1. Rhizoma Corydalis

Name: Corydalis turtschaninovii

Usda Hardiness Zones: 5 to 9

Size: 6 to 8 inches tall and wide

Conditions: Partial to full shade; moist, well-drained soil

I have become very fond of the many corydalis cultivars that herald early spring with beautiful glaucous, ferny foliage and long-spurred, tubular flowers in a range of colors. At first glance, you would think these plants are too delicate for northern gardens, but they are amazingly durable in a Zone 5 Midwest (or warmer) garden. Unfortunately, many of the blue flowering species that graced the front covers of catalogs a few years ago don’t survive our winters. Next year, I’m going to try a hardier species with blue flowers, rhizoma corydalis, based on the recommendation of plant expert Joseph Tychonievich, who has been growing it successfully in his Michigan garden for a number of years. Unlike the more common yellow corydalis (Corydalis lutea, Zones 5–7), this species is ephemeral, so don’t despair if the foliage disappears in late spring. If you don’t disturb the area where they are planted, they will joyously return next season.

2. ‘Musassi’ Lily

Name: Lilium ‘Musassi’

Zones: 5 to 9

Size: 4 to 5 feet tall and 2 to 3 feet wide

Conditions: Full sun; rich, moist soil

It’s fair to say that I’m passionate about lilies and add to my collection annually. However, plant breeders seem lately to be more focused on flower count and size to the detriment of stem strength, and many newer lilies sag or even flop in my rich garden soils. Orienpet hybrid lilies like ‘Musassi’, though, boast enormous flowers on thick, sturdy stalks while also sporting a nice fragrance. The blooms of this variety are red, almost black. I’m going to make sure to plant them near any of my garden seating areas and by my windows so that in summer, I don’t miss their heady fragrance when they peak.

3. ‘Angel Wing’ Solomon’s Seal

Name: Polygonatum odoratum ‘Angel Wing’

Zones: 3 to 8

Size: 18 inches tall and wide

Conditions: Full sun to partial shade; well-drained soil

Few plants are more durable in both sun and shade than Solomon’s seal. I’ve been delighted that the selection of cultivars has been expanding to include options with both gold and even whiter variegation than the time-tested ‘Variegatum’ (P. odoratum ‘Variegatum’, Zones 3–8). I love white in my shade garden because it shows up under dim lighting, so cultivars with more amounts of white, like ‘Angel Wing’, appeal to me. Each cream-colored edge of this new variety is extrawide, making it an instant focal point.

4. ‘Tiny Tortuga’ Turtlehead

Name: Chelone obliqua ‘Tiny Tortuga’

Zones: 3 to 8

Size: 14 to 16 inches tall and wide

Conditions: Full sun to partial shade; moist, well-drained soil

Yes, turtlehead can be a bit of a thug in sunny conditions with wet feet, but that also makes it a tough, durable plant. And it is better behaved in drier garden soils. In spite of a fairly long bloom period, the commonly used large pink turtlehead (Chelone lyonii, Zones 3–8) is difficult to use in small garden spaces, so the more dwarf ‘Hot Lips’ (C. lyonii ‘Hot Lips’, Zones 3–8) became a good alternative for gardeners with less space. ‘Tiny Tortuga’ boasts two added attributes I must try. Its greatly reduced size is even more compact than ‘Hot Lips’, and its deep bronze foliage should make the hot pink flower clusters stand out even more dramatically.

Fine Gardening Recommended Products

Berry & Bird Rabbiting Spade, Trenching Shovel

Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

Ideal Tool for All Gardeners Use: Our heavy duty trenching shovel is designed by a professional gardening tool designer. Lifetime Durability: This heavy duty drain spade is made of high-quality stainless steel, it is very strong and durable, even if it is used for high-strength work, it will not bend. Ergonomic Wood Handle: The handle of this planting spade is made of ash hardwood harvested from FSC-certified forests and has an ergonomically streamlined design, making it very suitable for everyone's hands. Multi-Use: This digging shovel is generally used for digging trenches, digging holes, transplanting, edging, moving compost, cutting thick turf and furrowing. The sharp blade allows you to cut, scoop, dig, lift and dice in hard soil.

Buy at Amazon

Plant Covers Freeze Protection 10 ft x 30 ft Floating Row Cover 0.9oz/yd²

Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

Lightweight and Breathable MATERIAL Good for protecting Plant: the plant frost cover material is 0.74 oz/sq non-woven polypropylene fabric, which is lightweight, breathable, and durable. The plant blanket frost protection allows sunlight reach the plants, perfect for protecting plants from the damage of freeze or frost. Wide Application In your Garden Work. The plant row cover not only can work as a barrier against frost, but also can be a great tool for germination and good for rapid seedling growth. By using the fabric plant covers over your plant, you can start the plant earlier in the spring and extending the growing season of your plants. How to Use the Plant Covers: you can cover the plant covers for freeze over your the plants loosely directly and then secure the plant frost blanket with soil, stones or staples. You can also support the floating row covers with a hoop, make enough room for plants to breath and grow. You could also cut the plant covers into different sizes for different purposes.

Buy at Amazon