"With many of our darker-toned grass plantings, Patrinia has behaved perfectly, almost without being noticed amongst the grass until it bolts.
This "reliably hardy" gladiolus variety is another of Keitch's favorite flowers. "It is wonderful for the front of a border, with soft peach tones that go with everything.
Plant this striking variety of Jack-in-the-pulpit alongside Epidmedium and Brunnera plants, says Keitch. "There are many great hardy Jack-in-the-pulpit species to add a unique feel to a shade gardeNn
Cylindrical Sanguisorba grows in a variety of colors; Keitch prefers the Blackthorne version. "The compound foliage is handsome, and the deep rose flowers are held upwards of five feet in the air.
This native grass grows up to 72 inches tall, says Keitch—so it works well as both a border and backdrop—and boasts "massive, 9-inch golden flowers."
"The large leaves have a tropical aesthetic, but in the northeast, it dies back to the ground. This is a bold statement for someone who is an avid gardener."