perennial borders and as cut flowers, though the seed heads will attract birds and persist well into the winter, so its worth it to leave some on the plant.

Common name:Ravenna Grass
Botanical name:Erianthus ravennae

Ravenna grass is a fabulous ornamental grass, from its striking silhouette and silky plumes to its fall color and winter presence. Emerging mid to late spring, it clumping, upright arching mound of foliage quickly reaches 3 to 5 feet. Plume stalks begin to emerge, with silky plumes emerging mid to late summer. As temperatures cool, plumes turn pinkish and foliage takes on burgundy hues. Very winter persistent. Winter birds will love the seeds. Grows 8 to 10 feet tall and 3 to 4 feet wide. Plumes are lovely in vases.

Common name:Oakleaf Hydrangea
Botanical name:Hydrangea quercifolia

Oakleak hydrangea is a deciduous, summer blooming shrub with an irregular, rounded habit growing about 6 to 8 feet tall and wide. Green leaves are large and deeply lobed, and reminiscent of oak leaves; fall color is a rich burgundy. White flower clusters appear in mid summer in erect, terminal panicles; flowers slowly age to a pinkish-purple color and persist into the fall. Mature stems exfoliate to reveal a rich brown inner bark which is attractive in winter. Fabulous in the shady shrub or foundation border. Excellent cut flower. Many selections available.