Since 1996, K & K Gardens has been offering Northeast Iowa the largest selection of new and unusual perennials, annuals, woody ornamentals, water garden plants, water garden equipment, accessories, garden gifts, tools, and an incredible selection of hosta.

K & K Gardens has nearly one acre of enchanting perennial gardens displaying endless ideas for all levels of the gardening enthusiast.

Located on the southern edge of Northeast Iowa's rolling hills in the small community of Hawkeye, Iowa, this retail nursery has been referred to as a "must see" destination for every gardener.

Hawkeye is located approximately 25 miles southwest of Decorah, Iowa, 50 miles North of Waterloo, Iowa, 25 miles east of New Hampton, Iowa and 45 miles west of Marquette, Iowa.

If traveling to Hawkeye on Highway 18, please follow the blue directional signs posted at the intersection of US Highway 18 and County Road W-14.

Baptisia australis, False Indigo

Blue false indigo grows three to four feet tall and three to four feet wide in an upright habit. This exceptional perennial grows across a wide range of zones and is one of the most adaptable native species.

Newly emerging shoots produce violet-blue, lupine-like flowers in erect 10 to 12 inch racemes atop flower stems extending well above the foliage mound of clover-like, bluish-green leaves. The spring flowers are present for three to four weeks.

The flowers give way to inflated seed pods which turn charcoal black when ripe and which flower arrangers consider to be ornamental. The common name, blue false indigo, refers to the use of this perennial by early Americans as a dye.

Baptisia australis is an excellent plant to anchor the back of the border. It is also valuable for cottage gardens, native plant gardens, and native area of prairies and meadows.

It is best as a specimen or planted in small groups. Blue false indigo can be used with bulbs and other spring flowering perennials to make interesting combinations.

* Light - Plants thrive in full sun. Plants grown in partial shade may require staking.

* Soil - This North American native is easily grown in well-drained soil and is drought tolerant after establishment.

* Uses - This spring flowering shrub-like perennial may be used to fill the back of the border or in the wild garden.

* Unique Qualities - The combination of flower and leaf color is dramatic in the early blooming season. Flowers are followed by inflated seed pods that are useful for dried flower arrangements.

* Hardiness - USDA zones 3-9

Perennial Database
Perennial List

Ornamental Grasses.  We stock over forty varieties of ornamental grasses.  All clump forming, and all perennials.  Grasses range in size from a few inches to nearly twenty feet!  Come check them out!

* A sport of 'Halcyon' with the same intense blue-green leaf center

* Emerges with a gold margin early in the spring, then changes to pure white later in the season

* The leaves hold up well in the garden all season long until the "first frost"

* Light lavender flowers appear on 28 inch scapes in midsummer

This fantastic sport of 'Halcyon' was developed by Patricia Scolnik of Chapel Hill, NC. The beautiful blue leaves are edged by a creamy-yellow margin that brightens to creamy-white by midsummer. Lavender flowers top the clump in late summer. This durable hosta received its name because it looks great until autumn's "first frost."

Hosta List
Hosta Database