“Green Thumb Approved: The Best 25 Plants You Need in Your Garden, Straight from Better Homes Gardens Test Garden®”

We’ve been growing these amazing perennials and shrubs for years, and they’re some of our absolute favorites. We highly recommend them to fellow garden enthusiasts. Marty, an accomplished garden journalist and author, has shared her expertise with Better Homes Gardens, Country Gardens, and many other publications. Her popular monthly gardening column was even syndicated in newspapers across North America for 25 years! She’s also contributed to top gardening magazines like Horticulture, The American Gardener, and The Garden. But at heart, she’s a gardener herself, with a beautiful country garden in Virginia.

The Better Homes Gardens Test Garden® is a place where every plant must prove its worth. While beautiful flowers are certainly valued, plants with long-lasting blooms, attractive seed heads, eye-catching foliage, low-maintenance requirements, and those that attract pollinators are some of Test Garden manager Sandra Gerdes’ favorites. She prefers resilient, drought-resistant plants with colorful foliage that deer and rabbits tend to avoid. Perennials and shrubs serve as the garden’s backbone. As the Test Garden celebrates its 25th anniversary, Gerdes highlights the varieties that have truly stood out over the years. One such standout is the ‘Sugar Tip’ Rose of Sharon. Gerdes has been managing the BHG Test Garden since it first opened a quarter-century ago.

Meet Carson Downing! If you’re into gardening, you might have heard of the Rose of Sharon plant. While it can be a self-seeder that spreads rapidly through your garden, there’s a variety called ‘Sugar Tip’ which doesn’t do that – making it a great option for those who want to avoid excessive pruning or unwanted growth. This plant produces beautiful ruffled pink flowers that bloom throughout the summer and attract pollinators, but what sets it apart is its green leaves that are splashed with creamy white, making it a standout even when it’s not blooming. It’s also heat- and drought-tolerant, requiring full sun for optimal blooms. The ‘Sugar Tip’ hibiscus grows up to 6 feet tall and wide, but you can easily prune it to your desired size. Plus, it’s a hardy plant that makes an excellent screening option as well. It’s suitable for zones 5-9. Another unique plant that you might want to consider is the ‘Shrimps on the Barbie’ Lungwort – read on to discover more exciting varieties!

If you’re looking for a plant that will add a pop of color to your garden, look no further than the ‘Shrimps on the Barbie’ lungwort. With its vibrant pink flowers and silver-spotted foliage, it’s easy to see why this plant got its name. Not only is it visually stunning, but it also attracts pollinators and pairs well with hostas. The clumps can grow up to 10 inches tall and 2 feet wide, making it a great addition to any garden. Keep in mind that lungworts prefer slightly moist soil and thrive in zones 4-9. Another colorful option is the Pasque Flower, which adds a burst of purple to any landscape.

Carson Downing has highlighted the beauty of purple flowers that emerge in spring amidst ferny foliage. The delicate-looking flowers are accompanied by feathery mounds, giving an overall pleasing sight. Another flower that Carson admires is Pasque flower, also known as Pulsatilla vulgaris, for its wispy seed heads that self-sow in the meadow of the Test Garden. To retain great-looking foliage throughout summer, it is advised to cut off the flower heads as they fade. For optimal growth, it is essential to cultivate them in fully sunny areas with well-drained soil. These flowers thrive best in Zones 4-8. Lastly, Carson mentions the ‘Ice n’ Roses Red’ Hellebore, praising its beauty, but no further details have been provided.

Meet the resilient perennial, Hellebores, that brings a cheerful touch to your winter garden with its tough blooms. Specifically, ‘Ice n’ Roses Red’ variety boasts deep red flowers that bloom early in the season, facing upwards for easy viewing without any knee-bending. These plants prefer well-drained soil in shaded or partially shaded areas and can grow up to 2 feet tall and wide. Hellebores are also hardy in Zones 5-9. In addition, consider planting ‘Cordial Canary’ Bugelweed for another hardy perennial option.

Carson Downing introduces the ‘Cordial Canary’ bugelweed, a part of the ‘Feathered Friends’ series of bugelweeds that is an evergreen perennial and has electric neon green groundcover. The plant forms a thick carpet of bright foliage, with blue flower spikes that grow up to 6 inches tall emerging from the leaves during spring and summer. It can be planted in shady or partially shady areas, such as along the edges of a flower bed, or where grass does not grow. Furthermore, bugelweed is resistant to rabbits and deer and is suitable for zones 4-9. Another plant that Carson highlights is the ‘American Gold Rush’ Black-Eyed Susan.

Meet the versatile and reliable Black-eyed Susans (Rudbeckia spp.)! These native plants bloom with bright golden-yellow flowers from summer to early fall, towering up to three feet above their durable, mildew-resistant foliage. As the flowers wither, these hard-working plants provide a feast for goldfinches and other birds. They are also drought-tolerant and can thrive in both sunny and partially shaded areas. Plus, their coarse leaves are not a preferred food source for deer. If you’re looking for a hassle-free addition to your garden, consider adding Black-eyed Susans to your collection. They grow best in zones 3-9.

According to Gerdes, drought-resistant plants are the way forward in gardening. The ‘Rocketman’ Russian sage is a prime example of this as it requires no additional water once it has been established and can withstand hot summers without needing extra attention. Its fragrant blooms on durable stems make it a popular choice for attracting hummingbirds and pollinating insects. Additionally, this plant is deer-resistant and can grow up to 3 feet tall in areas with bright sunlight. It can bloom from mid-summer until the arrival of frost and can thrive in zones 4-9. Another drought-tolerant plant to consider is the ‘Sombrero Adobe Orange’ Coneflower.

According to Gerdes, who is knowledgeable about coneflowers, the ‘Sombrero’ series has been the most superior performer among the many Echinacea spp. introduced by breeders in recent times. She particularly favors Adobe Orange for its vivid color and large, three-inch blossoms. Regularly removing wilted flowers will keep the plants blooming throughout the summer. Gerdes suggests planting Adobe Orange alongside catmint, especially ‘Cat’s Pajamas,’ which she also prefers, as the combination of orange and purple flowers creates a striking effect. These drought-resistant plants can grow up to 20 inches tall in full sun and well-draining soil and are suitable for zones 4-9.

Meet Carson Downing, a type of catmint (Nepeta spp.) that is perfect for the edge of your flower bed. Its compact size and long-blooming nature make it an excellent addition to your garden. The feathery silver foliage releases a pleasant fragrance whenever you brush up against it. ‘Cat’s Pajamas’ is a neat plant that starts blooming in early summer and attracts numerous pollinators. To encourage more blooms, trim off faded flowers using grass shears. These plants can grow up to 1 foot tall and 20 inches wide when grown in full sun. They are suitable for zones 3-8. Another fantastic option to consider is the ‘Maestro’ Sedum.

In the Test Garden, plants that add to the garden’s beauty all year round are highly prized. According to Gerdes, ‘Maestro’ sedum is one such plant. With stunning blue-green leaves that have a purple tinge, this plant effortlessly stands out during the summer months before producing spectacular flower heads on purple stems in the fall. Butterflies flock to the dark pink blooms growing on the plant’s sturdy 30-inch stems. During winter, the spent flower heads resemble little snow umbrellas. It’s recommended to plant ‘Maestro’ sedum in full sun, and it grows well in zones 3-8. Another impressive plant is the ‘Gravetye Giant’ Summer Snowflake, which is also worth considering for your garden.

Carson Downing has provided information on the ‘Gravetye Giant’ summer snowflake, scientifically known as Leucojum aestivum. This bulb is a rare beauty that thrives even in areas with poor drainage. Its elegant white flowers bloom in mid-spring and can grow up to 24 inches tall, without being bothered by deer or rabbits. Although the leaves will fall after the flowers fade, this bulb will return every spring, producing an increasing number of blooms as it naturalizes. The summer snowflakes in the Test Garden have been thriving for over 25 years. To plant, simply place bulbs in a sunny or partly shady spot during autumn. This plant can grow in zones 4-8. Additionally, Downing recommends the ‘Blue Danube’ Camassia bulb as a stunning addition to any garden.

One of the native bulbs in North America that can withstand moist soil and can grow well in sunny or partially shaded areas is the Carson Downing. The ‘Blue Danube’ variety of Camassia leichtlinii produces a profusion of beautiful blue star-shaped flowers during late spring season on stems that can reach up to 30 inches in height. These flowers gradually open from the lower part of the stem to the upper part, creating a visual spectacle that can last for weeks. Plant these bulbs during the autumn season, and expect the flowers and foliage to turn brown and die in the summer season only to return again in the spring. This plant is suitable for planting in Zones 5-9. Another plant that is worth mentioning is the ‘Summer Romance’ Betony.

Carson Downing shares that the ‘Summer Romance’ betony (Stachys spp.) features stunning pink flowers that last for weeks during the summer season. The plant’s seersucker-textured leaves continue to thrive even after blooming, making it a great addition to any busy perennial flower garden. Its flower clusters can grow up to 4 inches long and rise on stems that stand at about 3 feet tall. The best growing conditions for this plant are in full sun or an area with light afternoon shade in hot climates. Pollinators such as butterflies are attracted to it, but deer are not. This plant can thrive in zones 4-9. Another great plant option is the ‘Sterling Silver’ Brunnera.

According to Gerdes, the ‘Sterling Silver’ brunnera is a great addition to your garden in welcoming the spring season due to its shiny silvery foliage that reflects beautifully in the shaded parts of the Test Garden. Its leaves can grow up to 8 inches across and create clumps that are almost 2 feet wide. Additionally, tiny blue flowers that are about one-fourth inch in size bloom during early spring and continuously flower for a month. It’s also worth noting that brunnera can handle damp spots, and animals such as deer and rabbits won’t be munching on them. For those living in zones 3-7, this plant is a must-have. Another great option is the ‘David’ phlox, which is the 15th of 25 recommended plants.

Carson Downing talks about the ‘David’ phlox and how it has become a garden favorite since its introduction in the 1980s. This plant is loved in the Test Garden for its beautiful snow-white fragrant blooms that grow on tall stems up to almost 4 feet and its resistance to powdery mildew. The phlox blooms in midsummer and continues to do so if spent blooms are deadheaded. For the best flower show, it is recommended to plant phlox in well-drained soil under full sun. It spreads slowly over time, which is a great thing because white goes with everything. According to Gerdes, this plant can be grown in zones 4-9.
Moreover, Carson Downing mentions the ‘Carnival Watermelon’ Coral Bells, one of the most attractive plants in the garden. Its name is attributed to the unique appearance of its foliage, which includes a watermelon candy pink color with a silver overlay. The plant grows in clumps with delicate white flowers that bloom from late spring to early summer. This Coral Bell variety thrives in partial shade and needs moist soil to grow. It can be planted in zones 4-9, making it an excellent choice for many gardeners.

The ‘Carnival Watermelon’ coral bell is a spectacular sight with its explosion of multicolored leaves, making it one of the most attractive varieties of Heuchera spp. The white flowers that bloom in early summer attract hummingbirds. Simply remove the stalks after the flowers die, and the vibrant leaves will keep the plant looking lively throughout the summer and fall seasons. Gardening expert Gerdes suggests exploring other coral bells from the ‘Carnival’ series as they are heat-resistant and deer-proof. This plant can thrive in both shade and part sun environments and is suitable for planting in zones 4-9. Another fantastic option for your garden is the ‘Aureola’ Hakone Grass.

Carson Downing suggests growing Hakone grass (Hakonechloa macra) near the bed’s edge to fully appreciate its lush texture. The plant is versatile, graceful, and cascades beautifully. Its variegated color blends well with green and blue hostas. It can grow up to 15 inches tall and spread 2 feet wide. With adequate watering, it can also thrive in the sunlight. Recommended for zones 5-9. Another great addition to your garden is the ‘Ultraviolet’ Phlox.

Introducing the stunning ‘Ultraviolet’ phlox variety that is resistant to mildew just like the ‘David’ variant. However, this variety boasts showier flowers that tower up to three feet tall in flower beds. According to Gerdes, a gardening enthusiast, she is fond of jewel tones, and the ‘Ultraviolet’ variety provides just that as the flowers are clearly visible from afar in the garden. For a beautiful color match, she pairs it with sedum ‘Maestro.’ In addition to its aesthetics, the fragrant flowers attract bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies when they first bloom in mid-summer. To encourage a fresh burst of flowers, it’s best to deadhead the blooms as they fade. For optimal growth, plant them in well-drained soil and under full sun, ideally in zones 3-8.

At number 19 on our list is the magnificent ‘Diamonds are Forever’ hosta.

CARSON DOWNING
In the vast catalog of hosta varieties, there’s one that stands out as a precious find – ‘Diamonds are Forever’. Its green leaves are adorned with large white variegation patterns that are uniquely irregular. At a height of 10 inches and a width of 2 feet, it’s perfect for lining the border of a shady garden. This particular type of hosta thrives in climate zones 3-9.
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The ‘Limelight’ Hydrangea is next on our list.

Meet the tough and drought-resistant hydrangea variety, Carson Downing, that can withstand the scorching heat of summer. This type of panicle hydrangea produces huge clusters of flowers in mid-summer that start off as green, turn white, and eventually fade to a rosy pink color. You can prune this hydrangea variety hard in spring without limiting its summer display since it blossoms on new growth. Moreover, even in fall, the flower heads look stunning, making it an excellent ornamental plant. With a height and width of 6-8 feet, ‘Limelight’ can grow in full sun or partial shade, making it versatile for various planting options such as a specimen plant, screen, or hedge. It can thrive in well-drained soil in zones 3-9. Check out our list of 8 Outstanding Hydrangeas from the Better Homes Gardens Test Garden, including the ‘Fire Light’ Hydrangea.

Carson Downing recommends ‘Fire Light’, a type of panicle hydrangea, for its impressive white flowers that turn a stunning rosy red as they age. These blooms maintain their vibrant color even in colder weather, making them a great addition to your garden. While the shrubs can grow up to 8 feet tall and wide, they can be easily pruned to fit your preferred size. ‘Fire Light’ can withstand both full sun and partial shade and is hardy enough for even the chilliest climates, ranging from Zones 3-8. Another plant that Downing suggests is the ‘Grand Cascade’ Butterfly Bush.

The ‘Grand Cascade’ butterfly bush (Buddleia sp.) is a stunning plant that produces luxurious, honey-scented lavender flowers up to 14 inches long. Its fragrance can be smelled from afar and it attracts beautiful butterflies. Although it’s a die-back shrub, it grows up to 5 feet tall in the summer when its stems are cut to about 1 foot tall in the spring. This impressive plant thrives in full sun and is perfect for creating a ‘Wow!’ factor in your garden. It’s suitable for planting in zones 5-9. Another impressive choice is the ‘Curtain Call Deep Rose’ Anemone.

Japanese anemones (Anemone hupehensis) are at their best in fall when they are in full bloom. One of the most intriguing varieties is ‘Curtain Call Deep Rose’ which boasts 3-inch flowers with a bright yellow center, supported by strong stems up to 18 inches tall. This type of anemone begins blooming in late August and continues for an impressive 9 weeks, according to Gerdes. When the flowers start to fade, they develop into wispy seed heads that add an extra decorative touch to the plant. Additionally, these plants are considered deer and rabbit resistant and thrive in either full sun or part shade. Suitable for zones 4-8. Another noteworthy plant is ‘Sapphire Surf’ Bluebeard.

Garden enthusiasts often opt for warm colors like orange and rust for their autumn plants, but ‘Sapphire Surf’ bluebeard provides a refreshing blue tone with fragrant flowers that bloom for roughly a month in early fall. This plant is an excellent choice for those looking for a low-maintenance yet beautiful addition to their garden, as it is drought-resistant, deer-resistant, and attracts pollinators. Gardeners only need to trim it back during spring and let it thrive throughout the year. Suitable for zones 5-9. Another great option is the ‘Standing Ovation’ Little Bluestem.

Carson Downing is the perfect addition to any garden, thanks to its unique characteristics. This particular variety of little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) stands out for its stunning smoky blue foliage that has hints of green and pink all throughout the summer. During autumn, the colors intensify, making the plants appear to glow, especially when the sun sets and casts a beautiful light. These upright plants are like exclamation points in your garden, growing up to 4 feet tall and spreading 12-18 inches wide in a sunny spot. To encourage new growth, cut them back to just 3-4 inches during early spring. They can thrive in Zones 3-8.