Please Note: While we strive to carry a great perennial selection throughout the season, we cannot guarantee constant availability of ALL specific varieties featured. Varieties listed below are those that we most often have and will continue to carry. We often have other varieties (not listed below) of any given species throughout the season to meet requests for colours/sizes/etc. Please feel free to contact us if you have a specific species/cultivar/variety in mind that is not included on our website.
Yarrow (Assorted Varieties & Colours)
Achillea ssp. H: up to 20" W: 20" to Spreading Full Sun Zone 3 Drought tolerant, prefers poor/sandy soils (low fertility). Flowers are long lasting (great for cut flowers). Summer bloomer. Multiple cultivated selections (shades of white, yellow, pink, orange & red) as well as Alberta native; Common Yarrow (white). Has medicinal properties |
Monkshood
Aconitum carmichaelii 'Arendsii' H: 36" - 42" W: 24" (Vertical Accent) Part Shade to Full Sun Zone 3 Prefers consistent moisture. Old fashioned favorite makes a great cut flower. Mid-late summer bloomer. Most parts of plant can be toxic if ingested (particularly roots). Pictured variety is Arendsii (usually the only variety we carry). |
Bugbane/Snakeroot
Actaea (AKA: Cimcifuga) H: 24" - 36" W: 12" - 16" (Vertcal Accent) Part shade to full shade Zone 3/4 Prefers rich, moist to average soils. Produces sweetly fragrant white spike blooms in late summer. Slow growing and long lived. Very hardy once established. Does best with dappled light (woodland garden). A true Sunstar favorite! We love this perennial. Varieties we carry include: Hillside Black Beauty & Brunette. |
Goutweed/Goat's Foot
Aegopodium podagraria H: 12"-24" W: Spreading (aggressive) Full Sun to Full Shade Zone 3 Very vigorous ground cover, can be invasive, suited for areas where it is contained or can take over. Best used in areas hard to maintain or where difficult to grow other plants (dry or "dead" areas). Once established it is quite difficult to remove. Can be just the right thing for tough to grow spots. |
Bugleweed
Ajuga reptans H: 6" (or less) W: Spreading Part Sun to Full Shade Zone 3 Easy growing groundcover with glossy black/purple scalloped foliage. Very impactful planted en masse. Grown predominantly for dense foliage but does produce low showy blue-purple spike flowers in spring. Varieties we carry include: Black Scallop, Chocolate Chip and the Feathered Friends series. |
Hollyhock (Various colours)
Alcea Rosea H: 36" to 60" (Variety dependant) W: 24" to 36" (Vertical Accent) Full Sun to Part Sun Zone 3 Old fashioned favorite! Tall spikes of showy hibiscus-like blooms in Summer. Self-seeds readily but is not invasive. Easy grower available in many shades. Some varieties we carry include: Chaters & Gallery Series' |
Lady's Mantle
Alchemilla mollis H: 16" to 24" W: 20" to 36" (Mounding Form) Full Sun to Full Shade Zone 3 Prefers adequate moisture. Easy grower with scalloped grey-green foliage and sprays of tiny yellow blooms in late-spring. Mounding to spreading form, can make great groundcover when planted en masse. Typically grown for the unique foliage that catches dew and rain creating jeweled look. Considered have medicinal properties. We usually only carry the Thriller variety. |
Millennium Ornamental Onion
Allium H: up to 24" W: up to 24" Full Sun Zone 3 Prefers well drained soil but is quite adaptable. Very durable and easy to grow. Loved by bees and butterflies. Very showy globe-shaped bloom bunches produced in Spring. Long bloomtime. Seems unaffected by pests and diseases. |
Bog Rosemary
Andromeda polifolia 'Blue Ice' H: up to 10" W: up to 20" Full Sun to Part Shade Zone 3 Low mounding form. Prefers moist acidic soil with plenty of organic matter so we recommend planting with lots of compost and treating Bog Rosemary to an Evergreen or acidifying fertilizer each year. Best performance in sheltered location. The small, coarse blue leaves give this shrub great texture. Pink flowers in the spring add to the overall appearance against the blue leaves. A unique specimen for any garden looking for a nice blue colour. If you want something different than your neighbour, why not try one of these. |
Snowdrop Anemone
Anenome sylvestris H: 12" to 20" (with flower) W: 12" + (Spreading) Zone 3 Full Sun to Part Shade Prefers moist, well-drained soils. Spreading form. Dense dark green foliage with abundant nodding white blooms in spring. Great in a woodland garden (dappled light) and/or planted en masse. Low maintenance and easy to grow. Closely related to Alberta Native Wildflower Anemone canandensis (Also often available) |
Pussytoes
Antennaria diocia & carpatica H: 4" to 6" (with flower) W: 10" + (Slow spreading) Full Sun Zone 2 Prefers well drained soils with low fertility (sandy/poor). A native wildflower found in sunny Alberta prairies. Forms very dense carpet of fine grey foliage. Great as a groundcover. Produces downy blooms in spring that resemble the toes of a kitty cat. Very hardy, durable and drought tolerant once established. Often available in White or Pink. |
Columbine
Aquilegia H: 12"-20" W: 12"-20" Part Shade to Full Sun Zone 3 Prefers moist but well-drained soils. Extremely unique blooms above mound of delicate lobed foliage in late spring/early summer. Great for dappled light (woodland garden). Not particularly long lived perennial but will sometimes set seed. Available in many colours (solid and bi-colour) and bloom types (singles & doubles). Some varieties we carry include: Songbird Mix, Kirigami Mix, Bluebird and Black Barlow. |

Rockcress
Arabis
H: 6"
w: 12" (Slow spreading/Low mounding)
Full Sun
Zone 4
Prefers good drainage. Will not tolerate moist soils (especially pre/post winter). Alpine groundcover producing abundant fragrant white blooms in Spring. Long bloomtime. Drought tolerant. Resistant to deer and rabbits. Requires sheltered location and/or winter protection in our climate.
Arabis
H: 6"
w: 12" (Slow spreading/Low mounding)
Full Sun
Zone 4
Prefers good drainage. Will not tolerate moist soils (especially pre/post winter). Alpine groundcover producing abundant fragrant white blooms in Spring. Long bloomtime. Drought tolerant. Resistant to deer and rabbits. Requires sheltered location and/or winter protection in our climate.
Kinnickkinnick / Bearberry
Arctostaphylus uva-ursi H: up to 6" W: Slow Spreading Full Sun to Full Shade Zone 2 Native groundcover. Prefers acidic, well drained soils with low fertility. Found naturally in forests and hillsides. Great for erosion control on sandy slopes. Produces small pinkish-white bell shaped flowers in spring followed by bright red berries that persist into winter. Berries are edible but are flavorless and mealy, enjoyed by wildlife. Leathery often foliage turns red-orange in fall (can sometimes stay green). Plant of significance to First Nations People. |
Seathrift
Armeria maritima H: up to 8" (with flower) W: up to10" Full to Part Sun Zone 3 Good drainage essential. Prefers poor soils with low fertility. Salt tolerant. Tidy mound forming perennial with pink round flowers in Spring. Will rebloom if sheared after first flush. Petite and showy. Great for rock gardens. Some varieties we carry include: Splendons (pictured), Black-leaved & Nifty Thrifty. |
Silvermound
Artemesia schmidtiana 'Nana' H: 10"-12" W: 12"-24" Part Sun to Full Shade Zone 3 Good drainage essential & prefers poor/sandy soils. Dome shaped silver foliage. Will get leggy when fertilized or if planted in rich soil. Drought tolerant when established. Shear in mid to late June to maintain shape if "flopping" (can be caused by rich soils). Thrives on neglect. Drought tolerant once established. |
Dwarf Goat's Beard
Aruncus aethusifolius H: up to 12" (including flower) W: up to 16" Part Shade to Full Sun Zone 3 Prefers rich soils with adequate moisture. Prefers cooler locations. Foamy cream coloured spike blooms in late spring above mound of ferny foliage. Will not rebloom with shearing. Spent blooms can be trimmed or left for winter interest. Great for woodland gardens and/or waterside plantings. |
Giant Goatsbeard
Aruncus dioicus H: up to 48" W: up to 36" Part Shade to Full Sun Zone 3 Prefers rich soils with adequate moisture. Prefers cooler locations. Large upright grower. Produces foamy cream coloured spike blooms in late spring/early summer. Great for woodland gardens, waterside plantings and/or anywhere a space filler is required. |
Aster (assorted varieties)
Aster alpigenus, dumosus, novae-angliae & novi-belgii H: 12"-24" W: 12"-24" Full Sun Zone 4 Prefers consistently moist but well-drained soils with good fertility (rich soils). Very late Summer/Early fall bloomer. Benefits from a sheltered location. Some varieties we carry include: Native Alpine, Purple Dome, Wood's Series & Island Series. |
Astilbe, Arendsii Group (Assorted varieties & colours)
Astilbe arendsii H: 16"-36" (with flower) W: 12"-24" Size varies with variety Part Sun to Full Shade Zone 3 Prefers moist soils with good fertility. Most common group of Astilbe varieties. Generally taller and earlier season bloomers (Late Spring). Will tolerate more sun if provided adequate moisture. Some Arendsii Astilbe varieties that we carry include: Fanal (all-time favorite - pictured), Amethyst, Bridal Veil, Look At Me, |
Astilbe, Chinensis Group (Assorted varieties & colours)
Astilbe chinensis H: 16"-36" (with flower) W: 12"-24" Size varies with variety Part Sun to Full Shade Zone 3 Prefers moist soils with good fertility. Later blooming Astilbe group often with finely cut deep green foliage and sturdy stems. More tolerant of hot & dry conditions than other astilbes but still performs best with adequate moisture. Mid-Summer bloomers. Includes some giant varieties (Mighty Chocolate Cherry) and varieties with colourful foliage (Colour Flash Series) other varieties we carry include: Purple Rain, Delft Lace, Black Pearls & Vision Series. |
Elephant Ears (AKA: Pig Squeak)
Bergenia cordifolia H: 12"-24" (with flower) W: Spreading Full Sun to Full Shade Zone 3 Very versatile groundcover that is drought and moisture tolerant. Pink flowers in early spring. Glossy, semi-evergreen foliage turns orange-red to dark purple as the weather gets cold in fall. Spreading by surface rhizomes (roots) at an average growth rate. Great for hard to grow areas, low maintenance edging plant or planted en masse. |
Siberian Bugloss
Brunnera macrophylla H: 12" - 24" W: 24" - 36" Part Sun to Full Shade Zone 3 Hardy (native to Siberia) easy to grow plant preferring humusy soils with adequate moisture but drought tolerant once established. Mounding/Spreading form, producing solid green heart shaped foliage with sprays of airy true-blue flowers in spring. More sun tolerant than the variegated varieties. |
Variegated Siberian Bugloss
Brunnera macrophylla 'Jack Frost' & 'Emerald Mist' H: 12" - 24" W: 24" - 36" Part to Full Shade Zone 3 Hardy (native to Siberia) easy to grow plant preferring humusy soils with adequate moisture but drought tolerant once established. Mounding/Spreading form. Silver interior-variegated heart shaped foliage and sprays of airy true-blue flowers in spring. Less sun tolerant than solid green variety. Some varieties we carry include: Jack Frost, Emerald Mist & Alexander the Great. |
Carpathian Bellflower (AKA: Clips)
Campanula carpatica H: 4" - 8" W: 8" - 12" Full to Part Sun Zone 3 Very tidy & compact mound forming with showy blue or white flowers in Spring through Summer (particularly if shorn/deadheaded occasionally). Prefers free draining soil but with consistent moisture especially when getting established. Performs best with full sun but in a cooler location (likes cool root zone). In hot areas bellflowers benefit from protection(part shade) from high heat in the afternoons. Not long lived when planted in hot/humid areas. |
Snow in Summer
Cerastium tomentosum H: 12" W: 24" - 36" Spreading Mat Full sun Zone 3 Old fashioned favorite! Salt and drought tolerant, preferring poor well-draining soils. Quick spreading mat form. Self seeds readily when planted in ideal conditions. Attractive silver foliage is covered in snow white blooms in Late Spring/Early Summer. Great as a tough groundcover in dry or hard to plant areas or on slopes. Can be cut back hard after flowering to maintain tidy foliage and prevent seeding. |
Pink Turtlehead
Chelone obliqua H: 24" - 36" W: 18" - 24" Full Sun to Part Shade Zone 3 Sturdy upright habit, producing unique pink blooms in Late Summer into Fall that resemble the head of a turtle. Prefers cool, consistantly moist soils with good fertility/high in organic matter. Performs best in bright dappled/filtered light (woodland garden). Attracts hummingbirds and butterflies and makes a good cut flower. Great in a bog or rain garden or waterside location. Regular watering is essential when establishing (first year or two after planting) |
Mammoth Series Chrysanthemum
Chrysanthemum morifolium H: 24" W: 24" Full Sun Zone 3/4 Very showy late season bloomer. Dense mound forming foliage produces abundant ''Dasiy'' like blooms in very late summer into fall providing interest when many other plants are going dormant. Late season blooming/performance reflects the care provided to the plant throughout spring and summer. Prefers free-draining soils with consistant moisture and good fertility. Plant early in season (spring/early summer) for best blooms and winter hardiness. Also recommended to leave foliage to be cut down in Spring as opposed to Fall (providing extra winter insulation) Comes in a variety of shades. Some of the varieties we carry include: Dark Pink, Red Daisy & Lavender Daisy. |
Lily of the Valley
Convallaria majalis H: 6" - 10" W: Spreading Part Sun to Full Shade Zone 2 Vigorous spreading groundcover, will quickly fill an area. Spreading by inderground rhizomes. Sometimes needs to be contained. Prefers Dappled/filtered light but quite adaptable once established and spreading. Produces dainty, surprisingly fragrant, nodding white flowers in early spring. Closely related to Alberta native Maianthemum canadense or Wild Lily of the Valley (often available at Sunstar). Great easy-growing filler for shady areas, along the house or under trees. Occasionally available in pink blooming variety. |
Tickseed (Assorted Varieties)
Coreopsis verticillata H: 24"-36" W: 24"-36" Full to Part Sun Zone 3 Easy grower tolerant of heat and drought (once established) Many varieties available providing many choices of bloom size and colour, foliage texture and habit. Prefers well-drained soils and full sun (will tolerate part sun in well-drained soils). Will self-seed in ideal conditions. Abundant, showy blooms produced all summer. Some varieties we carry include: Early Sunrise, SunKiss, Moonbeam and Zagreb. |
Cheddar Pinks (Assorted Varieties)
Dianthus gratianopolitanus H: 8" - 12" W: 12" - 24" Full Sun Clump to large mound forming. Somewhat more upright facing than Maiden Pinks. Typically with bluish silver foliage. Produces abundant fringed blooms in LATE-SPRING / EARLY SUMMER through SUMMER (especially if sheared/deadheaded) |
Fern-leaf Bleeding Heart
Dicentra formosa 'Luxuriant' H: up to 24" W: 24" (Will spread out even larger after a few seasons) Part Sun to Full Shade Cutleaf (laceleaf) version of bleeding heart with reddish-pink flowers in EARLY SUMMER then sporadically until fall. Bleeding hearts are long lived and will eventually spread out a bit. If planted in sunny or hot area it will die back (go dormant) early after flowering but will still come up next year. While bleeding hearts appreciate adequate moisture they will not tolerate soggy soils or standing water. |
Common / Old Fashioned Bleeding Hearts
Dicentra spectabilis (Alba - White variety) H: 24" - 36" W: 24" - 36" (Will spread out even larger after a few seasons) Part Sun to Full Shade Bleeding hearts are long lived and will eventually spread out a bit. Produces dainty heart-shaped flowers on arching stems in EARLY SUMMER then sporadically until fall. If planted in sunny or hot area it will die back (go dormant) early after flowering but will still come up next year. While bleeding hearts appreciate adequate moisture they will not tolerate soggy soils or standing water. |
Camelot Mix Foxglove
Digitalis purpurea H: 24" - 36" (with flower) W: 12" - 24" Full Sun to Part Shade Unlike other types, ‘Camelot’ Foxgloves flower in both the first and second year before eventually setting seed and dying. Deadhead first-year blooms to encourage overwintering. These perform best in a rich, moist soil. Allow plants to form seed in the second year and they may self-sow to produce future generations. New seedlings that appear can be easily moved in their first season, while still small. |
Blanket Flower (Assorted Varieties)
Gaillardia H: up to 12" W: Spreading Full to Part Sun Forms low, thick, spreading mat. Native and cultivated varieties available in shades from bright yellow to deep red. Great for hot sunny slopes & erosion control. Self seeds regularly. Drought tolerant once established. |
Dayliles (Assorted Varieties)
Hemerocallis H: 12" - 36" W: 12" - 36" Size is variety dependent. Full to Part Sun Versatile perennial, tough and exceedingly easy to grow. Self adapting to soil moisture. Drought tolerant once established. Relatively tolerant of clay and salt spray. Grassy foliage and showy blooms from SPRING until FALL in shades ranging from white to yellow to pink and bicolours too! |
Hosta (Assorted Varieties)
Hosta H: 6" - 24" W: 12" - 48" Size is variety dependent Part Sun to Full Shade Available in many different sizes and shades of green, variegated whites and yellows. Typically grown for foliage but most varieties produce lavender to white flowers generally in SPRING & EARLY SUMMER depending on variety. Relatively soil adaptable. Some varieties more sun tolerant than others. Notoriously late emerging in spring. |
German/Bearded Iris (Assorted Varieties & Colours)
Iris germanica H: 18" - 36" W: 12" - 24" Spreading over time Full Sun Robust stems and leaves with bearded blooms in LATE SPRING and SUMMER (depending on variety). Prefer free draining soil and consistent moisture. Some varieties are fragrant. Many different colours and sizes depending on variety. |
Little Plum Bitterroot
Lewisia longipetela H: up to 4" W: up to 10" Full Sun Grows best in a dry, well-drained, sandy soil. Requires excellent drainage to survive and often winter wet will cause the demise of these perennials. Removing spent flowers will encourage rebloom, and improve overall appearance. Fleshy foliage and peach coloured flowers in SPRING & SUMMER. Will not tolerate normal garden conditions but is fun to try in a rock garden. Drought tolerant once established. Does best if protected from the hottest sun of the day (when possible) but still receives morning and late afternoon sun. |
Blazing Star / Gayfeather
Liatris spicata H: 24" - 36" (with flower) W: up to 24" Full to Part Sun Vertical accent that comes in either white or purple varieties. Pruduces abundant spikes of fluffy flowers opening from the top to bottom in SUMMER and into EARLY FALL. Absolutely ADORED by bees and butterflies. Related to Alberta native wildflower Liatris ligulistylis (sometimes available as well). |
Rayflower / Leopard Plant
Ligularia ('The Rocket' & 'Little Rocket') H: 36" - 72" (with flower) W: 36" - 42" Size depends on variety Full Sun to Full Shade (Full Sun will require more water while Full shade plantings will need less) Vertical accent well suited to shady areas and moisture holding soils. Tolerant of excess moisture and clay based soils. Tall spikes covered in yellow flowers emerge in SUMMER. |
Rayflower / Leopard Plant
Ligularia dentata ('Othello & 'Britt Marie Crawford') H: 36" - 42" (with flower) W: 36" - 42" Part Sun to Full Shade Dark leaved variety of Ligularia with flat yellow flowers in SUMMER. Well suited to shady areas and moisture holding soils. Tolerant of excess moisture and clay based soils. |
Asiatic Lily (Assorted Varieties - Tiny Series)
Lillium asiatica H: 18" - 24" (with flower) W: 12" - 24" Full to Part Sun Assorted varieties developed to stay shorter with sturdy stems and bright showy upward facing blooms in LATE SPRING, sometimes reblooming later in the summer before dormancy. Many colours and bicolours available. ***Susceptible to Red Lily Beetle*** |