One of the toughest of all New England natives is the New England aster. A native plant that blooms in late summer, this hardy perennial extends the flowering season with brilliant rosy purple blossoms. Preferring rich organic soil, it will tolerate some dryness. A deep layer of mulch helps preserve the moisture.
A beautiful, showy plant, the butterfly weed or ascelpias, is now available in hybrid form in colors other than the native orange, though the orange form makes a bold statement. The first time I saw this plant was growing along the side of the Northway in upstate New York. Even at 70 mph it made an impression, I couldn't wait to get home and look it up in the wildflower guidebook. The exclusive breeding ground of the monarch butterfly, the reason for its common name, this important plant should be in everyone's garden. Hardy to Zone 3, butterfly weed prefers sandy to gravelly very well-drained soils. It's a very dependable plant once established and resents being moved.
Lupins are native to northern latitudes and can be found growing wild everywhere in northern Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, and on into Maritime Canada. They prefer full sun and sandy, acidic, well-drained soils. These plants probably will not be very dependable in southern sections of our area. Hardy to Zone 3, native lupins come in pink, white and purple. Hybrid ones are available in a wide range of colors. All add a stately beauty to the perennial border.
Another hardy native, yarrow or Achillea got its botanical name from legend. When the fatal arrow struck Achilles in the heel, yarrow was used to staunch the bleeding. The native yarrow is white, but cultivars range in color from pale yellow through gold to rose pink and deep maroon. It prefers well-drained soils and sunny locations. Though yarrow thrives in good loam, it will tolerate sandy soils. I have some native yarrow growing in almost pure sand. Yarrow is hardy to Zone 3.
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