Master Gardeners of Northern Virginia

Promoting environmentally sound gardening practices for over 35 years!

Echinacea purpurea (Purple Coneflower) Photo by Elaine L. Mills

perennial

PERENNIAL: Agastache foeniculum (Anise or Blue Giant Hyssop)
New in 2022!

Tried and True Native Plant Selections for the Mid-Atlantic 
Anise Hyssop inhabits widely scattered areas in the northern United States and Canada. Though indigenous to only a few Pennsylvania counties, in the Mid-Atlantic it grows easily in well-drained soil. Its pretty flower spikes, which attract myriad pollinators [WATCH A NEW VIDEO] all summer, add a vertical layer to the garden; its leaves and seeds add an anise flavor to teas, salads and baked goods.

Featured Glossary word: Verticillaster

Read morePERENNIAL: Agastache foeniculum (Anise or Blue Giant Hyssop)
New in 2022!

PERENNIAL: Pycnanthemum muticum (Short-toothed/Clustered Mountain-mint)

Tried and True Native Plant Selections for the Mid-Atlantic 
The flowers of this native may be unassuming, but their nectar enticed the greatest number and diversity of pollinators out of 86 native species and nativars monitored by Penn State Extension and Master Gardeners over a 3-year period. Showy, silvery bracts accent the flower clusters and the foliage exudes a strong minty aroma when crushed.

Featured Glossary word: Canescent

Read morePERENNIAL: Pycnanthemum muticum (Short-toothed/Clustered Mountain-mint)

PERENNIAL: Verbena hastata (Blue or Common Vervain)

Tried and True Native Plant Selections for the Mid-Atlantic 
Found naturally in meadows, floodplains, and swamps (and sometimes called swamp vervain), this native blooms throughout the summer and into autumn, longer than most other perennials. Historically thought to be a cure for many ailments, it is still used for medicinal purposes today.

Featured Glossary word: Perennial New in 2022!

Read morePERENNIAL: Verbena hastata (Blue or Common Vervain)
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