KEY PLANTS FROM THE MEADOW
1 Rudbeckia fulgida var. sullivantii ‘Goldsturm’
Dark-eyed, deep-yellow flowers up to 12cm across sit strong above dark-green leaves. Loves a sunny spot, not too dry, and will flower from August right through to October. 60cm. AGM*. RHS H6, USDA 3a-9b †.
2 Silphium terebinthinaceum
Prairie dock, is a towering beast with small, brilliant-yellow flowers and elephant ear-like leaves at the base. Needs space, but plants are very long lived and flowers last for over a month. 3m. RHS H7, USDA 4a-8b.
3 Liatris pycnostachya
One of the tallest Liatris species, with spikes of tightly bunched lavender flowers that bloom from the top down. Excellent cut flower. 1.2m. USDA 3a-9b.
4 Eurybia spectabilis
Clouds of large, violet daisy flowers cluster at the tip of each stem. Prefers a hot site and sandy soil. 60cm. 5 Echinacea purpurea ‘Prairie Splendor’ Much loved for its rose-magenta rays against an orange centre cone. Sits proud throughout the summer atop stiff stems clad with coarse, dark-green leaves. 60cm. USDA 3a-8b. 6 Oenothera macrocarpa subsp. fremontii ‘Silver Wings’ Low-growing, with grey-blue lanceolate leaves and large, solitary lemon-yellow blooms. Flowers from early summer to autumn. 15cm.
7 Eryngium yuccifolium
Round, prickly heads covered in soft green flowers that eventually bleach white. A great upright for dry spots. 1.5m. RHS H4, USDA 3a-9b.
8 Penstemon pinifolius
A tiny, tough, drought-resistant shrub with a profusion of bright-scarlet flowers that sit tidily atop pine-like leaves. Perfect for accenting larger perennials. 20cm. AGM. RHS H4.