Chicagoland Grows

Panicum ‘Bad Hair Day’ PP#29,313

An intermediate to large-sized switchgrass, growing to 71 inches tall by 88 inches wide in full inflorescence. Stems are strongly upright, but the foliage is pendulous. The uniquely-weeping inflorescences sway in the wind, creating a whimsical mophead that gave it its “bad hair day” name. A hybrid of the bitter (Panicum amarum) and common (Panicum virgatum) switchgrass. Not only heat and cold tolerant, but may be more drought and salt tolerant. Zones 4 to 8.

Phlox ‘Strawberries and Cream’ PP#28,762

Selected for flowers that darken in color with age, yet are attractive in all color phases. The ¾-inch wide flowers are nearly white with a light violet-pink blush upon opening, aging to medium and even dark pink-violet. The broad petals make for fuller flowers, adding to the display. Blooms for four weeks. A hybrid of Phlox subulata and Phlox kelseyi, grow well drained and sunny as you would grow moss phlox. Zones 4 to 8.

Veronica 'Blue Sprite' PP#29,581

This diminutive yet durable speedwell blooms from early or mid-June until mid-July in northern Illinois, packing its violet flowers on dense flower stems only 6 inches tall. The plants are equally dense with fine, olive-green foliage on creeping rhizomes. Two-year-old trial plants measured 10 inches wide by 1 inch tall. Equally tough as it is attractive, ‘Blue Sprite’ is highly disease-resistant, drought-tolerant, and hardy to USDA Zone 4. For full sun and well-drained soils.

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