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Recommended plants for the Eastern and Western Great Plains

The GreatPlants program is a joint effort of the Nebraska Nursery & Landscape Association and the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum that selects and promotes exceptional plants – reliably hardy, easy to care for, and ornamentally worthwhile – for Plants of the Year and for GreatPlants Releases and Introductions. Ask for them at your local nursery!

2008 Tree
Ostrya virginiana , American Hophornbeam. A g raceful medium-sized native tree with horizontal branches forming an interesting zig-zag pattern. Sinewy bark and catkins add winter interest; hops-like fruits in summer; heart-shaped leaves are soft to the touch and change to a mild yellow in the fall. It's slow-growing until established and resists ice, snow, insects and disease. It occurs naturally as an understory tree along the Missouri river bluffs and up into the Niobrara river valley and grows best in part shade away from hot, windswept areas and salted winter roads but can also be grown in full sun. 30-40' h, 20-25' w. Hardy to zone 4 .

2008 Conifer
Pinus bungeana , Lacebark Pine. This Chinese native is one of the most beautiful pines, with the bark flaking away to create a patchwork of white, green and purple. The lustrous deep green needles are stiff and sharply pointed. This slow growing pine prefers well-drained, dry soils and full sun. It is pyramidal when young, often with many trunks and grows into an open, picturesque specimen with age. 30-40' high. Hardy to zone 4.

2008 Shrub
Euonymus atropurpurea , Eastern Wahoo. This native shrub is also referred to as burning bush with its orange/red fall color and attractive rosy-pink fruit capsules that persist into winter. But don't confuse this plant with the common winged euonymus, Euonymus alatus . The wahoo is very shade tolerant, yet it grows well and becomes an attractive dense specimen in full sun. It is pH adaptable and drought-tolerant. Can be grown in clump form or pruned up to form an attractive 8-12' small tree. Let's hear a big yahoo for the wahoo because it deserves to be planted more!

2008 Perennial
Geum triflorum , Prairie Smoke. This distinctive native of the northern plains has small purplish-red nodding flowers in very early spring. The flowers soon give rise to feathery silver and pink seedheads, which persist for many weeks after flowering (t hey remind me of the signature tall hair of troll dolls!). Attractive, deeply cut leaves look great for the rest of the season and the entire plant is “softly hairy.” Easy to grow in well-drained areas of full sun and thrives in poor, dry soil. Grows less than a foot high and creeps slowly by rootstocks. Hardy to zone 3.

2008 Grass
Bouteloua gracilis , Blue Grama. This beautiful, short native grass forms low mats of curly, narrow 3-6” leaves. The eyelash-like seedheads rise above tufts of foliage to 18” high in July and persist all winter. Blue grama is more drought tolerant than buffalograss and can be planted with wildflowers to create a short grass prairie habitat. Its short stature allows it to be used in the front of a mixed perennial border or as a turfgrass alternative in areas of low traffic and hot, droughty conditions. 18” h, 18” w. Hardy to zone 4.

2008 GreatPlants Releases
Prairie Gold® Quaking Aspen, Populus tremuloides ‘NeArb'. This fast-growing tree grows in everything from moist sandy soil to shallow rocky soils and clay. It has attractive cream-colored bark, beautiful silvery catkins in early spring, and lustrous dark green leaves that flutter in the slightest breeze, finally turning yellow in fall. Quaking aspen is normally a relatively short-lived ornamental tree for the landscape, often plagued by a host of diseases at an early age, including canker, leaf spot, and borers. Prairie Gold® has performed well, even in the heat and high humidity of eastern Nebraska , and appears to be resistant to the diseases that usually plague this species. It should perform well in other parts of the Great Plains and the front range of the Rockies as well. Best planted in a confined bed or surrounded by turf grass to minimize suckering. Grows to 35-40' high and 20-30' wide.

Dwarf Chinkapin Oak, Quercus prinoides. This handsome native is one of the best shrub oaks available. The height of this tree rarely exceeds 15 ft. with equal width, perfect for the smallest yard. This is an oak for eye level with its lustrous, dark green leaves and sulphur-yellow spring catkins. In fall the chestnut-like leaves turn a yellow-brown to bronze highlighted with clusters of tasty acorns, very attractive to wildlife, and forming on trees only 3-4 ft. tall! You can grow this tree as a large shrub with picturesque branching or it can be pruned into a single trunk to expose its attractive bark. It grows best in full sun and deep, well-drained soils but will also thrive in clay and rocky soils. Hardy to zone 4.

Dianthus ‘Wink'. This exciting selection makes an excellent groundcover, forming neat, blue 4”h foliage mounds that remain evergreen in winter. The plant is covered with delicate soft pink flowers from mid spring to early summer. Shearing plants after flowering promotes new growth and additional flowers in the summer. This Dianthus has been a dependable performer, very drought-tolerant and not subject to the centers dying out as with other Dianthus selections. Grows to 6” high, 15” wide. Hardy to zone 4.

Previous Perennials of the Year

2007 Perennial— Solidago rugosa ‘Fireworks' , Fireworks Goldenrod
Sparkling golden-yellow flower spikes cascade to resemble a fireworks show in late summer to fall. This species prefers a moist site to perform its best. 3-4' h, 2-3' w. Hardy to zone 4.

2006 Perennial—Pasque Flower, Pulsatilla species
The native pasque flower is a beautiful harbinger of spring with its delicate lavender cup-shaped flowers blooming in April, often appearing before the snow has disappeared. Flower colors of the European pasque flower include lavender, dark red, creamy white, pink and blue. Grows from 12-18” high and prefers a well-drained site and dry soils for best performance. Hardy to zone 4. Silky seed heads and fuzzy foliage remain attractive all season long on this drought-tolerant perennial.

2005 Perennial—Dwarf Blue Indigo, Baptisia minor
      A miniature version of blue false Indigo, Baptisia australis, for the hot, sunny border from seed Great Plains native collected in north central Kansas. Pea-shaped indigo blue flower spikes appear in spring, displayed nicely above the blue-green foliage. The showy flowers are reminiscent of lupines and are a favorite of bumble bees. In late summer and fall interesting seedpods develop, changing from a soft green to rich black in autumn and persisting into winter. Native Americans called this plant 'Rattle Pod', because of the rattling pods used in dancing ceremonies for children. A tough, durable plant that looks good all season long! Only 15-24" tall and hardy to zone 4.

2004 Perennial—Variegated Solomon's Seal, Polygonatum multiflorum 'Variegatum'
      Try this exciting alternative to hosta for the shade garden, probably the most handsome of the Polygonatums. Common name refers to King Solomon's use of crushed root to "seale or close up greene wounds," particularly broken bones. Shoots emerge watermelon red with traces of green, and bright color holds until almost fully grown. Emerging leaves are boldly blotched and striped ivory-white along the arching stems. Delicate, vase-shaped white flowers hang from stems in May. In fall blue-black fruits hang from the stems and leaves turn a nice yellow. Grow in a shady location and rich, organic soils. Once established, will tolerate dry shade and form full patches with stems all arranged in the same direction. Combine with spring bulbs or groundcovers. Native to Europe and Siberia. 2' h, 2' w. Hardy to zone 4.

2003 Perennial—Purple Coneflower, Echinacea genus
      This is one of the best groups of native wildflowers for the garden. There are a number of choices from this exciting group of summer blooming plants. All Echinacea perform best in well-drained soil and most are very drought tolerant. Most species prefer dry soils and will get leggy with too much water and rich soil. Many gardeners are discovering the cheerful bright pink petals of the Echinacea tennessensis hybrids or the wispy, drooping pale pink petals of Echinacea pallida or Echinacea angustifolia. The striking yellow coneflower, Echinacea paradoxa, provides a strong vertical plant with brilliant yellow rays surrounding a high-domed bright chocolate brown disk.

2002 Perennial— Crane's Bill, Geranium sanguineum
      Hardy Geraniums are considered by many the workhorses of the perennial border, forming decorative, long-lived, trouble-free colonies. This durable plant forms mounds of deeply cut foliage that turn blood red in the fall, hence the common name of Bloody Crane's-Bill. The bowl-shaped, magenta flowers cover the plant in late spring to early summer and bloom sporadically through the summer if plants are sheared back after flowering. Plant in full sun to light shade as specimens in front of the border or massed to form a groundcover around upright, leggy plants. Grows 18" high and 2' wide and hardy to zone 3.

2001 Perennial - The genus Penstemon
      There are so many beautiful and hardy plants among the 270 some species, so the entire group was selected. Plants range from dwarf, cushion-forming types for rock gardens to taller types suited to perennial borders. Penstemons perform best in full, hot sun on sandy loam or raised soils. Individual plant species may be short-lived in rich or clay soils. Allow attractive seedheds to persist all winter to encourage self-sowing. Longer lived species include P. digitalis, P. strictus, P. x mexicale and P. hirsutus (shown).

2000 Perennial - Butterfly Milkweed, Asclepias tuberosa
      Very drought-tolerant herbaceous perennial with extensive root system. Showy dark orange-red flower clusters in summer followed by attractive seed pods in fall. A Great Plains wildflower! Care must be taken not to overwater. Plant in full sun in a light soil or raised bed. Grows 24 to 36" h. Hardy to zone 4.

1999 Perennial - Lead Plant, Amorpha canescens
      Lead plant grows like an herbaceous perennial, but with age and certain growing conditions can take on woody characteristics. Most plants develop into small bushes with up to six basal stems. The very silvery green color immediately catches the eye, which is caused by very pubescent leaves. Dark purple spike-like racemes rise above the foliage in June and July. Very drought tolerant.
Hardy to zone 3. 4' h 3' w

Previous Shrubs of the Year

2007 Shrub— Amelanchier alnifolia ‘Regent' , Regent Serviceberry
Attractive white flower clusters are the star of the show in early spring; forms sweet, red to black fruit clusters in June. Attractive oval leaves on this suckering shrub; adaptable to dry or wet soils, tolerates heavy clay. 4' h, 3' w.

2006 Shrub—Redleaf Rose, Rosa glauca (R. rubrifolia)
An exciting shrub rose with attractive leaves that emerge reddish-purple in spring and become waxy bluish-green in summer. Fragrant 1½” pink flowers are followed by copious amounts of ½” dark red rose hips that hold well into winter. Its habit is upright, spreading to a rounded 5-7’ shrub with robust, reddish-violet stems. This is one of the most cold hardy roses, tolerant of a variety of different soil types and highly resistant to black spot. Hardy to zone 2. This rose should be in every garden!

2005 Shrub—Korean Spirea, Spiraea fritschiana
      This exciting little spirea is not very common but offers dark green foliage and large clusters of flat-topped, white flowers in May and June that contrast nicely with the rich green foliage. Serrated leaves turn a good yellow in fall on this dense, mounded shrub. Used as a filler plant or low massing plant, will perform in a variety of tough conditions. If pruning is required, remove flowers after they fade for a second flush of growth. 2-3' h, 3-4' w. Zone 4.

2004 Shrub—Clove Currant, Ribes odoratum
A western Nebraska native that is an excellent choice for early spring color. In April the plant is covered with bright yellow trumpet-shaped flowers, deliciously clove-scented. If you smell the blossoms you will not rest until you own a plant. The arching stems, usually surrounded by a mass of young suckering growth, form bright green tri-lobed leaves that turn orange in the fall. The selection 'Crandall' has excellent fruit quality and resistance to mildew. The beautiful black fruits ripen in mid-July with a sweet spicy flavor and will literally pull down the stems. Plant in full sun to part shade in any good garden soil. 4-6' h, 4-6' w. Hardy to zone 4.

2003 Shrub—Blackhaw Viburnum, Viburnum prunifolium
     Develops into a large stiffly branched shrub or small tree with branches often forming a fishbone-like tiered pattern for winter interest. In spring the 2-4" flat-topped white flower clusters cover the plant and the emerging leaves can be tinged in maroon. Summer leaves are dark green and remain free of mildew, then turn a rich bronze to a shining red in autumn. Fruit ripens to a dark bluish black in fall and can be quite showy. 12-15' h, 10' w. Hardy to zone 3

2002 Shrub— kalm St. John's Wort, Hypericum kalmianum
      A small, dense, little shrub with stout erect stems that form a perfect mound. A handsome hardy plant, with small, bluish green summer foliage. Small, buttercup yellow flowers are a beautiful sight from July to August and the chocolate-brown seed heads add winter interest. Hypericums hold up well in heat and drought, and perform best in well-drained soils. Hypericum frondosum 'Sunburst' and the Shrubby St. John's Wort, Hypericum prolificum, have proven superior in western Nebraska.

2001 Shrub - Oakleaf hydrangea, Hydrangea quercifolia
      A dramatic shrub with bold, lobed foliage resembling large oak leaves that are dark green in summer and range from red to orange to purple in fall. White-to-pink drooping flowers in June and July that can be up to 12" in length. Attractive exfoliating bark in winter. Grows 4-8 foot tall with equal spread. Does best with some shade and mulching to maintain cool, moist root environment. Hardy to zone 5.

2000 Shrub - Chenault Coralberry, Symphoricarpos x chenaulti
      Dense low-growing shrub with long cascading branches. Produces brightly colored pink to red berries in fall that persist all winter. Nice against the snow!. A nice tough groundcover for full sun to part shade and well-adapted to a variety of soils. Grows 3 feet x 8 feet. Hardy to zone 4.

1999 Shrub - Koreanspice Viburnum, Viburnum carlesii
      Koreanspice Viburnum has a spicy-sweet fragrance much like a Daphne. Flowers are a 2-3" rounded inflorescence, which are in full bloom from late April to early May. Flower buds develop from pink to reddish in the early stages to open white blooms. Develops into a rounded shrub with very stiff upright branches. Reddish autumn color. Also try 'Cayuga' and 'Aurora.'. 5' h 5' w

1998 Shrub - Black Chokeberry, Aronia melanocarpa
      Highly adaptable to a variety of soil conditions, the black chokeberry will complement landscapes throughout the state. Attractive small white flowers in spring and glossy, deep green foliage in summer. Particularly effective in the fall with clusters of blackish-purple fruit and wine red to purple leaf color, this 5' h 3' w shrub is hardy to zone 3. 'Viking,' 'Elata' and 'Autumn Magic' are excellent selections.

Previous Trees of the Year
2007 Tree—Aesculus glabra, Ohio Buckeye
This native species has attractive dark green leaves that may turn pumpkin orange in fall, but often variable. Greenish-yellow flowers in terminal clusters during May. Coarse winter habit, handsome bark. Adapted throughout the state. 30-40' h, 25-30' w. Hardy to zone 4

2006 Tree—Chinkapin Oak, Quercus muehlenbergii
Chinkapin oak is one of our most beautiful native oaks. It is at its best in the Great Plains, where it has been found growing on rocky bluffs, in floodplains and in forests, making it the most adaptable and widespread of the chestnut oaks. One of the more alkaline-tolerant and faster-growing oaks, it performs well under drought conditions. Hardy to zone 4. Attractive 6" long, sharp-toothed leaves turn a pleasant yellow to light orange in fall. Picturesque older specimens have shaggy gray bark and beautiful branch structure.

2005 Tree-Ginkgo, Ginkgo biloba
      One of the most distinct and beautiful of all deciduous trees and a durable tree for difficult landscape situations. Bright green, fan-shaped leaves are actually fern leaves from the Age of the Reptiles and native in North America at one time. Leaves can turn a brilliant golden yellow in fall. Pyramidal in youth, in old age, a well-developed Ginkgo is an impressive sight, forming large picturesque branches and handsome bark. Female trees produce a malodorous fruit after 20 years, so usually only male trees are selected. In western Nebraska the Ginkgo prefers a protected site with supplemental moisture to get established. We recommend male selections 'Autumn Gold' and 'Princeton Sentry' for the landscape. 50-60' h, 30-40' w. Hardy to zone 4.

2004 Tree-Bur Oak, Quercus macrocarpa
      With its wide, welcoming limbs and cooling shade, the bur oak was a welcome site on the prairie savannah. Despite rumor, bur oaks don't take forever to grow, but they can get big. Withstands drought, wind and extreme cold and heavy soils of the Midwest and is easy to grow if planted as a young tree. The large dark green leaves generally turn yellow to brown in fall and brown bark becomes deeply ridged and furrowed with age. The acorns, enclosed by a heavily fringed cap, are an excellent source of food for wildlife. With its massive trunk and broad crown of branches the bur oak is more suited to large areas and makes for an excellent, durable street tree. Native to the Great Plains. 50-60' h, 45-50' w. Hardy to zone 2.

2003 Tree- Concolor Fir, Abies concolor
      This is the most adaptable of the firs for the Midwestern landscape and one of the most beautiful conifers. Horizontally tiered branches and short flat needles create an elegant, pyramidal crown. Soft needles vary from green to blue-green to almost silver-blue and are flattened. It prefers deep, rich and well-drained soils and dislikes heavy clay and over-irrigated lawns. 30-50' h, 15'-25' w. Hardy to zone 4.

2002 Tree - Kentucky Coffeetree, Gymnocladus dioicus
      This is a durable native tree with bold winter habit and handsome, ridged bark. The large, compound leaves are a beautiful blue-green summer color and often turn clear yellow before falling. With age the tree's habit becomes uniform, producing a picturesque crown of rugged branches that form striking winter architecture.Adaptable to a wide range of conditions such as heavy clay, drought, and city conditions. Female plants produce beautiful mahogany colored seed pods that persist through winter. 50'-60' tall and 40-50' w. Hardy to zone 3b. A truly handsome tree!

2001 Tree - Baldcypress, Taxodium distichum
      A stately conifer that has proven hardy and adaptable across the eastern Great Plains. Deciduous, needlelike leaves are soft "sage" green in summer, turn orange-tan before dropping in the fall. Relatively fast-growing, reaching 50-70 feet in height. Mature trees are pyramidal, can assume picturesque buttressed trunk. Native to wetlands but has proven adaptable to dry, compacted soils. Chlorosis will occur in high pH soils.

2000 Tree - Pagoda Dogwood, Cornus alternifolia
      Small tree with striking horizontal multi-tiered branches. White flower clusters in late spring. Plant in full sun or light shade in well-drained soil. Grows to 25 ' h. Hardy to zone 4.

1999 Tree - Swamp White Oak, Quercus bicolor
      Swamp white oak is a large tree (50’) comparable to the size of many other oak species and has a leaf resembling both burr and white oak. The name bicolor refers to the two-colored leaf, green above and the white velvety pubescence below. It does get a hint of fall color, usually golden brown to light brown. Swamp white is found throughout north central Missouri, all of eastern Iowa and southern Minnesota. Soil pH can be a problem, high soil pH (>7.2) can cause leaf chlorosis. As far as landscape sites, this oak seems to be one of the most versatile. It can withstand poorly drained or compacted sites as well as dry upland soil.

1998 Tree - Serviceberry, Amelanchier x grandiflora
      This small tree, with its pinkish white pendulous blossoms, delicious fruit and rich yellow to dusty red fall color should find a place in many of today's smaller landscapes. Will tolerate full sun or partial shade and performs well in a variety of soils. A hybrid of A. arborea and A. laevis, this serviceberry is hardy to zone 4. 15-20' h, 15-20' w. Recommendations: Autumn Brilliance', 'Robin Hill' and 'Forest Prince.'

Previous Grasses of the Year
2007 Grass—Calamagrostis brachytricha,
Korean Feather Reed Grass
The glossy green foliage is topped by feathery inflorescences, tinted red-purple in September. This clump-forming grass is easy to grow in a variety of soils in partial shade to full sun. Effective as a specimen, in masses or as a container plant. Hardy to zone 4.

2006 Grass—Autumn Red Miscanthus, Miscanthus sinensis var. purpurascens ‘Autumn Red’
As a group among grasses, miscanthus is unmatched in the diversity and beauty of its flowers, foliage, autumn colors, and winter interest. Reliable red-orange fall leaf color, compact 3-4’ height, upright habit, early flowering, and extreme cold-hardiness make ‘Autumn Red’ a superb choice among the hundred or more varieties. Rarely if ever self-sows. Hardy to zone 4.

2005 Grass—Sideoats Grama, Bouteloua curtipendula
      This durable native grass has delicate, oat-like spikelets that hang to one side of the inflorescence in summer, arching to 3' above the basal mound of gray-green foliage. Numerous seedheads are purplish when they first appear in June and July, then bleach to straw color as they age. Autumn foliage is generally bronze-purple to orange and red, to straw-colored in winter. articularly handsome when backlit by the sun or combined with little bluestem and prairie wildflowers. It spreads slowly to form a dense mat of foliage that is ideal for erosion control, choking out weeds or mass plantings. Hardy to zone 4.

2004 Grass—Indiangrass, Sorghastrum nutans
      One of the Great Plains most beautiful native grasses! Attractive, upright, clumping, warm season grass that makes an excellent tall background or specimen plant. Foliage ranges from various shades of green to almost blue topped by silky-soft, golden seedheads in late summer to early autumn. In fall it yellows and dries to an attractive burnt orange, remaining showy through winter. Apowerful late season statement in the landscape at 5-7'. Grows readily in full sun on any well-drained soil, from dry sand to heavy clay, but prefers rich, deep soils. Benefits from additional water in summer in the west and reseeds itself in areas with adequate moisture. Some cultivars include 'Holt', 'Bluebird', and 'Sioux Blue'. Hardy to zone 4.

2003 Grass—Prairie Dropseed, Sporobolus heterolepis
      An exciting native bunch grass with graceful ribbon-thin leaves adding an element of softness to the landscape. Abundant seed heads form a veil over the mound of leaf blades beginning in late summer. As the fall season approaches, emerald green leaf blades change to a striking golden-orange color. Slow growing at first, it prefers full sun, well-drained soils and will not tolerate an over-irrigated site. Once established you will enjoy its dependable fountain-like habit for years. 2' h, 18" w. Hardy to zone 3.

(1998 Perennial) - Little Bluestem, Schizycharium scoparium
      This small, non-spreading bunch grass will find a place in almost every perennial bed or border. The bluish-green leaves turn bronze-red in the fall and the fluffy silver-white seedheads persist into winter. A tough, dependable performer in hot, sunny locations. Adaptable to a variety of soils and performs best when not overwatered. Nebraska's state grass. Hardy to zone 2. 2' h 18" w

GreatPlants® Releases
      Releases are named cultivars developed by GreatPlants®
The plants developed by the GreatPlants program are well-adapted to the Plains climate. They are all drought tolerant and prefer well-drained or raised soils to perform their best. Extreme care must be taken not to overwater these plants, especially when dormant.

2007 Release—Prairie Lode Yellow Sundrops, Calylophus serrulatus ‘Prairie Lode’
A low, shrubby, woody-based perennial, native to dry prairies in the Great Plains, typically growing 15-18" tall. Prairie Lode is an outstanding selection from Harlan Hamernik that behaves more like a spreading groundcover on plants only 6" high. Abundant yellow flowers remain open throughout the day. Butter yellow flowers (to 1" wide) bloom from mid-spring to late summer. Likes lean, well-drained soil and a good shearing before the growing season starts in late spring to keep it looking tidy and loaded with flowers. Great for rock gardens, dry border fronts or prairie areas.

2007 Release—Mongolian Silver Spires Littleleaf Peashrub
Caragana microphylla ‘Mongolian Silver Spires’
The sparkling ferny silver leaves of this durable shrub offer a fine-textured companion to the abundant 1" yellow flowers in spring. Flowers are followed by smooth, narrow seed pods that turn a rich red color in summer. This 8-9’ xeric shrub was selected by Harlan Hamernik from seed collected from a Mongolian steppe. The somewhat spiny stems and upright, arching habit offer a natural buffer for a hedge, low windbreak or living fence. The plant is quite adaptable and can be grown in adverse conditions. Hardy to zone 2.

2006 Release—Rock clematis, Clematis columbiana var. tenuiloba
This prized rock garden clematis has ascending or erect 6” non-vining stems with longer stems trailing or leaning on neighboring vegetation or rocks. Forms an attractive groundcover with smooth, slightly glossy leaves.
Light blue to lavender flowers, slender and
tapering, are arranged in a nodding fashion to add character and grace to this lovely Black Hills native. Prefers part shade and thrives in clay, limestone rubble or garden loam. When well-established this clematis is very long-lived.

2006 Release—Silver Sunrise™ bluestem, Andropogon ‘Silver Sunrise’
This prairie native is a selection of a hybrid between big bluestem, Andropogon gerardii, and sand bluestem, Andropogon hallii. Silvery basal foliage reaches a height of 2’ by early summer. Interesting yellow bands appear all the way up the 5-6’ flowering stalks. The seed heads, hairy and golden-yellow in color, appear in early August. When planted in groups, the grass is impressive in the low light of early autumn. Frost turns the silvery foliage purple to reddish-brown and stems form a golden-yellow to russet-brown hue. Will perform best and remain upright planted in full sun with well-drained, dry soils. Tough, low-maintenance plant for the perennial backdrop, grass garden, prairie and xeriscape.

2006 Release—Prairie Snow shell-leaf penstemon, Penstemon grandiflorus ‘Prairie Snow’
This outstanding shell-leaf penstemon is a unique species because of its snow white flowers. Plants form a rosette of greenish-gray, thick leaves the first year of growth and begin to flower the second. Large flowers are arranged in groups above a pair of rounded leaves at the tops of 3’ stems. They bloom for 3-4 weeks in June and soon develop attractive seed heads that remain through winter. Cut seed heads and scatter seed for new plants next year, or use in dried arrangements.

2006 Release—Prairie Pink dianthus, Dianthus caryophyllus ‘Prairie Pink’
This exciting dianthus was selected for its winter hardiness, compact growth, attractive fuchsia pink double flowers and repeat blooming. Fragrant flowers, accentuated by bright blue-green foliage, bloom in early June for 2-4 weeks and repeat in late summer. Does best in full sun and in soil with good drainage. Grows 15"-18" high. Hardy to zone 5 or lower.

2006 Release—Eureka thickspike gayfeather, Liatris pycnostachya ‘Eureka’
This majestic wildflower sends up spectacular 5’ flower spikes in mid-summer, with the top foot or so crowded with feathery, reddish-purple flowers. This outstanding native is found in moist soils but does not tolerate wet feet in winter. Planted in masses, it is breathtaking in the garden and never fails to garner attention.

2005 Release—Prairie Splendor Penstemon
     Aagnificent Penstemon developed by Dale Lindgren at University of Nebraska North Platte Station and registered with American Penstemon Society in 1993. The result of a cross between P. cobaea and P. triflorus, resulting in large, robust flowers in shades of rose, lavender, pink and white. Perhaps the largest flowers of any penstemon available today! The flower spikes rise above attractive, glossy foliage to just over 26" high and bloom throughout the month of June. A short-lived perennial, living 3-5 years and performs best when planted in full sun and dry, well-drained soils.

2005 Release—War Axe Penstemon, Penstemon grandiflorus 'War Axe'
     An exceptional strain of the beautiful native, shell-leaf penstemon with a wide range of colors--pinks, maroon, reds, purples, and creamy white--nicely complemented with reddish pigmented stems. This upright perennial has thick, rounded gray-green leaves neatly arranged along the flower stalk with numerous large tubular flowers from mid to late spring. Handsome, robust seed heads remain attractive all year. Plants form a basal rosette the first year and flower the second, reaching a height of 2-3'. The flower stalks can be removed to increase longevity of the plant or allow it to self-sow in the garden. Performs best in full sun and well-drained soil. Discovered by Harlan Hamernik of Bluebird Nursery near the War Axe Wildlife Management Area in south central Nebraska.

2005 Release—Lemon Lace Vine- Fallopia 'Lemon Lace'
     'Lemon Lace' vine is an attractive, sparkling golden-leafed sport of the silver-lace vine. The silver-lace vine is often referred to as mile-a-minute vine due to its rampant growth, but the 'Lemon Lace' is more reserved, more like a half-mile-a-minute vine. This exciting lemon-colored vine also features red stems and petioles in early spring and again in fall when foamy white flowers compliment the bright foliage. It's ideal to add a crisp brightness to the trellis, fence or small tree for contrast. The color remains bright all season and persists well into fall with no scorch on the heart-shaped leaves. It's easy to grow in full sun or part shade and grows to 4-5' high and wide the first year. This beautiful new vine was discovered by Pam Bahns of Bluebird Nursery.

2005 Release—Wichita Mountains Goldenrod, Solidago 'Wichita Mountains'
     A true golden-rod selection, with numerous 2" thick bright golden rods up to 12" tall in late summer until frost. Easy to grow in a variety of soils and soil conditions, but best with well-drained conditions and full sun. This clump-forming goldenrod was discovered in the Wichita Mountains of southwestern Oklahoma by Steve Bieberich of Sunshine Nursery. 24-30" tall. Hardy to zone 4.

2004 Releases
Mongolian Mist pincushion flower, Scabiosa superba ‘Mongolian Mist’
Large, dazzling, purple-blue pincushions arise from substantial 18" stems above elegant deep green 12" mounds of foliage. Collected in Inner Mongolia. Rigorous selection has given us ‘Mongolian Mist’. Hardy to zone 4.

Smoky Hills prairie skullcap, Scutellaria resinosa ‘Smoky Hills’ (2004)
A densely branched little bush growing to a 10" high mound from a deep taproot. Bright purple-blue flowers, dotted with tiny white lines, cover the plant from mid-May to late June. Small, gray-green leaves are in harmony with the small, round flowers. Deadheading will provide new growth andbloom through fall. Thrives in hot, sunny areas with well-drained, dry soil. This durable shortgrass prairie native was named for the Smoky Hills of north central Kansas where it was collected. Hardy to zone 4.

Mongolian Gem allium, Allium senescens sub. ‘Mongolian Gem’ (2004)
Handsome blue-green, strap-like leaves are followed in late summer by 18" stems of decorative 2" lavender-pink flowers. Use throughout the garden for the pinkish lavender balloon-like flowers giving a festive or carnival-like feeling. Has bronzy yellow fall foliage. Hardy to Zone 3.

Mongolian Stars sedum, Sedum tatarinowii ‘Mongolian Stars’ (2004)
This charmer is only 5-8" tall and up to 12" wide with a nice mounded habit. Bluish-green, coarsely toothed leaves turn rosy pink in late summer . The dense clusters of dainty flowers are pinkish-white, covering the plant from July through August. “A most attractive, though relatively unknown miniature member of the Tall Sedums” says Ray Stephenson. Give it good drainage, plenty of sun and little water. A good rock garden plant. Hardy to zone 3.

2003 Release – Taylor Junipe, Juniperus virginiana ‘Taylor’
Outstanding upright conical-columnar form (a mature tree will be up to 25’ tall and 3’ wide) with emerald green summer foliage. An excellent specimen, grouping and screening plant for narrow areas of the landscape. This hardy, disease-resistant selection performs well in the landscape and tolerates a wide variety of soil and environmental conditions. In trials it has performed well throughout Nebraska, Minnesota, North Dakota and Oklahoma. Hardy to zone 3.

2003 Introduction – Mongolian Skies Skull Cap, Scutellaria scoridifolia 'Mongolian Skies'
Outstanding subshrub from seed collected in Inner Mongolia. Slowly spreads to form 8" high foliage mats of narrow, shiny, deep green foliage. Blooms from June to August with beautiful, tubular hooded flowers of purple to violet blue that crowd into clusters near the uppermost leaves. To perform at its best this long-blooming perennial requires full sun and a drier site in a well-drained, gravelly, loam. Hardy to zone 4. 8" high, 2' wide.

2003 Introduction – Dwarf spiderwort, Tradescantia tharpii
      An exciting new spiderwort for the garden that blooms throughout the month of May in a variety of colors. The plants bloom profusely and the showy 1" flowers, tipped with bright yellow stamens, literally cover the plant. The candy-colored flowers are usually a rich rose but can occasionally be light pink, violet-blue or purple. A tufted perennial emerging early in the spring, forming 12" mounds of linear leaves that are covered with silvery hairs. Carefree and happy in sun or part shade. Will go into a natural semidormancy during the heat of the summer, with new fans appearing in the cooler days of fall and remaining through the winter.

2002 Release – Stephanie Purple Prairie Clover, Dalea purpurea 'Stephanie'Bright lavender flowers on compact 15-18” bushy plants with as many as 40 stalks per plant! Great new selection with darker green foliage that stays upright. A prize from UNL breeder Dale Lindgren. Grows in full sun and well-drained soil. Hardy to zone 4.

2001 Release - Comanche Campfire Primrose
Oenothera macrocarpa 'Comanche Campfire'
Large shiny silver leaves are complemented by glowing ruby stems throughout the season, opped with huge, delicious bright yellow flowers from June through October. Plants are 12-15" tall and 18-24" wide, thrive in full sun and are hardy to Zone 4.

2000 Release – Logan Calhoun Poppy Mallow
Callirhoe alcaeoides ‘Logan Calhoun’
Sparkling white "wine cups" on pants that are 8-12" tall, 4' wide. Outstanding Great Plains native named after native American plantsman. Enjoys the same cultural conditions as its better known cousin, purple poppy mallow. Native to the Great Plains.

1999 Release - My Antonia Aster, Aster fendleri 'My Antonia'
A drought-resistant native perennial with an 8-10" compact mounding habit.
Produces delicate, pure white flowers, blooming profusely in late summer. The foliage is dark green and fine-leaved, and the plant should be grown in full sun in well-drained soil. ‘My Antonia’was discovered on a plant collecting trip near Willa Cather’s birth place in Red Cloud, Nebraska, and is named for her famous novel. Hardy to zone 4.

GreatPlants® Introductions
An introduction is a plant species introduced to commercial production through GreatPlants®.

2000 Introduction - Fremont's Clematis, Clematis fremontii
A Plains clematis that grows like a herbaceous perennial. It has a non-vining habit, 20" x 12" with stems emerging in clusters. Thick, leathery leaves emerge in early spring. Attractive 1" urn-shaped flowers with thick blue to purple petals, blooming in May. Like most clematis species, it can take several years to grow into maturity. A rare native to the Great Plains!

1999 Introduction - Mongolian Gold Clematis, Clematis fruticosa
A 4 foot shrub with finely textured foliage collected from the Daqing Shan Mountains of Inner Mongolia, China. This shrub features clusters of yellow, bell-like flowers blooming profusely in late summer to fall, followed by silky seed heads. Mongolian Gold tolerates full sun and partial shade, and prefers well-drained soil. Hardy to zone 4.

Cumulative GreatPlants
Trees of the Year
2009 – Corneliancherry dogwood, Cornus mas
2008 – American Hophornbeam, Ostrya virginiana
2007 - Ohio Buckeye, Aesculus glabra
2006 - Chinkapin Oak, Quercus muehlenbergia
2005 - Ginkgo, Ginkgo biloba
2004 - Bur Oak, Quercus macrocarpa
2003 - Concolor Fir, Abies concolor
2002 - Kentucky Coffeetree, Gymnocladus dioicus
2001 - Baldcypress, Taxodium distichum
2000 - Pagoda Dogwood, Cornus alternifolia
1999 - Swamp White Oak, Quercus bicolor
1998 - Serviceberry, Amelanchier x grandiflora
Evergreen of the Year (new category in 2008)
2009 – Serbian spruce, Picea omorika
2008 – Lacebark Pine, Pinus bungeana
Shrubs of the Year
2009 – Creeping Mahonia, Mahonia repens
2008 – Eastern Wahoo, Euonymus atropurpurea
2007 - Regent Serviceberry, Amelanchier alnifolia 'Regent'
2006 - Redleaf Rose, Rosa rubrifolia
2005 - Korean Spirea, Spiraea fritschiana
2004 - Clove Currant, Ribes odoratum
2003 - Blackhaw Viburnum, Viburnum prunifolium
2002 - Kalm St. John's Wort, Hypericum kalmianum
2001 - Oakleaf Hydrangea, Hydrangea quercifolia
2000 - Chenault Coralberry, Symphoricarpos x chenaultii
1999 - Koreanspice Viburnum, Viburnum carlesii
1998 - Black Chokeberry, Aronia melanocarpa
Perennials of the Year
2009 – Narrowleaf bluestar, Amsonia hubrichtii
2008 – Prairie Smoke, Geum triflorum
2007 - Fireworks Goldenrod, Solidago rugosa 'Fireworks'
2006 - Pasque Flower, Pulsatilla species
2005 - Dwarf Blue Indigo, Baptisia minor
2004 - Variegated Solomon's Seal, Polygonatum multiflorum 'Variegatum'
2003 - Purple Coneflower Genus, Echinacea genus
2002 - Cranesbill, Geranium sanguineum
2001 - The genus Penstemon
2000 - Butterfly Milkweed, Asclepias tuberosa
1999 - Lead Plant, Amorpha canescens
1998 - Little Bluestem, Schizachyrium scoparium
Grasses of the Year
2009 – Shenandoah Switchgrass, Panicum 'Shenandoah'
2008 – Northern Sea Oats, Chasmanthium latifolium
2007 - Korean Reed Grass, Calamagrostis brachytricha
2006 - Autumn Red Miscanthus, Miscanthus sinensis v. purpurascens
2005 - Silver Sunrise Bluestem, Andropogon gerardii 'Silver Sunrise'
2004 - Indiangrass, Sorghastrum nutans
2003 - Prairie Dropseed, Sporobolus heterolepis
(1998 Perennial of the Year - Little bluestem, Schizachyrium scoparium)
GreatPlants® Releases and Introductions
2007 – Dwarf chinkapin oak, Quercus prinoides
2007 – Prairie Gold quaking aspen, Populus tremuloides ‘Prairie Gold'
2007 – Mongolian Silver Spires littleleaf peashrub, Caragana microphylla
2006 – Prairie Snow penstemon, Penstemon grandiflorus ‘Prairie Snow'
2006 – Eureka gayfeather, Liatris pycnostachya ‘ Eureka '
2006 – Prairie Pink dianthus, Dianthus ‘Prairie Pink'
2006 – Silver Sunrise bluestem, Andropogon ‘Silver Sunrise'™
2006 – Rock clematis, Clematis tenuiloba
2005 - War Axe Penstemon, Penstemon grandiflorus 'War Axe'
2005 - Prairie Splendor Penstemon (P. cobaea and P. triflorus)
2005 - Lemon Lace Vine, Fallopia 'Lemon Lace'
2005 - Wichita Mountains Goldenrod, Solidago 'Wichita Mountains'
2004 - Smoky Hills prairie skullcap, Scutellaria resinosa
2004 - Mongolian Mist Pincushion Flower, Scabiosa superba 'Mongolian Mist'
2004 - Mongolian Gem Allium, Allium senescens sub. 'Mongolian Gem'
2004 - Mongolian Stars Sedum, Sedum tatarinowii 'Mongolian Stars'
2003 - Taylor Juniper, Juniperus virginiana 'Taylor'
2003 - Mongolian Skies Skull Cap, Scutellaria scoridifolia 'Mongolian Skies'
2003 - Dwarf spiderwort, Tradescantia tharpii
2002 - Stephanie Purple Prairie Clover, Dalea Purpurea 'Stephanie'
2001 - Comanche Campfire Primrose, Oenothera macrocarpa 'Comanche Campfire'
2000 - Logan Calhoun Poppy Mallow, Callirhoe alcaeoides 'Logan Calhoun'
2000 - Fremont's Clematis, Clematis fremontii
1999 - 'My Antonia' Aster, Aster fendleri
1999 - Mongolian Gold Clematis, Clematis fruticosa

Other Plant Promotion Programs
GreatPlants for the GreatPlains
Grow Native
Plants of Merit
Plant Select

Nebraska Statewide Arboretum
P.O. Box 830715
University of Nebraska
Lincoln, NE 68583-0715
402-472-2971