If you’re not a paid subscriber to Gardenista and Remodelista, you’re in for a treat this month. Every Sunday until the end of the year, we’re opening up Quick Takes content—normally reserved for subscribers—to everyone. (You can learn more about Quick Takes here. And sign up for a paid subscription by clicking “Join” in the upper right corner of the homepage.)
Today, we’re sharing some of our experts’ answers to Quick Takes prompt “favorite go-to plant.” Here’s what they had to say about the workhorse flowers, shrubs, trees, and edibles that our esteemed garden designers, growers, and makers rely on time and again.
Perennials
Wild Columbine
“Aquilegia canadensis. Adorable. functional. Adaptable. and charismatic.” —horticulturalist and garden designer Rebecca McMackin
California Buckwheat
“Eriogonum fasciculatum. Their inflorescences go from popcorn creamy white to a deep rust color from spring to fall, and it boggles my mind.” —landscape architect David Godshall.
Spotted Bee Balm
“Monarda punctata. It tends to be short lived—it might act like an annual—but I am willing to replant it as I never tire of its odd combination of wacky complicated bloom and understated presence. Not to mention how many pollinators love it, too.” —Perfect Earth Project founder Edwin von Gal
Cow Parsley
“Umbellifers. From cow parsley to giant fennel umbellifers have the most pleasing form and are all pollinator magnets. I couldn’t garden without them.” —landscape designer Dan Pearson
Desert Globemallow
“Sphaeralcea ambigua. Desert globemallow is such a carefree, colorful texture to add to any garden. It’s great for pollinators and its pale silvery blue leaf adds a bit of brightness. I like using it at the edges or bases of hedges to brighten the garden. There’s a large variety of mallows, too, so if the orangey color isn’t right for the space, chances are there’s another color that will work.” —landscape designer Molly Sedlacek
Giant Chalk Dudleya
“Dudleya britonii, a beautiful chalky white California native succulent.” —nursery owner Flora Grubb