Heart of the Garden

Candytuft
Candytuft loves full or part sun. It’s really hardy, low maintenance, and spreads nicely while respecting other plants. It’s white pincushion blooms are striking at their peak in mid-Spring, and the greens stick around well into Fall. It also attracts beneficials and butterflies. A very happy fairytale perennial.

Euphorbia (Wood Spurge)
Some euphorbias have purple leaves and chartreuse bracts (bell-shaped flowers on spikes). They usually grow in the woodlands so they need sun-dappled shade. Hardy to zone 6 (maybe 5). It’s kind of poisonous, but only if you eat a lot of the milky sap which you probably wouldn’t want to do anyway.

Ligularia Dentata
Who else like thrifting for plants? I bought a ligularia on super sale last Fall. It was basically a stick with a raggedy purple leaf sticking out. I’m hoping it will pop up again this Spring. Purple leaves with hints of maroon and green like a mood ring! Needs moisture. Keep slugs away with iron phosphate. Super hardy (or else it would not be my favorite.) This “Britt-Marie Crawford” variety seems like the most purple.