Leucosceptrum

Neat selection from Japan of this fall-blooming woodlander. Golden yellow are its hallmark in spring to mid summer after which they become a light yellow-green but still an element of light brightness in the shade. Late in Oct/Nov, this defies conventional wisdom by producing yellow bottlebrush flowers. Hardy to zone 4.

This tasteful perennial from Japan bides its time in the shade garden as the floral hoi polloi scrabble for attention during spring and summer. Once the fracas has died down, this takes center stage in September and October with its intricately constructed buds like little pieces of sculpture which open to fuzzy light lavender flowers. These are hefty plants.