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Lamb's ears (Stachys byzantina)

Columbine (Aquilegia)

Salvia

Daylily (Hemerocallis)

Oriental poppy (Papaver orientalis)

Purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)

QCan star magnolia be planted on the north side of a house?

AStar magnolia (Magnolia stellata) will do fine with a northern exposure as long as it is far enough away from the house so that it won't be in deep shade during the growing season (April through September). A northern exposure can actually be beneficial, because it may delay blooming by a few days to a week. This is helpful because star magnolia blooms quite early in the spring, making the opening flowers susceptible to damage from a late freeze. A slightly delayed bloom time means there's less chance that a hard frost will turn the beautiful white blossoms to brown mush.

Nancy Rose is a horticulturist, writer and photographer. To ask her a gardening question, call 612-673-9073 and leave a message. She will answer questions in this column only.