Whorled Milkweed

Asclepias verticillata

Zones: 3–9

Size: 1 to 2½ feet tall and 1 to 2 feet wide

Conditions: Full sun to partial shade; adaptable to a wide range of well-drained soil types

Native range: Central and eastern United States, southern Canada

Blooming later into summer than most other milkweeds, whorled milkweed puts on a fl oral show that frequently continues unabated from June until September and attracts a wide range of pollinators, including monarchs. Creamy white umbels of lightly fragrant fl owers glow atop unbranched stems clad in whorls of needle-like leaves. Because this species is poisonous to livestock, it is considered a noxious weed in pasture areas; in a garden setting, it is left alone by both rabbits and deer. Spreading by rhizomes and by seed, it is particularly durable in sandy, gravelly, well-drained soil.

Closed Bottle Gentian

Gentiana andrewsii

Zones: 3–7

Size: 1 to 2 feet tall and 1 to 1½ feet wide

Conditions: Full sun to partial shade; moist, rich soil

Native range: Northeastern and central North America

I’m always smitten when I see the cylindrical, deep blue fl owers of closed bottle gentian in late summer and early fall. Each nonbranching stem of this amazing native plant supports many fl owers that are nearly closed at their tips and never truly open. This fl ower architecture challenges strong bumblebees to force their way into the bloom, ensuring pollination. Requiring very little care once established, this clump-forming, deer-resistant perennial is a great addition to any wildfl ower garden with fertile, consistently moist soil. Consider planting it alongside some supportive neighbors that will help to keep the heavy fl ower stems upright and visible.

Rocky Mountain Liatris

Liatris ligulistylis

Zones: 3–8

Size: 3 to 5 feet tall and 1 to 2 feet wide

Conditions: Full sun; moist, well-drained soil

Native range: Central North America, western Canada

In my pollinator garden, Rocky Mountain liatris is the ultimate nectar plant for monarchs during its four- to six-week midsummer bloom period. I like to use this hardy perennial for a strong vertical presence, scattering multiple groupings throughout a garden design. Consistent moisture is ideal, although you will want to avoid soil that is poorly drained or wet in winter. In rich soil this species may gain significant height and require some staking, but the extra effort is worth it when the tufted, thistle-like flowers arrayed along the tall stems bring in droves of monarchs and other pollinators. Pest and disease resistance are bonuses.

Wild Petunia

Ruellia humilis

Zones: 4–8

Size: 1 to 2 feet tall and wide

Conditions: Full sun to partial shade; adaptable to a wide range of well-drained soil types

Native range: Eastern and central United States

Attracting an array of pollinators, this hardy workhorse blooms through the hottest and driest part of the year, from June through August. With a habit that is compact, bushy, and slightly sprawling, wild petunia looks terrific in small groupings or massed as a ground cover. Its five-lobed, bell-shaped, lavender to lilac flowers appear along hairy stems. Hummingbirds are big fans of this durable perennial, while deer and rabbits aren’t overly interested. There are no serious insect or disease problems, but watch out for seedlings, which may pop up several feet away from the parent plant. If you don’t want these extra plants, just pull them up or relocate them.

Back to Natives for Summer Interest Collection

Mark Dwyer manages the Edgerton Hospital Healing Garden in Edgerton, Wisconsin, operates Landscape Prescriptions by MD, and is a regional reporter for FineGardening.com.

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