This perennial is hardy in Zones 2 to 7 and is also known as narrow leaf fireweed or blooming sally.
The long, narrow leaves resemble those of willowsinspiring a couple of other common names: willow herb and great willow herb.
A member of the Onagraceae family like its relative evening primrosethe upright racemes of magenta flowers bloom from summer to fall.
Though fireweed usually grows to heights of two to six feet, occasionally it reaches an outstanding nine feet tall. It typically has a spread one to three feet.
This species grows well in full sun, but in climates with hot summers, it is happier in part shade.
Fireweed is adaptable to medium-dry to medium-wet soil. It grows best in acidic soils that are rich in organic matter and well-drained, with a pH between 5.0 and 6.6.
C. Narrow spreads via rhizomes and self-seeding, so this plant works best in a naturalized-type planting.
It is also suitable for rock gardens, borders, and cottage gardensand is very striking when grown in large swaths, for more color impact.
Fireweed is a larval host to the white-lined sphinx moth (Hyles Liniata), and also attracts long-tongued bees and hummingbirds.
You’ll find fireweed seeds available from Everwilde Farms via Amazon.
8. Gray Goldenrod
With its large sprays of golden flowers, gray goldenrod (Solidago) creates a mass of bright color from summer to fall.
Native to the eastern two-thirds of North America this species is hardy in Zones 3 to 9.
A member of the sunflower family, gray goldenrod has grayish-green foliage, and its spikes of yellow flowers nod slightly when in full bloom.
Also called prairie goldenrod, old field goldenrod, or field goldenrod, it grows six to 24 inches tall with a six- to 24-inch spread. It’s one of the smaller varieties of goldenrod.
Gray goldenrod can grow in full sun or part shade, tolerates dry or medium-dry conditions, and thrives in poor soil. It’s ideal for planting in sandy, rocky locations.
This species spreads by rhizomes and self-seeding, so it is best used in naturalized plantings, like cottage gardens.
Butterflyweed, black-eyed Susan, common yarrow, Jerusalem artichoke, nodding onion, and wild bergamot make excellent companions for gray goldenrod.
Find gray goldenrod in packs of 2,000 seeds from Everwilde Farms via Amazon.
Learn about growing goldenrod here.
9. Jerusalem Artichoke
Related to sunflowers, the Jerusalem artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus) produces edible tubers, which have a taste reminiscent of globe artichoke.
This species is native to eastern and central North America, the Intermountain West, Idaho, and Washington. It is hardy in Zones 3 to 9.
Also called sunchoke, the flowers have yellow petals and greenish-yellow centers, with green foliage that is rough to the touch.
It grows six to 10 feet tall with a spread of three to five feet, and blooms in late summer.
Jerusalem artichokes are adaptable to either full sun or part shade, and either dry or moderately moist soils. The plants are not fussy about soil type, provided it is well draining.
This species spreads through rhizomes and self-seeding, so it is best used in a natural-type planting where its spread will be appreciated.
Purple coneflower, wild bergamot, nodding onion, and New England aster will make good companions.
Organic Jerusalem Artichoke Tubers
Ready to plant these perennials? You can purchase Jerusalem artichokes tubers from Yumheart Gardens via Amazon.
You can read more about growing and caring for Jerusalem artichokes here.
10. Joe-Pye Weed
With flat clusters of fragrant pink or purple flowers, joe-pye weed (Eutrochium spp.) is a pollinator favorite.
This plant is native to most of the northern two-thirds of North America, and is hardy in Zones 4 to 8.
The species that I am recommending here is a perennial that was formerly classified as Eupatorium purple.
There are several more closely related species that also go by this common name, and all have similar growing requirements.
