Main Fountain Garden District

Mistflower is a vigorous grower, native to the eastern and central United States, which grows from rhizomes reaching a height of three feet.  It is found naturally growing in moist soils located in bogs, ravines, banks of streams and lakes, in low woods, floodplains, along roads, and in ditches. The best conditions for this plant are full sun with moist soils; however, it can tolerate some occasional drought. Blue-violet disc flowers are arranged in dense racemes. This plant attracts scores of butterflies and also makes good long-lasting cut flowers.

× Gordlinia grandiflora is a rare and striking hybrid flowering tree or large shrub, created by crossing two members of the tea family (Theaceae) - Franklinia alatamaha and Gordonia lasianthus. This intergeneric hybrid was developed in the southeastern United States to combine the best traits of its parent plants. It features large, fragrant, white camellia-like flowers with golden centers that bloom in late summer to early fall, often when few other trees are in flower. × Gordlinia grandiflora is valued for its fast growth, attractive glossy foliage, and extended blooming period. It thrives in well-drained, acidic soils and performs best in full sun to partial shade.

Blooming from mid summer to early fall, panicle hydrangea gets its name from its large, showy panicles of flowers.  Leaving the dried flowerheads on the plant can add interesting forms and textures to the garden in winter.  Combined with its long bloom time, panicle hydrangea offers nearly year-round interest. Find a variety of cultivars of Hydrangea paniculata as well as other species of Hydrangea in bloom throughout the gardens!  

Silverleaf Sunflower, is a tall, striking perennial native to North America, named from the Greek words helios (sun) and anthos (flower) for its famous habit of turning its blooms to follow the sun throughout the day. Part of the diverse Helianthus genus, which includes over 70 species, it features silvery, woolly leaves and bright yellow flowers that bloom late into summer and early fall. Like other members of the aster family, these sunflowers attract numerous pollinators in the late-season garden. In our garden, they stand tall, adding vibrant color and ecological value throughout September alongside other late yellow bloomers like Rudbeckia, Coreopsis, Heliopsis, and Silphium.

Unlike the typical purple blooms of the species, 'White Swan' features striking white petals surrounding a prominent orange-brown central cone. Blooming from mid to late summer, it attracts a wide range of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, making it a valuable addition to pollinator-friendly gardens. Its sturdy stems and long-lasting flowers also make it a popular choice for cut flower arrangements. Like its wild counterparts, 'White Swan' thrives in full sun and well-drained soils, and it’s drought-tolerant once established. Echinacea has a long history of traditional medicinal use, particularly among Native American tribes, though 'White Swan' is primarily cultivated for its ornamental appeal.