There are thosands of wonderful
perinnials. Since it would be a massive undertaking to try
to tell you about all of them, I will tell you about some
of my favorites.These are the ones I have in my own yard.
Some of these photos are from mine, and I'll add more as
they bloom this year. I like perinnials becuase they
multiply, and you can share with others, or have more each
year for yourself. Their only disadvantage is that most
have a fairly limited blooming period, but you can have a
constantly changing, continual show by planting early,
middle, and late bloomers in the same bed.
One of my faorites.
I started with a one gallon contaner of this 3 years ago.
It now completely fills it's 25'X 2.5" bed, and I have
given away at least a dozen pots full, each as large as the
original one I planted. It has very unique blooms.
Hummingbirds and butterflies love it. (I had never seen a
hummingbird in my yard untill I planted this. Now I see
them regularly while it is blooming.)
It gets about 2 feet tall, and likes full sun, and moist
soil. ( It actually reaches up to 4 feet, but it tends to
sort of fall over.) If you want to keep it in a small area,
keep it in pots, as it can be invasive. Mine is red, and
blooms most of the summer. There are also pink, or white
varieties,but hummingbirds prefer red. It is a member of
the mint family, which is obvious by its smell.
Dianthus is great for low borders,or
as a ground cover. Here in zone 7 it stays green all year,
and even keeps a few blooms on it most of the year. In mid
spring it is completely covered wih blooms. There are many
varieties, in colors from white to deep red, and purple,
and anything in between, solid, or bi-color. It is a first
cousin to the carnation.
the blooms are like mini-carnations. Most varieties are
under 6 inches tall, and spreading. They spread fairly
quickly, but are not invasive. I have "cottage pinks", a
red & white bicolor called strawberry shortcake, I believe,
red, and a deep violet color. A wonderful and very
versatile flower.
One of the most popular perinnials.
There are hundreds of varieties, in every imaginable color
and color combination. large showy blooms open during the
day, and close up at night. Each bloom lasts only one day.
There are nocturnal varieties that open in late afternoon,
and last through the night.("green flutter" for one)
(hence the name Daylily) A very dependable and colorful
flower. The size varies accordind to variety, but most are
around 2 ft. tall. they multiply quickly, but are not
invasive. They do best if divided every 2-3 years.
They prefer full sun, but will accept some shade.
Once established daylilies will return year
after year with no care at all
Asiatic lilies have blooms similar to daylilies, but the leaves and blooms all come from one main stem. Easter lilies are one variety. The are equally as beautiful and even more varied, but not quite as hardy or quick to multiply as the daylilies.
This one's not for small beds, and
definately for the"back of the bed" There are many
varieties, and many colors. Hieght depends on variety, but
they average around 3-4 feet tall. They like lots of sun
and lots of water, and multiply quickly. they have large
leaves, large flowers, and thick stems. They make a good
summertime screen, but should be cut to the ground before
the first frost, or can look quite messy. They are
beautiful in the right location, but can overwhelm the
wrong one. They need lots of room, and need to be divided
annually if you want to keep them in a limited area. I have
red and yellow ones.
When other flowers are fading in the fall, chrysanthemums steal the show. Countless varieties, and colors brighten any bed. For best results, cut them in half in early-mid-summer, before they develop buds.This will double your amount of blooms, and keep them from getting so tall they fall over and/or break off.They do break easily. Uncut they may reach 4 feet tall, which is beautiful, but too large for many areas, and too easily broken. Some have blooms that are daisy like, some are full and round. Easy to grow, Easy to root from cuttings. Its sad that so many are sold by florists, only to be thrown away as soon as the flowers fade, when they could be planted and enjoyed for many years. Cut them to the ground in winter.
Some of my chrysanthemums are overly anxious this year, and started blooming in May! I generally cut them back in early June, for compactness, but with these great blooms, I'm letting some go ahead & bloom. I'll pinch them afterwards, & if I'm lucky, I'll ge a second show this fall.
Looing for something to brighten up a dull or boring spot? Rudbeckia will do the trick! 1999 perinnial plant of the year. Big bold yellow, daisy like flowers, with dark brown centers. Gets up to about 3 feet tall, and blooms from June or July till frost.If it stops blooming sooner, cut back to about 1 ft.and it will encourage new growth & new blooms. Prefers full sun, but will take some shade. Doesn't like to dry out. Makes a great background for smaller flowers, though it may steal the show. Indian Summer and Goldsturm are 2 favorite varieties. Indian Summer has the showiest flowers. Goldsturm has the larger number of flowers, and is very hardy. "Goldquelle" is a unique, fully double, lemon yellow variety.
A native of the southeast U.S. Daisylike, with purple petals, and a brown "conelike" middle that gives it its name. Long lasting blooms, prefers full sun, but mine does fine in partial shade. About 2 ft. tall. 1998 perinnial plant of the year.
A wonderful yellow "wildflower" Easy
to grow, plant it and ignore it. Likes sun, multiplies
quickly.
smallish daisy like blooms, and delicate foliage.
Sedum
Sedum is a unique type of plant with thick, waxy foliage. When the blooms begin to form they are green, and sort of remind me of broccoli. The color comes gradually, in late summer. There are quite a few varieties. Mine is "Autum Joy" which is also the most common one. Sedum prefers sun, but will tolerate some shade.
A favorite foliage plant. Grown more for their beautiful leaves, rather than their rather plain flowers, they come in many varieties, solid and varigated. Needs little care, multiplies, fairly quickly. Prefers shade.
Unique, bi-color flowers, and dainty
foliage make it a colorful woodland surprize. A bit finicky
at first, but once esablished, requires little or no
care.
Hummingbirds like it.
