Van Dycks

Varieties

Althaea rosea

(Hollyhock) Plant 16" apart in clumps of 5 or more plants for presentation. Grow in full sun in well-drained, neutral to slightly alkaline soil. Choose a sheltered location or stake the flower spikes to avoid wind damage. Good air circulation helps prevent powdery mildew on the leaves in summer. Grows 4a

Anemone Japonica

(Japanese Anemone) Plant in light sun to partial shade in a moist, rich, welldrained soil in a protected location. Plant about 2" below soil level. Space plants 2' apart. Mulch lightly in early winter for added protection. Grows 24-30" tall. Blooms September to frost. Hardy in zones 5-8.

Aquilegia

(Columbine) Plant in moist, well-drained soil enriched with organic matter in partial shade to full sun. Plant 12-18" apart. To prolong the flowering period, cut off all spent flowers. Replace the plants every 3-4 years as their productive life dwindles. Grows 24-30" tall, depending on variety. Blooms in May-June. Hardy in zones 3-9.

Artemesia schmidtiana

(Silver Mound) Plant in well-drained, ordinary soil in full sun. Will not tolerate humid or moist conditions. Space plants 18" apart. Grown for its silvery foliage, not flowers. Drought-tolerant. Grows 12" tall with a rounded form. Hardy in zones 3-9.

Aruncus dioicus

(Goat's Beard) Plant in rich, moist soil in full sun to partial shade. Grows 4-6' tall, depending on variety. Blooms June-July. Hardy in zones 3-8.

Asclepias

(Butterfly Plant) Plant in well-drained, sandy or gravelly soil in full sun to light shade. Plant the root vertically so that the eye is 1-2" beneath the soil surface. Space plants 18" apart. Water sparingly. Drought-tolerant. Clumps can remain undisturbed indefinitely. Grows 18-36" tall. Blooms June-July. Hardy in zones 3-9.

Aster Stokes

See Stokesia

Astilbe

(Spirea) Plant in deep, organically-rich, welldrained, moist soil in partial shade. It will grow in full sun in moderate climates, but does not tolerate hot summer temperatures. Space 18-30" apart. Fertilize in spring. Divide every three years. Grows 18-60" tall. Blooms June-August. Hardy in zones 4-8.

Astrantia

(Masterwort) Plant in rich, evenly moist soil in full to partial shade. Space 12-18" apart. Grows 24-36" tall. Blooms June. Hardy in zones 6-10. Aubrieta (Purple Rock Cress) Plant in light, welldrained soil in full sun to partial shade. Space 12" apart. Shear after flowering to keep the plant from becoming straggly. Grows 6" tall. Blooms April-June. Hardy in zones 4-8.

Aurina saxatilis

(Basket of Gold) Plant in very well-drained, poor soil in full sun for compact, neat plants. If planted in rich soil, the plant tends to sprawl and have an untidy habit. Space 12" apart. Grows 8-10" tall and 24" wide. Blooms April-May. Hardy in zones 3-10.