### Fully hardy ## Can survive outside in mild regions/sheltered sites J Move inside for winter
Pulmonaria
Delicate blue, white, or pink flowers from late winter to early spring. Interesting blotchy leaves for most of the year. Lovely groundcover under other plants.
Care: Cut back old leaves before flowers appear, and again in summer.
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Hosta
Easy to grow, hostas come in a wide range of heights and leaf colors, some with variegation. The perfect foliage plant for light to part shade, with pretty upright flowers in summer.
Care: Feed monthly during growing season with liquid or soluble fertilizer.
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Astrantia major
Dainty pincushion-style flowers ranging from white or pale green to pinks and reds. Can also be planted in sun, but needs moist soil. Good to plant under taller plants to add layers.
Care: Deadhead, and cut back to soil level in fall or late winter.
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Ferns
Ferns add architectural interest to displays, thrive in shady conditions, and come in a variety of heights and leaf shapes. Great to plant under taller plants. Some are evergreen.
Care: Incorporate organic matter in planting area. Keep soil moist.
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Bergenia
Evergreen perennial with dark green leaves, red tinted in winter, deep purple in some varieties. White or pink flowers in late winter and early spring. Easy to grow. Good groundcover plant.
Care: Remove faded flower spikes. Will grow in sun, but needs moist soil.
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Helleborus
Hellebores’ elegant flowers brighten up late winter days—they can be single or double, from pale pink to deep maroon. Large architectural leaves add interest.
Care: Cut back old foliage before flowers appear. Apply liquid or soluble fertilizer in fall and after flowering.
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See also… Acer palmatum p.231, Buxus sempervirens p.233, Cornus p.233, Carpinus betulus p.229, Fothergilla major p.231, Hydrangea p.233, Photinia p.229, Taxus baccata p.229, Viburnum x bodnantense p.233
Sempervivum
Tight rosettes of fleshy leaves with upright flowers in summer. Foliage in shades of green, mahogany, bronzy purple, and crimson. Plant in a shallow container with free-draining soil mix.
Care: Repot when roots fill container. Do not overwater.
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Echeveria
Thick, fleshy leaves in rosettes, which can be green tinged with red autumnal hints, or dramatic black/purple. Clusters of upright flowers in spring. Looks good in traditional alpine pots.
Care: Not frost resistant so keep indoors in winter. Do not overwater.
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in full sun y Partial shade U Full shade
Aeonium
Evergreen succulents. Rosettes of fleshy leaves. Star-shaped flowers in spring. Perfect for a sunny porch. Foliage is green with red tints in fall/winter. Blackish-purple varieties also available.
Care: Not frost resistant, so keep indoors in winter. Do not overwater.
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Dianthus alpinus
Choose small alpine species with dainty and fragrant white or pink upright flowers in summer and evergreen foliage. Pretty in a tiny container. Use free-draining potting mix.
Care: Repot when roots fill container. Deadhead regularly. Do not overwater.
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Phlox douglasii
Becomes a low-growing plant that will carpet shallow containers. Lilac, pale-blue, or pink flowers from late spring to early summer. Plant with free-draining potting mix.
Care: Repot when roots fill container. Deadhead regularly. Do not overwater.
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Tillandsia
Airplants don’t need soil mix to grow; they absorb all their moisture and nutrients from the air. Versatile in a variety of arrangements, including growing on bark and shells or in sand.
Care: Mist regularly for humidity. Add liquid fertilizer in spring and summer.
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See also… Aster p.226, Sedum spectabile p.226