Orlaya grandiflora (65-70 days) Open pollinated. 2-3' with ferny foliage and sturdy stems, dainty delicacy resembling lace-cap hydrangea, with the central florets of a flat-topped cluster surrounded by a ring of larger flowers.
Moluccella laevis (110 days) Open pollinated. Everlasting annual. Spikes of bright green bell-shaped “flowers” turn creamy white when dried for winter arrangements.
Bupleurum griffithii (90 days) Open pollinated. Everlasting annual. Features round leaves and unusual yellowish flowers air dry perfectly, retaining their color. Great filler for bouquets.
Cerinthe major var. purpurescens Open pollinated. Annual. Features coin-shaped grey-green foliage and profuse blue shrimp-like bracts with purple flowers. Beloved by bumblebees. 12-30" tall.
Clarkia amoena (90 days) Open pollinated. 3" “satin flowers” blooms in red, pink, salmon, lavender and white, and with a bright red patch in the heart of the four petals. Best for cutting.
Lobelia cardinalis Open pollinated. This gorgeous wetland native wildflower and hummingbird magnet can be grown in moist garden soils or meadows. 2–4' tall
Scabiosa stellata (90 days) Open pollinated. Delicate periwinkle flowers pass by into ethereal bronze globes of transparent seedheads studded with black stars. These papery pods add texture and interest to dried and fresh arrangements.
Campanula carpatica Open pollinated. Perennial. Also known as Bellflower or Carpathian Harebell. Masses of dark periwinkle bellflowers above a tidy mound of foliage. Pelleted for ease of sowing.
Hibiscus moscheutos Open pollinated. Perennial, Zones 5-9. 6-8" saucer-shaped flowers in a mix of pinks, red and white, with contrasting red eyes where a contrast is to be had.
Ageratina altissima Open pollinated. Flat-topped fuzzy clusters of small pure white disk flowers bloom August through October, attracting multiple species of bees, moths and butterflies.
Saponaria officinalis Open pollinated. Not a dye plant; saponin-rich roots and leaves used to gently wash wool. Sweetly clove-scented pink perennial attracts pollinators. 3' plant.
Ammobium alatum (75 days) Open pollinated. Shimmery ½" pearl-like buds on long stems add a studded silvery sparkle to both fresh summer arrangements and to dried bouquets and wreaths.
Artemisia annua (120 days) Open pollinated. The scent of the Common Ground Fair. Light green leaves valued for wreaths, flower crowns and other dried arrangements. Grows up to 5'.
Centaurea americana (90 days) Open pollinated. Annual. Resembles a thistle, but no prickles. Grassy honey-like fragrance. Native to south-central U.S. and northeastern Mexico.
Eucalyptus cinerea Open pollinated. Perennial to Zone 8. Charming silvery blue-green 2" leaves make a fabulous bouquet filler that dries nicely and freshens the room with fragrant oils. 2–3' tall.
Persicaria tinctoria Open pollinated. Japanese indigo preferred by dyers in Maine. A tender annual, indigo thrives in fertile soil and likes heat and humidity.
Coix lacryma-jobi (100 days) Open pollinated. Sets pendulous sprays of globular pearly purple-grey seeds, which may be strung as beads for necklaces. Spiky 2–3' stalks good for planters or as filler in dried fall arrangements.
Rubia tinctorum Open pollinated. Ancient and excellent source of red dye. Harvest roots after three years and grind to yield a wash- and light-fast red dye par excellence. 4' plants.