Absalon Tulip
Acacia
Adam's Needle
African Marigold
Alfalfa
Alpine Squill
American Plum
Apple
Apricot
Asparagus
Balsam
Banana
Basket of Gold
Beautyberry
Bee Balm
Beets
Black Locust
Black-eyed Susan
Blackberry Lily
Blackhaw
Blue False Indigo
Blue Flag Tulip
Blue Sky Vine
Boston Marrow Squash
Boxwood
Breadseed Poppy
Broccoli
Broom Corn
Browallia
Brown-eyed Susan
Bullnose Pepper
Bush Bean
Bush Lima Bean
Butter and Eggs Daffodil
Butterfly Pea
Butterfly Weed
Byzantine Gladiolus
Cabbage
Calendula
Candytuft
Canterbury Bells
Cardinal Flower
Carolina Allspice
Carolina Jessamine
Carrot
Cauliflower
Cayenne Pepper
Celery
Charles de Mills Rose
Cheese's Mallow
Chicory
China Aster
Chinaberry
Chives
Clary Sage
Climbing Old Blush Rose
Cockscomb
Coffee
Cotton
Cowpea
Cowslip
Cranberrybush
Crimson Clover
Crocus 'Cloth of Gold'
Crown Imperial
Cucumber
Damask Rose
Dame's Rocket
Dipper Gourd
Drumstick Allium
Duc van Tol Red and Yellow Tulip
Duc van Tol Rose Tulip
Early Louisiana Daffodil
Eastern Redbud
Eglantine Rose
Egyptian Walking Onions
Elecampane
Endive
English Bluebells
English Daisy
English Lavender
Fall Daffodil
Fava Beans
Fig
Fish Pepper
Flaming Parrot Tulip
Flax
Florentine Tulip
Fothergilla
Four O'clock
Foxglove
French Marigold
French Striped Marigold
Garden Phlox
Garlic
German Bearded Iris
Germander
Globe Amaranth
Globe Artichoke
Globe Candytuft
Globe Thistle
Gloriosa Daisy
Golden Standard Tulip
Gooseberry
Gray Santolina
Great Blue Lobelia
Halberd-leaf Rose Mallow
Hardy cyclamen
Heliotrope
Helmar Tulip
Hemp
Hollyhock
Honesty
Honeysuckle
Hoop Petticoat Daffodil
Horseradish
Hydrangea
Jatropha
Jerusalem Artichoke
Joe Pye Weed
Johnny Jump-Up
Jospeh's Coat
Kale
Keizerskroon Tulip
Kentucky Coffeetree
Key Lime
Lac van Rijn Tulip
Lady Tulip
Lamb's Ears
Lantana
Larkspur
Leeks
Lemon
Lemon Balm
Lettuce
Leucothoe
Lilac
Live Oak
Lombardy Poplar
Long Island Cheese Pumpkin
Love-in-a-Mist
Love-Lies-Bleeding
Maltese Cross
Mangelwurzel
Maximus Daffodil
Mock Orange
Monkshood
Muscadine Grape
Muskmelon
Mustard Greens
Nasturtium
New England Aster
New York Ironweed
Nora Barlow Columbine
Obedient Plant
Odorus Flore Pleno Daffodil
Okra
Old Blush Rose
Oleander
Onion
Orange
Oregano
Oriental Poppy
Palmetto
Parsnips
Pawpaw
Peach
Pear
Peas
Peony
Persian Fritillary
Persian Lilac
Persimmon
Pheasant's Eye Daffodil
Pincushion Flower
Plum
Pole Bean
Pole Lima Bean
Pomegranate
Potato
Pummelo
Purple Coneflower
Radish
Raspberry
Red Currant
Red Hue Tulip
Rhododendron
Rhubarb
Roman Hyacinth
Rosa Mundi Rose
Rose Campion
Rose Mallow
Rosemary
Rutabaga
Sage
Sago Palm
Sainfoin
Salad Burnet
Salsify
Scarlet Rose Mallow
Scotch Rose
Seminole Squash
Seventeen Sisters Daffodil
Siberian Iris
Silver Standard Tulip
Snake's Head Fritillary
Snapdragon
Sneezeweed
Snowdrop
Southern Catalpa
Southern Magnolia
Spiderwort
Spinach
Stinking hellebore
Stock
Strawberry
Strawberry Bush
Sugar Maple
Summersweet
Sunflower
Swan's Neck Daffodil
Sweet Alyssum
Sweet Potato
Sweet William
Swiss Chard
Sycamore
Tansy
Tart Cherry
Tennessee Red Valencia Peanut
Threadleaf Coreopsis
Thyme
Tiger Daylily
Tobacco
Tournesol Tulip
Tulip Poplar
Turnip
Twin Sisters Daffodil
Valerian
Van Sion Daffodil
Virginia bluebell
Virginia Pine
Virginia Sweetspire
Virginia White Gourdseed Corn
Wallflower
Wapen van Leiden Tulip
Watermelon
Weeping Willow
White Mulberry
White Oak
White Rose of York
Wild Bergamot
Wild Columbine
Willing's Barbados Bird Pepper
Winter Aconite
Winter Rye
Winterberry Holly
Woodland Phlox
Yellow buckeye
Yellow Crookneck Squash
Yellow Willow
Date of introduction: 1780
Absalon is one of the rarest tulips grown at Mount Vernon. It features yellow flames on maroon petals and is one of the few remaining truly broken tulips.
| Latin Name | Tulipa 'Absalon' |
| Family | Liliaceae |
| Bloom Season | May - May |
| Native Range | Africa and Eurasia |
| Max Height | 1.5' |
| Max Spread | 0.5' |
| Tolerances |
Black Walnut |
| Uses |
Flower Border |
Washington wrote in his diary on June 13, 1785, that he planted “a species of the Acacia (or Acasee) used in the West Indias for incircling their Gardens” in "the inclosure I had prepared for a Nursery" (his Botanic Garden).
Sweet acacia bears golden, sweet-smelling flower during the winter months that are attractive to a variety of pollinators. Its ferny foliage and serpentine branch structure add interest to the garden. Acacia trees make almost impenetrable hedges due to their thorny branches, while the flowers are used in the perfume industry.
| Latin Name | Vachellia farnesiana |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Also Known As | Sweet acacia Huisache Needle Bush |
| Bloom Season | November - March |
| Native Range | Mexico and Central America |
| Max Height | 35' |
| Max Spread | 25' |
| Uses |
Hedge |
This Virginia native was grown by a wide variety of historical figures including John Custis, Lady Jean Skipwith, and Thomas Jefferson.
This unique plant looks more suited to a desert climate, but it is found wild up and down the east coast. Its strappy leaves are crowned by huge spikes of creamy white flowers every other year.
| Latin Name | Yucca filamentosa |
| Family | Asparagaceae |
| Also Known As | Common Yucca Spanish Bayonet Needle Palm |
| Bloom Season | June - July |
| Native Range | Southeastern United States |
| Max Height | 8' |
| Max Spread | 3' |
| Tolerances |
Air Pollution Deer Drought Dry Soil Erosion Rabbit |
| Uses |
Flower Border Naturalize |
Aztec marigolds were brought to Europe by Spanish explorers in the 16th century. By 1770, John Bartram of Philadelphia was offering them for sale.
This upright yellow-flowering plant, with its distinctive odor, is a classic of the summer border.
| Latin Name | Tagetes erecta |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Also Known As | Mexican Marigold Aztec Marigold |
| Bloom Season | June - October |
| Native Range | Mexico, Central America |
| Max Height | 4' |
| Max Spread | 2' |
| Tolerances |
Deer Clay Soil |
| Uses |
Annual Flower Border Edible |
Washington wrote in his diary in March of 1760 that he, "Began plowing the field by the Garden for Lucern."
This plant is used as a perennial fodder crop for livestock.
| Latin Name | Medicago sativa |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Also Known As | Lucerne |
| Bloom Season | July - July |
| Native Range | South-central Asia |
| Max Height | 2' |
| Max Spread | 1.5' |
| Tolerances |
Drought |
| Uses |
Ground Cover Crop |
This is an old garden plant that was grown widely in Europe by the mid-1700s.
These tiny blue flowers are some of the most shade tolerant of the spring flower bulbs.
| Latin Name | Scilla bifolia |
| Family | Asparagaceae |
| Bloom Season | March - April |
| Native Range | Central and southern Europe, Turkey |
| Max Height | 0.5' |
| Max Spread | 0.5' |
| Tolerances |
Deer Rabbit |
| Uses |
Flower Border |
Washington wrote in his diary in March of 1786, "Hoed the ground behind the Garden again and planded therein, in three Rows 177 of the wild, or Cherokee plumb; (sent me by Mr. Geo. A Washington) 8 inches a part in the rows with 18 inch intervals."
This native plum has a sprawling habit, which showcases the beautiful white flowers in spring and the unique pink plums in midsummer. The plants become scaly with age and are somewhat disease prone.
| Latin Name | Prunus americana |
| Family | Rosaceae |
| Also Known As | Wild Plum |
| Bloom Season | March - March |
| Native Range | Eastern and Central North America |
| Max Height | 25' |
| Max Spread | 25' |
| Tolerances |
Drought Dry Soil |
| Uses |
Naturalize Edible |
Apples were an important crop during the colonial period due to the popularity (and necessity) of cider production. Washington grew several varieties for this purpose in the Orchard at his Mansion Farm, as well as on his outlying farms. He records "Received 215 Apple trees (red striek) from Major Jenifer; wh[ic]h I sent to the river plantation in the Neck, to be planted" in his diary on November 12, 1785.
Apples are ideally planted in multiples of different varieties for optimal fruit production, and many also benefit from pollinators to increase the effectiveness of cross-pollination. Most apple trees are grown from scionwood grafted to rootstock, and the kind of rootstock will determine the ultimate height and disease resistance of the tree. Dwarf and some semi-dwarf trees, with their smaller root systems, must be staked or trained to a wall or fence, much like the espaliered trees at Mount Vernon. The health and fruit yields of most trees depends on proper pruning and treatment of pests and disease.
| Latin Name | Malus pumila |
| Family | Rosaceae |
| Bloom Season | April - April |
| Native Range | Europe, Asia |
| Max Height | 20' |
| Max Spread | 15' |
| Uses |
Flowering Tree Edible |
Apricots have been grown at Mount Vernon since 1762 when Washington notes that he was grafting them.
This underappreciated stone fruit has lovely blossoms early in the spring. Because of their early bloom time, the flowers are susceptible to freezing.
| Latin Name | Prunus armeniaca |
| Family | Rosaceae |
| Bloom Season | April - April |
| Native Range | Asia |
| Max Height | 20' |
| Max Spread | 10' |
| Uses |
Edible Flowering Tree |
George Washington was growing asparagus in his south (lower) garden in 1785.
Asparagus is an unusual plant that is primarily cultivated for its edible tender young shoots in the spring. When mature, it has large ferny foliage that is pale green.
| Latin Name | Asparagus officinalis |
| Family | Asparagaceae |
| Native Range | North and South America |
| Max Height | 4' |
| Max Spread | 2' |
| Tolerances |
Rabbit |
| Uses |
Vegetable Edible |
In 1793, a Mr. Minton Collins of Alexandria advertised balsam seeds for sale which he had received in a shipment from London.
This plant is ideally used in the front of the flower border and is prone to reseeding. It was a common garden plant in the 18th century.
| Latin Name | Impatiens balsamina |
| Family | Balsaminaceae |
| Also Known As | Touch-Me-Not |
| Bloom Season | June - September |
| Native Range | India, Southeast Asia |
| Max Height | 2.5' |
| Max Spread | 1.5' |
| Tolerances |
Drought Dry Soil |
| Uses |
Annual Flower Border |
George Washington received banana plants in 1799 in a shipment of plants and seeds from the East Indies.
Since bananas must reach a certain size to set fruit, today they are mostly used in the garden for their dramatic foliage.
| Latin Name | Musa coccinea |
| Family | Musaceae |
| Native Range | Indochina |
| Max Height | 10' |
| Max Spread | 10' |
| Uses |
Ornamental |
Horticulturist Henry Middleton of South Carolina had this plant in his garden by 1800.
These sweet-smelling golden flowers are ideal for the front of the border in spring when bulbs are blooming.
| Latin Name | Aurinia saxatilis |
| Family | Brassicaceae |
| Also Known As | Golden-tuft Alyssum Rock Madwort Gold Dust |
| Bloom Season | April - May |
| Native Range | Central and Southeastern Europe |
| Max Height | 1' |
| Max Spread | 1.5' |
| Tolerances |
Drought Dry Soil Shallow-Rocky Soil |
| Uses |
Annual Flower Border Ground Cover Naturalize |
It was first sent to England in 1724 by Mark Catesby.
All parts of this bold shrub are fragrant. It particularly deserves its name for the profusion of amethyst purple berries borne on its long branches.
| Latin Name | Callicarpa americana |
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Bloom Season | June - August |
| Native Range | Southeastern United States |
| Max Height | 6' |
| Max Spread | 6' |
| Tolerances |
Clay Soil |
| Uses |
Naturalize Flower Border |
William Faris referred to this plant as "Bergamot Balm" and kept it in his Annapolis garden.
Bee Balm is a tall summer-blooming perennial with brilliant red flowers subtended by a whorl of showy, red-tinged, leafy bracts. The aromatic leaves can be used for tea, but are susceptible to mildew, so this plant needs good air circulation. A member of the mint family, bee balm spreads readily by rhizomes and self-seeding to form large colonies, so be prepared to divide it every few years.
| Latin Name | Monarda didyma |
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Also Known As | Monarda Bergamot Oswego tea |
| Bloom Season | July - August |
| Native Range | Canada, United States |
| Max Height | 4' |
| Max Spread | 3' |
| Tolerances |
Black Walnut Clay Soil Deer Rabbit Wet Soil |
| Uses |
Flower Border Edible Naturalize Rain Garden |
George Washington's gardeners recorded many instances of planting beets.
Beets are a popular root crop used for pickling, roasting, and salads. They come in an array of colors, including red, yellow, and red and white striped.
| Latin Name | Beta vulgaris |
| Family | Amaranthaceae |
| Native Range | Europe, northern Africa, southern Asia |
| Max Height | 1.5' |
| Max Spread | 1' |
| Uses |
Vegetable Edible |
Black locust has historically been a valuable source of wood for fence posts, due to their rot-resistance. Washington planted a grove of locust on the north end of the mansion.
Black locust trees are fast-growing with an open habit, prominent thorns when young, and deeply furrowed bark when mature. Their fragrant white pea-like flowers attract honey bees, who make an aromatic honey from the pollen.
| Latin Name | Robinia pseudoacacia |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Also Known As | False Acacia |
| Bloom Season | May - June |
| Native Range | Eastern and central United States |
| Max Height | 80' |
| Max Spread | 35' |
| Tolerances |
Air Pollution Deer Drought |
| Uses |
Shade Tree Street Tree |
John Bartram of Philadelphia was selling orange coneflower in his 1770 catalog.
A cottage garden favorite, black-eyed susan features masses of ferociously yellow flowers that attract butterflies. They are incredibly hardy and tolerate a wide variety of conditions, making them ideal for naturalizing.
| Latin Name | Rudbeckia fulgida |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Also Known As | Perennial coneflower Orange coneflower |
| Bloom Season | June - October |
| Native Range | Eastern North America |
| Max Height | 3' |
| Max Spread | 3' |
| Tolerances |
Air Pollution Deer Drought Clay Soil Dry Soil Shallow-Rocky Soil |
| Uses |
Flower Border Naturalize |
Lady Jean Skipwith planted these in her Virginia garden in 1793.
Blackberry lilies are named for their glossy black seeds which look nearly identical to an actual blackberry. They have beautiful orange flowers with darker spots on long graceful stems above strappy green foliage.
| Latin Name | Iris domestica |
| Family | Iridaceae |
| Also Known As | Leopard Lily |
| Bloom Season | July - August |
| Native Range | Central Asia, India, China, Japan |
| Max Height | 3' |
| Max Spread | 2' |
| Tolerances |
Drought |
| Uses |
Flower Border |
Blackhaws are an American native that initially appeared on John Bartram's lists in 1739.
These large spring blooming shrubs with edible berries do best in natural areas where they can achieve their full size.
| Latin Name | Viburnum prunifolium |
| Family | Adoxaceae |
| Also Known As | Sweet Haw Stag Bush |
| Bloom Season | May - June |
| Native Range | Eastern and Central North America |
| Max Height | 15' |
| Max Spread | 12' |
| Tolerances |
Air Pollution Black Walnut Clay Soil Drought |
| Uses |
Edible Hedge Naturalize |
False indigo was originally cultivated as a potential dye, but the color proved weaker than true indigo. It was noted in the early 18th century by Williamsburg naturalist John Clayton.
This unique plant features bright blue-purple flowers on tall green stalks followed by interesting black seedpods. It forms a deep taproot and does not transplant well, so be certain of its location before planting.
| Latin Name | Baptisia australis |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Also Known As | Rattleweed Blue Wild Indigo |
| Bloom Season | May - June |
| Native Range | Eastern United States |
| Max Height | 4' |
| Max Spread | 4' |
| Tolerances |
Drought Rabbit Clay Soil Erosion Dry Soil Shallow-Rocky Soil |
| Uses |
Flower Border Naturalize |
Date of introduction: 1750
Blue Flag is a petite double tulip with flouncy purple petals. Its short stature makes it ideally suited for the front of the border.
| Latin Name | Tulipa 'Blue Flag' |
| Family | Liliaceae |
| Bloom Season | May - May |
| Native Range | Africa and Eurasia |
| Max Height | 1.5' |
| Max Spread | 0.5' |
| Tolerances |
Black Walnut |
| Uses |
Flower Border |
George Washington received blue sky vine plants from Thomas Law, who was his grandson-in-law, in 1799.
Blue sky vine is a large, twining vine that boasts beautiful pale blue flowers. It is a rapid grower and becomes quite large over the course of a season.
| Latin Name | Thunbergia grandiflora |
| Family | Acanthaceae |
| Also Known As | Bengal Clockvine |
| Native Range | Northern India |
| Max Height | 30' |
| Max Spread | 6' |
| Uses |
Ornamental |
Boston Marrows are large, bright orange squashes that can weigh anywhere between 10 and 50 lbs., although 25 lbs. is more common. They are an excellent eating squash and can be turned into soups or pies.
| Latin Name | Cucurbita maxima 'Boston Marrow |
| Family | Cucurbitaceae |
| Bloom Season | July - September |
| Native Range | South America |
| Max Height | 1.5' |
| Max Spread | 15' |
| Uses |
Annual Edible Ornamental Vegetable |
After visiting Mount Vernon in 1796, architect Benjamin Latrobe observed, "On one side of the lawn is a plain Kitchen garden, on the other side a neat flower garden laid out in squares, and boxed with great precission [sic]."
Boxwood are the quintessential southern garden hedge plant. They are popular for use in knot gardens, parterres, edging, and as topiaries. While the historic English boxwood (Buxus suffruiticosa) are especially susceptible to a devastating and widespread blight caused by the fungus Cylindrocladium buxicola, there are new varieties that have been bred to offer various levels of resistance. Several varieties of boxwood grow in the Mount Vernon gardens including: Buxus sempervirens (American), Buxus microphylla var. japonica 'Green Beauty', and 'Morris Dwarf.'
| Latin Name | Buxus spp. |
| Family | Buxaceae |
| Native Range | Europe, Asia |
| Max Height | 5' |
| Max Spread | 5' |
| Tolerances |
Deer Rabbit |
| Uses |
Hedge Flower Border Ornamental |
Historically, this plant has been used for cooking and medicinal purposes. Brother August Schubert of Bethabara was growing breadseed poppies in 1761.
This elegant annual forms an attractive seedhead after blooming and is ideal for the middle of the border in the spring garden. It self-sows reliably, but does not transplant well.
| Latin Name | Papaver somniferum |
| Family | Papaveraceae |
| Also Known As | Lettuce-leaf Poppy |
| Bloom Season | May - June |
| Native Range | Eastern Mediterranean |
| Max Height | 3' |
| Max Spread | 2' |
| Uses |
Annual Flower Border |
George Washington's gardener recorded planting "brockley" in the "high" garden on June 9, 1798.
Broccoli is a cool season vegetable which has been cultivated since the Roman Empire. It is grown for its tender florets which can be eaten raw or cooked.
| Latin Name | Brassica oleracea (Italica) |
| Family | Brassicaceae |
| Max Height | 2.5' |
| Max Spread | 2.5' |
| Uses |
Vegetable Edible |
This was a popular colonial plant used for making brooms.
This large plant is used to make brooms. However, it is not a true corn.
| Latin Name | Sorghum vulgare |
| Family | Poaceae |
| Bloom Season | July - August |
| Native Range | Central Africa |
| Max Height | 12' |
| Max Spread | 3' |
| Uses |
Annual Crop |
It was introduced into cultivation in 1735, and was recommended by Philadelphia nurseyman Bernard McMahon in The American Gardener's Calendar (1806).
Airy blue flowers form a stunning mass mid-border late in the season when many other flowers are fading. In southern climates, this plant self-sows with vigor.
| Latin Name | Browallia americana |
| Family | Solanaceae |
| Also Known As | Amethyst Flower Bush Violet |
| Bloom Season | August - October |
| Native Range | South America |
| Max Height | 3' |
| Max Spread | 2' |
| Uses |
Annual Flower Border |
The plantsman John Bartram sold Brown-eyed Susans in his catalog in 1770.
Brown-eyed Susans form masses of bright gold flowers above dark green foliage. It will flop without a midseason trim to keep it from getting too tall. It is ideal for naturalizing because it reseeds readily.
| Latin Name | Rudbeckia triloba |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Also Known As | Thin-leaved Coneflower Three-leaved Coneflower |
| Bloom Season | July - October |
| Native Range | Central United States |
| Max Height | 5' |
| Max Spread | 2' |
| Tolerances |
Deer Drought |
| Uses |
Flower Border Naturalize |
Thomas Jefferson was growing Bullnose peppers in 1774.
The bullnose pepper is a type of sweet pepper which produces abundantly. Its fruits are somewhat smaller than modern bell peppers and they are susceptible to sunscald. However, they have an excellent flavor.
| Latin Name | Capsicum annuum |
| Family | Solanaceae |
| Native Range | South and Central America |
| Max Height | 3' |
| Max Spread | 2' |
| Tolerances |
Drought |
George Washington planted "bunch" or bush hominy beans in his fields at The Neck, Frenches', and Muddy Hole.
Bush beans are compact, low growing plants that produce large crops of beans. They can be used for fresh eating or as dry beans.
| Latin Name | Phaseolus vulgaris |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Max Height | 2' |
| Max Spread | 2.5' |
| Uses |
Annual Edible Vegetable |
George Washington sent a letter to William Pearce in 1794 where he included lima beans for the gardener to plant.
Bush lima beans are vigorous, productive plants. Their smaller size makes them easy to grow in the home garden and they still provide a bounteous harvest. They can be used dry or fresh.
| Latin Name | Phaseolus lunatus |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Also Known As | Butter Bean |
| Native Range | Central America |
| Max Height | 2' |
| Max Spread | 2' |
| Uses |
Annual Vegetable Edible |
Date of Introduction: 1777
Butter and Eggs is pale yellow double daffodil with many frilly petals. Its height makes it well suited to the middle of the flower border.
| Latin Name | Narcissus incomparabilis aurantius plenus |
| Family | Amaryllidaceae |
| Bloom Season | April - May |
| Native Range | Southern Europe and northern Africa |
| Max Height | 1.5' |
| Max Spread | 0.75' |
| Tolerances |
Deer Drought Rabbit |
| Uses |
Flower Border |
George Washington received butterfly pea seeds from his grandson-in-law Thomas Law in 1799.
Butterfly peas are short lived tropical perennials with striking blue flowers. They have a twining habit and prefer rich, moist, well-drained soils. They make attractive container plants in Virginia.
| Latin Name | Clitoria ternatea |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Also Known As | Asian Pigeonwings Blue Pea |
| Native Range | Tropical Asia |
| Max Height | 15' |
| Max Spread | 6' |
| Uses |
Ornamental |
They are native in all counties of Virginia and have long been popular in gardens, including Lady Skipwith's garden at Prestwould in 1793.
This plant features brilliant orange flowers that light up the garden and are attractive to pollinators, including monarchs and honeybees.
| Latin Name | Asclepias tuberosa |
| Family | Apocynaceae |
| Also Known As | Pleurisy Root |
| Bloom Season | June - August |
| Native Range | Eastern United States |
| Max Height | 2.5' |
| Max Spread | 1.5' |
| Tolerances |
Deer Drought Erosion Shallow-Rocky Soil Dry Soil |
| Uses |
Flower Border Naturalize Rain Garden |
Lady Skipwith planted corn flags at her Virginia estate, Prestwould, in 1793.
This petite, graceful gladiolus features bright pink flowers on long, elegant stems. It is somewhat hardier than most modern gladioli.
| Latin Name | Gladiolus communis |
| Family | Iridaceae |
| Also Known As | Corn Flag |
| Bloom Season | June - July |
| Native Range | Southern Europe and northwestern Africa |
| Max Height | 2' |
| Max Spread | 1' |
| Uses |
Flower Border |
George Washington had cabbage planted between his rows of corn at several of his farms.
Cabbage is a cool season annual that was a staple crop in the colonial period and continues to be so today.
| Latin Name | Brassica oleracea |
| Family | Brassicaceae |
| Max Height | 2' |
| Max Spread | 2' |
| Uses |
Vegetable Edible |
Thomas Jefferson was growing calendula at his home as early as 1767.
Calendulas are an old fashioned herb with bright yellow or orange flowers. They are profuse bloomers in the spring and fall, but will stop blooming during the hot part of the summer. Their flowers can be used in salads and soaps.
| Latin Name | Calendula officinalis |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Also Known As | Pot Marigold Scotch Marigold |
| Bloom Season | May - June |
| Native Range | Southern Europe |
| Max Height | 2' |
| Max Spread | 2' |
| Tolerances |
Black Walnut Rabbit |
| Uses |
Annual Edible |
This compact plant is covered in drifts of tiny white flowers in the spring. It blooms at the same time as many of the spring bulbs and provides a nice accent among them.
| Latin Name | Iberis sempervirens |
| Family | Brassicaceae |
| Also Known As | Evergreen Candytuft |
| Bloom Season | April - May |
| Native Range | Southern Europe |
| Max Height | 1' |
| Max Spread | 1.5' |
| Tolerances |
Rabbit Deer Drought |
| Uses |
Ground Cover |
George French of Fredericksburg, Virginia offered seeds of these for sale in January of 1799.
Canterbury bells are a common sight in cottage gardens. Their bright purple flowers add a richness of color to the pastels of late spring and early summer. They are a short-lived perennial and often need to be replanted.
| Latin Name | Campanula medium |
| Family | Campanulaceae |
| Also Known As | Bellflower Glass Flower |
| Bloom Season | May - July |
| Native Range | Southern Europe |
| Max Height | 3' |
| Max Spread | 1.5' |
| Tolerances |
Deer |
| Uses |
Annual Flower Border |
The Marquis de Lafayette wrote to George Washington requesting seeds of the cardinal flower for the King's gardens at Versailles.
The vibrant red blooms of the cardinal flower makes it an ideal plant for the shady summer garden. It reseeds readily and is ideal for naturalizing and sharing with friends.
| Latin Name | Lobelia cardinalis |
| Family | Campanulaceae |
| Bloom Season | July - September |
| Native Range | North America |
| Max Height | 4' |
| Max Spread | 2' |
| Tolerances |
Deer Rabbit Wet Soil |
| Uses |
Flower Border Naturalize Rain Garden |
In May of 1786, Washington's diary records that he "Planted or rather transplanted from the Box sent me by Colo. Wm. Washington of So. Carolina 6 of the Sweet scented, or aromatic shrub in my Shrubberies, on each side the Serpentine walks on this (or East) side of the Garden gate."
Give this shrub ample room to sprawl, as it tends to sucker when it's happy. The unusual chocolatey maroon flowers give off a spicy sweet fragrance which is echoed in cut twigs and leaves.
| Latin Name | Calycanthus floridus |
| Family | Calycanthaceae |
| Also Known As | Sweetshrub |
| Bloom Season | May - July |
| Native Range | Southeastern United States |
| Max Height | 10' |
| Max Spread | 12' |
| Tolerances |
Clay Soil Deer |
| Uses |
Flower Border Naturalize Ornamental |
Washington's gardener planted four yellow jessamines by the garden gates in 1786.
This rambling evergreen vine sports masses of fragrant tubular yellow flowers in late winter and early spring. It is well-suited for use on arbors and fences.
| Latin Name | Gelsemium sempervirens |
| Family | Gelsemiaceae |
| Also Known As | Evening Trumpetflower Woodbine |
| Bloom Season | February - April |
| Native Range | Southern United States, Mexico, Guatemala |
| Max Height | 20' |
| Max Spread | 6' |
| Uses |
Ground Cover Ornamental |
Washington grew carrots as a field crop in between rows of potatoes, and in the vegetable gardens on the Estate.
Carrots are a root crop which comes in a wide variety of colors. They can be yellow, orange, or purple. While the purple colored varieties are some of the oldest types, orange varieties of carrots were popular by the mid-1700s. They can be served fresh in salads, or cooked.
| Latin Name | Daucus carota var. sativa |
| Family | Apiaceae |
| Native Range | Afghanistan |
| Max Height | 3' |
| Max Spread | 3' |
| Uses |
Vegetable Edible Annual |
In May of 1798, Washington's gardener records that he planted "calliflowers" in the lower garden.
Cauliflower is a cabbage relative with broad blue-green leaves and a large white head. It is slow to harvest and benefits from a long cool season.
| Latin Name | Brassica oleracea (Botrytis) |
| Family | Brassicaceae |
| Native Range | Western Europe |
| Max Height | 2.5' |
| Max Spread | 2' |
| Uses |
Vegetable Edible |
Washington planted cayenne peppers in his botanical garden in 1785.
Cayenne peppers are large prolific plants. They produce bountiful crops of slender, spicy red peppers that can be used fresh or dried.
| Latin Name | Capsicum annuum |
| Family | Solanaceae |
| Native Range | Tropical North and South America |
| Max Height | 4' |
| Max Spread | 2' |
| Tolerances |
Drought |
| Uses |
Annual Edible Vegetable |
Brother Lung of the Moravian settlement at Bethabara, North Carolina was growing celery in the Upland Garden in 1759.
Celery is a familiar component of Bloody Marys, salads, and soups. It is grown primarily for its crisp stalks which add a mild flavor to food. Celery is a cool season vegetable and does not like the hot summers of the southern part of the country.
| Latin Name | Apium graveolens var. dulce |
| Family | Apiaceae |
| Native Range | Europe |
| Max Height | 2.5' |
| Max Spread | 1.5' |
| Uses |
Vegetable Edible |
The Charles de Mills rose has been known in cultivation since approximately 1790.
This Gallica class rose is full-flowered with luscious petals of a deep crimson. It has fragrant flowers in the spring.
| Latin Name | Rosa gallica 'Charles de Mills' |
| Family | Rosaceae |
| Bloom Season | May - May |
| Native Range | Central and southern Europe |
| Max Height | 5' |
| Max Spread | 5' |
| Uses |
Flower Border |
John Bartram of Philadelphia listed High Mallow for sale in his plant catalog by 1770.
High Mallow is an upright, bushy plant with magenta flowers and darker purple stripes. It reseeds readily and naturalizes quickly in the garden.
| Latin Name | Malva sylvestris |
| Family | Malvaceae |
| Also Known As | High Mallow Common Mallow |
| Bloom Season | July - September |
| Native Range | Western Europe, Northern Africa, Asia |
| Max Height | 4' |
| Max Spread | 3' |
| Uses |
Flower Border Naturalize Annual |
Washington was experimenting with chicory as a field crop.
This blue-flowered perennial is common as a roadside weed, but has a long history of being used as an edible or fodder.
| Latin Name | Cichorium intybus |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Also Known As | Wild Endive Succory Coffeeweed |
| Bloom Season | May - October |
| Native Range | Europe, northern Africa, western Asia |
| Max Height | 4' |
| Max Spread | 2' |
| Uses |
Edible Crop |
They have been cultivated in the United States since 1737, when John Custis was growing them in his Williamsburg garden.
The pink, purple, or white flowers of this cheerful daisy are an excellent midsummer accent in any flower garden.
| Latin Name | Callistephus chinensis |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Also Known As | Annual Aster |
| Bloom Season | July - September |
| Native Range | China |
| Max Height | 3' |
| Max Spread | 1.5' |
| Uses |
Annual Flower Border |
Washington planted Pride of China in his botanical garden, writing on July 23, 1785, "Perceived a few Plants of the Pride of China (the Seed of which were Sowed on the 13th. of June) to be coming up."
Chinaberry is a fast-growing deciduous tree often made of several smaller trunks, as it is able to readily sprout from the roots. The widely spreading crown, pale purple tube-like fragrant blooms, and attractive yellow drupes that persist all winter made it a popular ornamental shade tree in southern yards during the 1900s, but now it is noted for its invasive qualities, naturalizing along roadsides and fence rows. Many animal species - including cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, dogs, rats, rabbits, guinea pigs, poultry and humans - have been poisoned by chinaberry, usually by ingesting the fallen fruit.
| Latin Name | Melia azedarach |
| Family | Meliaceae |
| Also Known As | Pride of China Bead Tree Ceylon Mahogany |
| Bloom Season | April - May |
| Native Range | Northern India, central and western China |
| Max Height | 50' |
| Max Spread | 50' |
| Uses |
Ornamental |
William Byrd II recorded chives on his plant list in 1736.
Chives are a small clump-forming onion relative. The stems are frequently used as a culinary herb, and the flowers are attractive to pollinators.
| Latin Name | Allium schoenoprasum |
| Family | Amaryllidaceae |
| Bloom Season | April - May |
| Native Range | Balkans, Siberia, Asia Minor |
| Max Height | 1.5' |
| Max Spread | 1.5' |
| Tolerances |
Deer Drought Black Walnut |
| Uses |
Herb Edible |
John Bartram of Philadelphia listed Clary sage in his 1770 catalog.
Spires of pink and white bracts crown this large-leafed salvia. It has been used as an herb since the Middle Ages and is currently used as flavoring for wines, vermouth, and liqueurs.
| Latin Name | Salvia sclarea |
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Bloom Season | June - August |
| Native Range | Europe to Central Asia |
| Max Height | 4' |
| Max Spread | 3' |
| Tolerances |
Deer Drought Shallow-Rocky Soil |
| Uses |
Flower Border Herb Edible |
Climbing Old Blush is a sport of the Old Blush rose and has been cultivated since the 1750s.
This elegant climbing rose sports large pink flowers from spring until nearly Christmas. It is lightly fragrant and easily trained to a graceful climbing habit against walls or over trellises.
| Latin Name | Rosa chinensis 'Climbing Old Blush' |
| Family | Rosaceae |
| Bloom Season | May - January |
| Native Range | Eastern Asia |
| Max Height | 20' |
| Max Spread | 20' |
| Uses |
Flower Border |
John Custis of Williamsburg received cockscomb seeds from plantsman Peter Collinson of London in 1738.
A sturdy long-blooming annual, this impressive plant is ideal for the back of the border. Its bright flowers come in many colors, including hot pink, peach, deep rose, yellow, and red.
| Latin Name | Celosia argentea var. cristata |
| Family | Amaranthaceae |
| Bloom Season | July - October |
| Native Range | India |
| Max Height | 5' |
| Max Spread | 2' |
| Tolerances |
Drought Dry Soil |
| Uses |
Annual Flower Border Edible |
George Washington received coffee plants from Thomas Law, who was his grandson-in-law, in 1799.
Coffee forms a large shrub with glossy green leaves. It has small white flowers. This plant produces the coffee beans so many of us rely on every day, but in this part of the world is primarily used as an ornamental.
| Latin Name | Coffea arabica |
| Family | Rubiaceae |
| Native Range | Tropical Africa |
| Max Height | 15' |
| Max Spread | 15' |
| Uses |
Ornamental |
George Washington wrote to John Jay in March of 1794, "I thank you for the Nankeen Cotton-seed with which you had the goodness to furnish me. It shall be sent to Mount Vernon with orders to my Gardener to be particularly attentive thereto, but with little hope, I confess, of success; that climate & country being too high & cold for this plant."
This crop is grown for the fibers it produces, although ornamental varieties do exist.
| Latin Name | Gossypium hirsutum |
| Family | Malvaceae |
| Also Known As | Upland Cotton |
| Bloom Season | July - October |
| Native Range | West Indies, Northern South America, Central America, Mexico |
| Max Height | 8' |
| Max Spread | 4' |
| Uses |
Crop |
In Washington's May 6, 1786 diary entry, he writes "Found that all the large (Indian) Peas I had, had been sown with the drill plow yesterday, at Dogue run"..." only compleated 8 rows—after which, they proceeded to sow the small black eyed pea & finished with them."
The name "cowpea" was probably coined for their use as a fodder crop for cows, and while grown for their edible bean, the leaves and pods can also be consumed. Black-eyed peas can be harvested as a snap bean, or dried, and are the main ingredient in Hoppin' John, a traditional Southern dish ritually served on New Year's Day.
| Latin Name | Vigna unguiculata |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Also Known As | Black-eyed pea Southern pea Yardlong bean Catjang Crowder pea |
| Bloom Season | July - August |
| Native Range | Western and eastern Africa |
| Max Height | 2.5' |
| Max Spread | 4' |
| Uses |
Edible Crop Vegetable |
Lady Jean Skipwith recorded English cowslips in her Prestwould, Virginia garden in 1793.
This cute perennial forms small masses of green foliage with bright yellow or red flowers in the early spring. It is particularly sweet when planted with bulbs or other spring ephemerals in the front of the border.
| Latin Name | Primula veris |
| Family | Primulaceae |
| Also Known As | Primula English Cowslip Fairy Cups Tittypines |
| Bloom Season | April - May |
| Native Range | Temperate Europe and Asia |
| Max Height | 0.75' |
| Max Spread | 1' |
| Tolerances |
Deer Rabbit Wet Soil |
| Uses |
Flower Border |
Washington received some young guelder rose plants from his neighbor George Mason at Gunston Hall in 1785.
Cranberrybush has stunning white flowers reminiscent of a hydrangea, which makes up for its somewhat coarse texture and stiffly upright growth.
| Latin Name | Viburnum opulus |
| Family | Adoxaceae |
| Also Known As | Snowball Bush Guelder Rose |
| Bloom Season | April - May |
| Native Range | Europe, northern Africa, and Asia |
| Max Height | 15' |
| Max Spread | 15' |
| Uses |
Hedge Naturalize Flower Border |
George Washington planted red clover extensively as a cover crop at all his farms.
This clover is used primarily as a cover crop and fodder, but it is also a good nectar source for bees.
| Latin Name | Trifolium incarnatum |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Also Known As | Italian Clover |
| Bloom Season | April - May |
| Native Range | Europe |
| Max Height | 1.5' |
| Max Spread | 1' |
| Tolerances |
Dry Soil Clay Soil |
| Uses |
Annual Crop |
This bulb was first discovered in 1587 and were well known in England by 1629.
Crocuses cheerfully herald the coming spring with bright yellow flowers. They naturalize easily in gardens, offering clumps which grow larger year by year.
| Latin Name | Crocus angustifolius 'Cloth of Gold' |
| Family | Iridaceae |
| Bloom Season | March - April |
| Native Range | Europe to Western Asia |
| Max Height | 0.5' |
| Max Spread | 0.5' |
| Tolerances |
Black Walnut Clay Soil Deer |
| Uses |
Flower Border |
William Faris, an Annapolis clock maker and gardener, records the crown imperial on his 1790s list of flowers grown in his garden.
This large bulb has striking orange flowers borne on long lily-like flowers in spring. It is best placed on its side when planted to prevent rotting and then left undisturbed.
| Latin Name | Fritillaria imperialis 'Rubra Maxima' |
| Family | Liliaceae |
| Also Known As | Kaiser's Crown |
| Bloom Season | May - May |
| Native Range | Western Asia to Himalayas |
| Max Height | 3' |
| Max Spread | 1.5' |
| Tolerances |
Black Walnut Deer |
| Uses |
Flower Border |
John Custis sent cucumber seeds to Peter Collinson in 1738.
Cucumbers are a vining plant with yellow flowers and slightly prickly stems. There are many varieties which produce cucumbers of different sizes and shapes.
| Latin Name | Cucumis sativus |
| Family | Cucurbitaceae |
| Native Range | South Asia |
| Max Height | 1.5' |
| Max Spread | 8' |
| Uses |
Annual Edible Vegetable |
The Damask rose has a long and storied history, but its origin remains unclear. We know that it was documented in England by 1540, and in 1791 Thomas Jefferson was growing a variety of damask rose in his garden at Monticello.
The highly fragrant damask rose offers a profusion of pink flowers in the spring. Flowers from this large and mostly upright shrub have been used for centuries in perfume making, as well as for rose oil, rose water, and for cooking.
| Latin Name | Rosa x damascena |
| Family | Rosaceae |
| Also Known As | Rose of Castile |
| Bloom Season | May - June |
| Native Range | Eurasia |
| Max Height | 6' |
| Max Spread | 6' |
The English plant collector Peter Collinson sent seeds of Dame's Rocket to John Custis of Williamsburg in 1735.
A fragrant spring bloomer, this perennial naturalizes readily. Its white flowers are refreshing among all the pink and blue spring blooms. This flower cuts nicely for pleasant smelling bouquets.
| Latin Name | Hesperis matronalis |
| Family | Brassicaceae |
| Also Known As | Garden Rocket Damask Violet Sweet Rocket Mother-of-the-evening |
| Bloom Season | April - May |
| Native Range | Europe, central Asia |
| Max Height | 3' |
| Max Spread | 2' |
| Tolerances |
Deer |
| Uses |
Naturalize Flower Border |
John Custis sent Peter Collinson some gourd seeds in 1741.
Dipper gourds are sprawling plants that produce enormous quantities of fruit over the course of the season. The gourds they produce can be used to make drinking vessels, birdhouses, and other decorative items.
| Latin Name | Lagenaria siceraria |
| Family | Cucurbitaceae |
| Bloom Season | July - September |
| Native Range | Pantropical |
| Max Height | 1.5' |
| Max Spread | 16' |
| Uses |
Annual Crop |
Purple-headed garlick has been in popular use since 1766 and was listed in the first bulb catalog in the United States.
This unique late-blooming bulb sports maroon flower-heads, for which it earns its common of drumstick allium.
| Latin Name | Allium sphaerocephalon |
| Family | Amaryllidaceae |
| Also Known As | Round-headed Leek Purple-headed Garlick |
| Bloom Season | June - July |
| Native Range | Europe, northern Africa, western Asia |
| Max Height | 3' |
| Max Spread | 1.5' |
| Tolerances |
Black Walnut Deer Drought |
| Uses |
Flower Border |
Date of introduction: 1595
Duc van Tol Red and Yellow is a petite tulip that does best when planted near the front of the border.
| Latin Name | Tulipa 'Duc van Tol Red and Yellow' |
| Family | Liliaceae |
| Bloom Season | April - April |
| Native Range | Africa and Eurasia |
| Max Height | 0.5' |
| Max Spread | 0.5' |
| Tolerances |
Black Walnut |
| Uses |
Flower Border |
Date of introduction: 1700
Duc van Tol Rose is a petite tulip with pointed pink and white petals.
| Latin Name | Tulipa 'Duc van Tol Rose |
| Family | Liliaceae |
| Bloom Season | April - April |
| Native Range | Africa and Eurasia |
| Max Height | 0.75' |
| Max Spread | 0.5' |
| Tolerances |
Black Walnut |
| Uses |
Flower Border |
Date of introduction: 1612
Early Louisiana is a petite yellow daffodil that is well suited to naturalizing. It does well towards the front of the flower border.
| Latin Name | Narcissus jonquilla 'Early Louisiana' |
| Family | Asparagaceae |
| Bloom Season | April - April |
| Native Range | Southern Europe and northern Africa |
| Max Height | 0.75' |
| Max Spread | 0.5' |
| Tolerances |
Deer Rabbit Drought |
| Uses |
Flower Border |
Washington writes that he "Road to my Mill Swamp, where my Dogue run hands were at work & to other places in search of the sort of Trees I shall want for my walks, groves, & Wildernesses" . This included "a great abundance of the red-bud of all sizes" that he found along the river near his old brick kiln.
This small, spreading native tree offers a profusion of purplish-pink flowers lining the dark branches in April, followed by large heart-shaped leaves. The redbud evolved in the understory and wood edges of forests, where it is sheltered from intense sunlight, and is prettiest planted among dogwoods and other small spring- flowering shrubs.
| Latin Name | Cercis canadensis |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Also Known As | Spicewood Tree |
| Bloom Season | April - April |
| Native Range | Eastern North America |
| Max Height | 30' |
| Max Spread | 35' |
| Tolerances |
Black Walnut Deer Clay Soil |
| Uses |
Street Tree Flowering Tree Naturalize |
The Eglantine rose was known in the American colonies by the 1740s.
Eglantine roses are large and sprawling, with single pale pink flowers in late spring and early summer. They are strongly apple-scented and their hips are popular for use in tea. This rose may be restrained by growing on posts or trellises to control its long, thorny canes.
| Latin Name | Rosa rubiginosa |
| Family | Rosaceae |
| Also Known As | Sweetbriar Rose |
| Bloom Season | May - June |
| Native Range | Europe and Western Asia |
| Max Height | 15' |
| Max Spread | 8' |
| Uses |
Flower Border |
Bernard McMahon of Philadelphia listed walking onions in his 1802 seed catalog.
Egyptian walking onions are a unique plant which produces the next generation in a crown of bulblets atop their stalks in lieu of flowers. As the bulblets grow, their weight pulls them to the ground, where they take root to grow new plants. While the young bulbs are mild and can be used as scallions, old bulbs are quite pungent.
| Latin Name | Allium x proliferum |
| Family | Amaryllidaceae |
| Also Known As | Tree onion Topsetting onion |
| Max Height | 1.5' |
| Max Spread | 1' |
| Uses |
Edible Vegetable |
John Bartram had this plant in his catalog in the mid-18th century.
This plant's large leaves add a unique texture to the back of the border, while its yellow flowers provide late season interest. Elecampane is used in France and Switzerland to make absinthe.
| Latin Name | Inula helenium |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Also Known As | Horse Heal Elfdock |
| Bloom Season | July - September |
| Native Range | Eurasia |
| Max Height | 6' |
| Max Spread | 3' |
| Uses |
Flower Border Herb |
Thomas Jefferson was growing endive in his garden in 1777.
Endive has broad, bright green leaves and looks somewhat like a rougher-textured lettuce. It has a sharp, bitter flavor.
| Latin Name | Cichorium endivia |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Also Known As | Escarole |
| Native Range | Europe |
| Max Height | 0.75' |
| Max Spread | 0.75' |
| Uses |
Annual Edible Vegetable |
These delicate flowers were first cultivated for the garden in 1200.
Cascading blue flowers on arching stems slowly naturalize in the garden.
| Latin Name | Hyacinthoides non-scripta |
| Family | Asparagaceae |
| Bloom Season | April - May |
| Native Range | Western Europe |
| Max Height | 1.5' |
| Max Spread | 0.5' |
| Tolerances |
Black Walnut Heavy Shade |
| Uses |
Flower Border |
Due to its homeopathic qualities, English Daisy was included in the Hortus Medicus at Bethabara, North Carolina, which is known as the oldest medical garden in the country.
With its cute white flower, this petite daisy makes a charming addition to the garden. It is usually grown as a short-lived perennial, but it will reseed if permitted.
| Latin Name | Bellis perennis |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Also Known As | Woundwort |
| Bloom Season | May - July |
| Native Range | Southwestern Eurasia |
| Max Height | 0.5' |
| Max Spread | 0.75' |
| Uses |
Flower Border Annual Herb Naturalize |
Thomas Jefferson grew English lavender as one of his kitchen herbs in 1794.
Fragrant spires of dark purple flowers above silvery foliage light up the garden border in summer. If trimmed after blooming, they will flower again. Their flowers may be used in sachets or as flavoring in baking and drinks.
| Latin Name | Lavandula angustifolia |
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Also Known As | Common Lavender Garden Lavender True Lavender |
| Bloom Season | June - August |
| Native Range | Mediterranean |
| Max Height | 3' |
| Max Spread | 4' |
| Tolerances |
Air Pollution Deer Drought Dry Soil Shallow-Rocky Soil Rabbit |
| Uses |
Flower Border Herb |
Date of introduction: 1596
This crocus-like lemon yellow bulb is a surprising and unusual find in the fall garden. They perform best in sunny, protected locations.
| Latin Name | Sternbergia lutea |
| Family | Amaryllidaceae |
| Also Known As | Winter Daffodil Yellow Autumnal Amaryllis |
| Bloom Season | September - October |
| Native Range | Mediterranean to central Asia |
| Max Height | 0.5' |
| Max Spread | 0.5' |
| Tolerances |
Drought Dry Soil |
| Uses |
Flower Border |
Of the broad, or "horse" bean, Jefferson wrote John Taylor, 29 Dec. 1794, “The President has tried it without success.” It is possible that Washington's failure was due to the hot Virginia summers, which this bean cannot tolerate.
Fava beans, a cool season plant, performs best in either the spring or the fall. They are quite robust and can grow to three feet high, producing many large pods which are best eaten shelled.
| Latin Name | Vicia faba |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Also Known As | Broad bean Horse bean |
| Native Range | Northern Africa and southern Asia |
| Max Height | 3' |
| Max Spread | 2' |
| Uses |
Annual Edible Vegetable |
On November 18, 1784, Washington wrote to John Marsden Pintard, agent for the United States in the Island of Madeira, asking for "a few slips of the vines of your best eating Grape; and a young fig tree or two." While these fig trees didn't survive the voyage, he did eventually plant some figs in the Lower Garden, as noted in his Gardener's report on February 18, 1798, when the gardeners were " Diging & pruning Fig trees in the under Garden..." Washington often mentions the vine and fig as a metaphor for retirement from public life, as in a 1797 letter to the Marquis du Lafayette, writing "that I have once more retreated to the shades of my own Vine and Fig tree, where I shall remain with best vows for the prosperity of that country for whose happiness I have ... "
The fig tree dates back to ancient times and is an important source of food for many cultures. Flowers are borne inside the fig structure (syconium), and the fig is ripe and at its sweetest when it softens and turns dark late in the season. Coarse-textured leaves, which are large and deeply lobed, are immediately eye-catching in the garden.
| Latin Name | Ficus carica |
| Family | Moraceae |
| Native Range | Asia |
| Max Height | 30' |
| Max Spread | 30' |
| Uses |
Edible |
Fish peppers were commonly seen in the gardens of the enslaved people and were often used for making fish sauces.
Fish peppers are hot peppers with variegated white leaves. The peppers themselves are often streaked with white and start green before maturing to red.
| Latin Name | Capsicum annuum |
| Family | Solanaceae |
| Native Range | Caribbean |
| Max Height | 3' |
| Max Spread | 2' |
| Tolerances |
Drought |
| Uses |
Annual Edible Vegetable |
Date of introduction: circa 1650
Flaming Parrot is a favorite here at Mount Vernon, with its bold red stripes on fringed yellow petals. It is a tall, late-blooming tulip that does well in the middle of the border.
| Latin Name | Tulipa 'Flaming Parrot' |
| Family | Liliaceae |
| Bloom Season | April - May |
| Native Range | Africa and Eurasia |
| Max Height | 1.5' |
| Max Spread | 0.5' |
| Tolerances |
Black Walnut |
| Uses |
Flower Border |
Washington grew flax at most of his farms.
This crop has bright blue flowers. It is primarily used to make linen from its fibers and its seeds used as supplements and for linseed oil.
| Latin Name | Linum usitatissimum |
| Family | Linaceae |
| Also Known As | Linseed |
| Bloom Season | May - May |
| Native Range | Middle East |
| Max Height | 4' |
| Max Spread | 1' |
| Uses |
Annual Crop |
Date of introduction: 1597
The Florentine tulip is a charming yellow species tulip, with its bright flowers held on long, elegant stems.
| Latin Name | Tulipa sylvestris |
| Family | Liliaceae |
| Bloom Season | May - May |
| Native Range | Africa and Eurasia |
| Max Height | 1.25' |
| Max Spread | 0.75' |
| Tolerances |
Black Walnut |
| Uses |
Flower Border |
Its name honors Alexander Garden, a Scottish physician and plant enthusiast, who took up residence in Charleston, South Carolina in 1752 and first discovered and introduced Fothergilla gardenii to England.
The aromatic flowers on this dwarf shrub are redolent of honey. It is a plant of multi-season interest with its brilliant fall foliage and unique branching.
| Latin Name | Fothergilla gardenii |
| Family | Hamamelidaceae |
| Also Known As | Dwarf Fothergilla Witch Alder |
| Bloom Season | April - May |
| Native Range | Southeastern United States |
| Max Height | 3' |
| Max Spread | 4' |
| Uses |
Flower Border Naturalize |
At Monticello, Thomas Jefferson observed in 1767, "Mirabilis just opened, very clever."
Named for the time of day the bloom opens, four o'clocks will attract hummingbirds and nocturnal pollinators to your garden. This bushy plant reseeds readily, producing hundreds of large black seeds that resemble hand grenades.
| Latin Name | Mirabilis jalapa |
| Family | Nyctaginaceae |
| Also Known As | Marvel of Peru |
| Bloom Season | June - October |
| Native Range | Tropical America |
| Max Height | 3' |
| Max Spread | 3' |
| Tolerances |
Deer Rabbit Wet Soil |
| Uses |
Annual Flower Border Rain Garden |
Washington received seeds of foxglove from his friend William Gordon in 1787.
Wands of bell-shaped flowers ascend from a broad, woolly basal rosette. This common cottage garden flower has an important role in the manufacture of heart medicine.
| Latin Name | Digitalis purpurea |
| Family | Plantaginaceae |
| Also Known As | Lady's Glove |
| Bloom Season | May - June |
| Native Range | Europe |
| Max Height | 5' |
| Max Spread | 2.5' |
| Tolerances |
Deer Rabbit |
| Uses |
Flower Border Naturalize |
George French listed French marigold seeds in his 1799 advertisement in the Fredericksburg Virginia Herald
French marigolds are iconic garden plants with distinctly fragrant leaves. The flowers are single, semi-double, double, or crested in shades of yellow, orange, or red, and can also be bi-colored. When planted in the vegetable garden, marigolds can repel certain pests, such as white flies on tomatoes.
| Latin Name | Tagetes patula |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Bloom Season | July - November |
| Native Range | Mexico, Guatemala |
| Max Height | 1.5' |
| Max Spread | 1' |
| Tolerances |
Clay Soil Deer |
| Uses |
Annual Flower Border |
French marigolds were first featured in Curtis' Botanical Magazine in 1791.
This dazzling plant blooms in masses of yellow flowers with deep burgundy stripes and is the star of the fall garden.
| Latin Name | Tagetes patula |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Bloom Season | September - October |
| Native Range | Mexico and Guatemala |
| Max Height | 2' |
| Max Spread | 2' |
| Tolerances |
Deer Clay Soil |
| Uses |
Annual Edible Flower Border |
In her garden at Prestwould, Lady Jean Skipwith grew garden phlox in 1793.
Garden phlox has long been a staple of the perennial border, providing height and bright blooms at the back of the bed. The pink flowers are fragrant and attractive to butterflies and hummingbirds.
| Latin Name | Phlox paniculata |
| Family | Polemoniaceae |
| Also Known As | Summer phlox Tall phlox |
| Bloom Season | July - September |
| Native Range | Eastern North America |
| Max Height | 4' |
| Max Spread | 3' |
| Tolerances |
Black Walnut Clay Soil |
| Uses |
Flower Border Naturalize |
William Faris of Annapolis, Maryland was growing garlic in his garden in 1790.
Garlic is a popular ingredient in many types of cooking. This bulbous plant is an onion relative with fleshy green leaves and umbels of pinkish white flowers.
| Latin Name | Allium sativum |
| Family | Amaryllidaceae |
| Bloom Season | April - May |
| Native Range | Asia |
| Max Height | 1.5' |
| Max Spread | 1' |
| Tolerances |
Deer Black Walnut |
| Uses |
Vegetable Edible |
William Faris had German irises in his garden in Annapolis, Maryland, in 1790.
Irises add interesting texture to the spring garden with strappy leaves and unique flowers, nicely accenting the later blooming flower bulbs. They grow to form large clumps which are easily divided and spread around the garden.
| Latin Name | Iris germanica |
| Family | Iridaceae |
| Bloom Season | May - May |
| Native Range | Eastern Mediterranean |
| Max Height | 3' |
| Max Spread | 2' |
| Tolerances |
Drought Deer |
| Uses |
Flower Border |
Germander was used as edging in many colonial revival gardens, as well as for knot gardens during the Elizabethan and Jacobean periods.
Germander is a small, shrubby herb with bright flowers and a distinctive fragrance. It works well as a short, clipped hedge.
| Latin Name | Teucrium chamaedrys |
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Also Known As | Wall Germander |
| Bloom Season | July - July |
| Native Range | Europe to Caucasus |
| Max Height | 1' |
| Max Spread | 2' |
| Tolerances |
Rabbit Deer Drought Dry Soil |
| Uses |
Herb Hedge |
John Custis said in 1742, "I esteem it one of the prettiest things I ever saw."
This magenta gem is well suited to the front of the border. Its lush blooms are attractive to butterflies, and they hold their color well when cut for use in dried arrangements.
| Latin Name | Gomphrena globosa |
| Family | Amaranthaceae |
| Bloom Season | June - October |
| Native Range | Tropical America |
| Max Height | 2' |
| Max Spread | 1' |
| Tolerances |
Clay Soil Dry Soil Drought |
| Uses |
Annual Flower Border |
In September of 1794, Washington wrote to William Pearce to request artichoke seeds for Martha, and was growing them in the lower garden.
Artichokes have large silvery green leaves that make them a striking addition to the garden. Their flower buds are traditionally used for culinary purposes, but if allowed to open offer large, brilliant purple flowers.
| Latin Name | Cynara cardunculus var. scolymus |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Bloom Season | June - November |
| Native Range | Chile, Ecuador, United States |
| Max Height | 5' |
| Max Spread | 3' |
| Uses |
Flower Border Vegetable Ornamental Edible |
Introduced to cultivation in the 1600s, purple candytuft was mentioned by plantsman Bernard McMahon in his 1802 publication
A mid-border plant, this pink or lavender flower can flop, but is an attractive addition to the spring garden.
| Latin Name | Iberis umbellata |
| Family | Brassicaceae |
| Also Known As | Garden Candytuft Purple Candytuft |
| Bloom Season | May - June |
| Native Range | Mediterranean |
| Max Height | 1.5' |
| Max Spread | 1.5' |
| Uses |
Annual Flower Border |
John Custis of Williamsburg received globe [thistle] from his friend Peter Collinson in 1738.
An unusual flower for the summer garden, these blue thistle-like blooms add a unique texture. If cut back after blooming, they will send up new flowers. They make excellent dried and cut flowers.
| Latin Name | Echinops ritro |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Bloom Season | July - September |
| Native Range | Southeastern Europe |
| Max Height | 4' |
| Max Spread | 2.5' |
| Tolerances |
Drought Dry Soil Rabbit Shallow-Rocky Soil |
| Uses |
Flower Border |
