Introduction
One of the benefits of membership in the Friends of The Frelinghuysen Arboretum is an annual plant dividend for each of our members. The selections for this year are described below and will be available for pickup at the Plant Sale Members Only Preview Party on Friday, May 5th (click the link for more information and to register for the Preview Party), as well as at the public Plant Sale on Saturday May 6th and Sunday May 7th .
You can make your choice at the Membership table in the tent which will, of course, be subject to availability at the time of selection.
This Year’s Selections
Oak Sedge – Carex pennsylvanica
With its tough disposition and spreading habit, this native sedge makes an excellent shade groundcover. Fine texture and fountaining habit give it a soft appearance that is lovely as an underplanting for bolder shade perennials or on its own as a shade lawn. Great in containers too!
Prefers well drained soils in full to part shade. Spreads by rhizomes. Cut foliage to the ground in early spring before new growth occurs if needed to keep a tidy appearance. Disease and deer resistant; attracts birds, butterflies and other pollinators. Use as a border or groundcover in shady areas. Grows 8-10” tall with a 12-18” spread. Perennial.
Foamflower – Tiarella cordifolia
Foamflowers are commonly found in the woods of eastern North America, but not nearly often enough in gardens. They are easy to grow, and many will spread when given moist soil high in organic matter and shade. In the early spring fairy wand flowers of white or light pink appear over heuchera-like green, deeply veined leaves which are often tinged with burgundy.
Foamflower foliage is astringent, usually deterring rabbits and deer from grazing unless they are extremely hungry. Early-season pollinators visit Foamflower while other plants are still waking up in the spring.
Prefers moist, rich organic soils in full to part shade. Stoloniferous and spreads quickly. Makes an excellent groundcover or edging for shady areas. Foamflower grows 12-18” tall and 12” wide. Perennial.
Tassel Fern – Polystichum polyblepharum
Meaning “many eyelashes” polyblepharum describes the fuzzy stems of this glossy deep green garden fern. Dependable and hardy, it lends elegance to the shade border and combines well with Carex, Heuchera and other fens. New fronds emerge very upright and as they age, gracefully arch downwards.
Originally from Japan and Korea, Tassel Fern prefers moist conditions in part shade to full shade; soil must be well-drained and rich in organic matter. Deer, rabbit and pest resistant. Grows 18-24” tall by 12-16” wide. Once established it can tolerate periods of drought. For the best appearance, remove old fronds from the base of the plant.
Black-eyed Susan – Rudbeckia fulgida var. fulgida
Shiny, deep green foliage. Smaller and finer than Rudbeckia ‘Goldsturm’ with 10 weeks of flowers from July into October. Six weeks after Goldsturm’ has turned brown, this plant is at its peak!
Excellent cut flower. Provides late summer nectar for butterflies and seeds in the winter for birds, is pollinator friendly, deer and rabbit resistant. Low maintenance and highly disease resistant.
This native perennial grows best in dry to medium soil moisture, in rich to average soil in full sun. Can tolerate hot, humid summers and some drought. Deadhead to prolong blooming season. Grows 24-30” tall with a 24” spread.