Today we’re visiting Francis’s garden in Hartsdale, New York.

My hybrid hardy hibiscus (Zones 5–9) is a cross I made with the variety ‘Kopper King’. In front a phlox (Phlox paniculata, Zones 4–8) blooms as well.

Ligularia ‘Othello’ (Zones 3–8) has showy yellow flowers, as seen here, but is notable for its dramatic dark leaves.

‘Little Joe’ (Eutrochium dubium ‘Little Joe’, Zones 3–9) is a more compact version of Joe Pye weed, and the big heads of tiny flowers are very attractive to butterflies and other pollinators.

The garden in May with new foliage out in peak lushness and beauty

In July, the phlox and hardy hibiscus showed off with colorful flowers.

Butterfly weed (Asclepius tuberosus, Zones 5–9) is covered with bright orange flowers. Behind it, a tall stand of crocosmia (Crocosmia ‘Lucifer’, Zones 5–9) adds intense red flowers to the mix.

Native to Africa, many varieties of crocosmia can be a little tender, but the cultivar ‘Lucifer’ is the most cold hardy and vigorous.

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