Common name:Blue Spire Russian Sage
Botanical name:Perovskia 'Blue Spire'

'Blue Spire' is a selection of perovskia that grows about 3 to 4 feet tall and 2 to 3 feet wide (though it will grow larger if over-watered). New wood is white and fuzzy; leaves are a soft green to grey-green and finely cut, giving it an airy appearance. Flower spires of fuzzy, lavender blue flowers begin in June and continue through the summer months. Useful in the perennial or shrub border, with ornamental grasses, and as a cut flower.

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

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: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:May Night Meadow Sage
Botanical name:Salvia nemorosa 'May Night'

An outstanding variety of Meadow sage, May Night has a compact growing habit, and profuse deep-purple flower spikes. The heaviest flush of flowers occurs in May, but it blooms off and on all summer. Deadheading encourages heavier re-blooming (see Guide). Deer and rabbit resistant. A wonderful cut flower. Grows 15 to 18 inches tall and 18 inches wide. Can be seen in the Washington Square Demonstration Garden.

Common name:Moss Sedum
Botanical name:Sedum acre

A perfect sedum for rock gardens and borders, Goldmoss sedum forms a carpet of soft green that becomes completely engulfed with yellow flowers in summer. Foliage turns a beautiful shade of red during cold months. Use among stepping stones, along a garden path, or in a parkstrip. Also nice in containers. Grows about 3 inches tall and spreads about 10 inches wide. It is a little brittle, and so is best with only light foot traffic.