(Bergenia, Bressingham White Bergenia, Elephant's Ears, Pig Squeak)

This selection of Bergenia, ‘Bressingham White’ has the distinction of profuse flowering, compact habit, and glossy leaves. Like other bergenias, it is a low, evergreen perennial with large, rounded green leaves that grow from a wandering fleshy root in an unruly clump. In mid to late spring the plant sends up tall, thick stems that end in a generous cluster of small, white flowers. In late fall and through winter the leaves turn shades of maroon. By spring, some may look weatherbeaten and should...

(Bergenia, Elephant's Ears, Pig Squeak, Sunningdale Bergenia)

A hybrid bergenia, ‘Sunningdale’ grows as a spreading clump of large rounded leaves and flowers on fleshy stalks. Like other bergenias, it is a low-growing, evergreen perennial, its leaves rising from a wandering fleshy root, growing close together and upright in an unruly mat. In mid to late spring the plant sends up knee-high, red stems topped by a cluster of small, magenta flowers. In winter, the leaves turn shades of copper-red. By spring, some may look weatherbeaten and should be removed.

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(Bressingham Bergenia)

A slow spreading, clump-forming, evergreen perennial, bergenia is a good plant for semi-shady areas. The Bressingham series plants have been bred for their abundant spring blooms, compact habit and shiny, leathery dark green leaves which sometimes turn bronze in late fall and winter. The flowers are held in upright clusters above the leaves. They prefer moist, humusy soil but will tolerate short periods of drought. A nice plant for the woodland border or as a ground cover for small areas.

(Heartleaf Bergenia)

Purplish foliage and red flower stems that carry fuchsia-pink flowers in spring, heartleaf bergenia selection 'Purpurea' is one of the prettiest. Cold hardy and semi-evergreen, it is native to the woodlands and rocky terrain of the Himalayas and Tibet. It is a clump-forming perennial with large, rounded, purplish dark green leathery leaves. In early spring it produces stout clusters of small, nodding flowers on deep red stems. Each blossom is a vibrant fuchsia pink and is cup-shaped. Its foliage...

(Beet)

Best known for bright red color and sweet flavor, beets are true biennials that produce edible greens and sweet, bulbous roots only a couple of months after planting. They are European origin but enjoyed by many cultures worldwide. In the first year, they store lots of fuel in their large, fleshy, edible roots and then bloom in the second season. If subjected to high heat, plants may bolt in the first year. Their unimpressive flowers are borne in spikes along the floral stems. If allowed to mature,...

(Albino Beet, Beet)

You'll never have to worry about magenta juice stains from the Holland heirloom beet, 'Albino', which has pure white roots. Its super sweet roots also lack the earthy taste of most colorful beets. The fast-developing roots are ready for harvest only 50 days after sowing. Even when harvested large, they remain mild, sweet and tender. Its bright glossy green leaves are also edible and can be harvested when young and tender.

Though grown as annuals, beets are actually biennials, which means...

(Baby Ball Beet, Beet)

Small with smooth skin, 'Baby Ball' beets are sweet, red and perfect for pickling or cooking whole. The ideal harvest size is 1 to 1.5 inches (2.5 to 4 cm) in diameter. These beets develop quickly and may be harvested about 55 days after sowing. Their bright glossy greens are also edible and have red leaf stems. Early harvest when temperatures are cool will ensure a sweet, mild flavor while older, roots harvested in hot weather often develop a bitter flavor.

Usually grown as annuals, beets...

(Beet)

The colorful beet, ‘Bull’s Blood’, is an old time variety that's still popular today. Its roots are deep red and show concentric pink and red circles on the interior when cut across. This colorful root vegetable emits brilliant magenta-red juice that stains everything. It is a fine selection that produces firm, round, sweet roots quickly and early in the season (60-harvest days). For baby beets, harvest in 35 to 40 days. It also has lovely purple-red leaves that can be eaten.

Usually grown...

(Beet)

The candy cane beet, ‘Chioggia’, is an old-time Italian variety that's been popular since it was first introduced in the 1840s. Its roots are red and show concentric white and magenta-red circles on the interior when cut. This fine selection produces firm, round, sweet roots quickly, in around 60 harvest days. For baby beets, harvest in 35 to 40 days. It also has lovely green leaves with magenta leaf stems that can be eaten raw or cooked.

Usually grown as annuals, beets are true biennials,...

(Beet, Cylindra Beet)

An heirloom beet from Denmark, 'Cylindra' produces uniquely elongated, short, carrot-shaped roots. Because of their narrower roots, this beet may be grown in denser rows than the globe-shaped beets. Roots are ready to harvest from 46 to 80 days after sowing. If you desire more tender, "baby" beets harvest roots earlier. Even when 'Cylindra' roots grow larger, the skin is easy to peel and the flesh remains mild, sweet and tender.

Usually grown as annuals, beets are true biennials, which mean...