Perennial Flower Garden

Flower beds are the exciting part of outdoor gardening. They can turn bland and boring spots into enticing and alive spaces. They can be incorporated into any existing landscape design. People grow perennial flowers because they are such easy-care, dependable performers, and because they offer a wide selection of size, leaf texture, flower types, colors, and blooming seasons for your flower gardens. Many of the first flowers of the season are perennials – aubretia, basket-of-gold, creeping phlox. Perennials also give us the last colors of autumn – toad lilies, asters, and chrysanthemums.

Unfortunately, most perennials have a relatively short bloom period; 3 to 6 weeks every year. Selecting perennials that bloom at different seasons will give you color throughout the year. You can also add annuals, bulbs, and shrubs to complete the effect. With so many different species of perennial flowers to choose from, few people ever become completely familiar with all their options.

Definitions

Annuals – Plants that complete their entire life cycle from seed to flower to seed within a single growing season. All roots, stems and leaves of the plant die annually. They may eseed and behave as a biennial or perennial.

Biennials – Plants which require two years to complete their life cycle. The first season is mainly leaf and stem growth, they do not flower their first season. During the second season, flowering and seed formation occurs, followed by the entire plant’s death.
Biennial flowers are often confused for perennials because many of them self-seed and appear to live for many years.

Perennials – Plants that persist for many growing seasons; at least 3 years. You would think being a perennial, they would live forever. This is not always the case. While some can live for generations (peonies), others may only live 3 to 4 years (Delphiniums).
Unlike annuals, many perennials usually don’t flower their first season when grown from seed.

One thing to remember is winter temperatures. Some perennials can withstand bitter cold winters that will kill others. A perennial flower in California may be considered an annual flower in Utah, such as Bougainvillea, Mandevilla, and Hawaiian Hibiscus.

Planting

Because your perennials will grow in the same place for many years, it is particularly important to do a good job of preparing the soil. Once planted, you cannot fix the soil as easily.

If you are beginning a brand new garden, work in two to four inches of organic matter (such as Harvest Supreme Compost or well-rotted compost) at least 6″ to 8″ deep, to improve the soil and add beneficial microbes. This is particularly important to improve drainage in heavy clay soils, or to improve water-holding capacity in sandy soils. Apply about 2 pounds of low-nitrogen fertilizer such as Dr. Earth Starter Fertilizer, 5-10-5 Flower Fertilizer or 5-10-10 Vegetable Fertilizer, per 100 square feet and work it into the top 4 to 6 inches of soil.

If you are planting a new perennial into an existing garden, dig a hole two to three times wider than its container. Mix 25% Harvest Supreme Compost into the soil removed from the hole, and add Dr. Earth Root Starter Fertilizer into the soil mix.

Carefully remove the perennial from its container by holding one hand over the top
of the pot and turn the container upside down. Gently tap the bottom of the pot to loosen the root zone from the container and gently pull the pot away. If the container does not easily come off, it may be necessary to squeeze the container until the plant comes out of the pot. Place the plant in the hole so the top of root ball is at the same level as the top of the hole. If necessary, place a little soil back in the bottom of the planting hole to make sure the plant is not too deep. Many perennials do not tolerate being planted too deeply and may not grow very well, or they may even die. Conversely, perennials planted too high may not grow properly and are more susceptible to drying out.

Once the plants are at the proper height, fill in the planting hole with soil, gently packing the soil around the roots. After planting, it is important to water them well. For the first couple of weeks, it is important to keep the soil moist, but not soaking wet. Keep in mind that many new plantings do not perform well because they are either over-or-under watered. After four to six weeks, most perennials can tolerate less water.

Care and Maintenance

Your perennials have been planted
Now What?

Blooming perennials in the garden are glorious – until the blooms begin to fade and you are not sure what to do with the plant. It’s misleading to think that once you plant a perennial flower you are done with it. To have great looking perennials, there is a good bit of maintenance involved.

Watering – While some perennials are drought-tolerant, many need plenty of water. If the soil dries out, it’s important to thoroughly soak the soil when you water, not just wet the surface. It’s also important to keep the foliage and flowers as dry as possible
to prevent disease. Soaker hoses and drip irrigation do this well. If you use sprinklers, run them in the morning so that the plants dry quickly in the sun. Watering individual plants by hand requires patience; to apply enough water to thoroughly soak the soil.

Fertilizing – Most perennials do not require heavy fertilization. Fertilize with a low-nitrogen fertilizer (5-10-5 or 6-10-4) in the early spring, and again two more times at 6-week intervals. Keep fertilizer off foliage to prevent burning. You can use Osmocote or Dr Earth Organic Fertilizer to reduce possible burning. Fertilizing too much can lead to soft, leggy growth making the plants floppy. You don’t want to encourage a lot of growth near the end of the season either. The new shoots will get nipped in the crisp autumn air.

Staking – Some taller perennials tend to fall over, especially when they are heavy with flowers. To keep them upright, you can plant them so other plants help support them, or plant them next to a house or fence. Another alternative is to put stakes around the plants while they are small and, as they grow, fasten the plants to the stake. There are many decorative supports available to make your garden look perfect; link stakes, plant grids, cages, obelisks and even small trellises.

Pinching – Some perennials respond well to pinching — removing the growing tips by pinching off the small, developing leaves at the tips of the stems. This makes the plant shorter and bushier. Chrysanthemums respond especially well to pinching them back.

Thinning – This helps increase air circulation and prevent diseases, especially in those prone to mildew and leaf spots. When the plants are about 25% to 50% of their full height, cut half of the stems to ground level. This can also increase the stem strength and the flower size.

Pruning after Flowering – Some early bloomers, such as creeping phlox, candytuft, and rockcress, may bloom again if sheared back immediately after their first bloom. Try this also with midseason bloomers; yarrow, ladies’ mantle, Shasta daisy, delphinium, cranesbill (geranium), catmint, salvia, and veronica. Depending on species, most late-summer and fall bloomers do better with less aggressive pruning.

Dis-budding – With some perennials, especially those used for cut flowers such as peonies and chrysanthemums, you can encourage fewer but larger blooms by removing the smaller lateral flower buds. This forces plants to put more energy into the terminal bud. Or, you can remove the terminal bud and encourage more of the smaller lateral flowers.

Dead-heading – Remove spent flowers after the blossoms start to fade. This keeps the plants from wasting energy on seed production, and keeps them looking neat. In some species, dead-heading can encourage another flush of flowering. It also prevents perennials that reseed aggressively from spreading where you don’t want them. As a general rule, remove the faded blossom and stem down as far as the next healthy blossom, or set of leaves.

If you are trying to attract birds to your garden, don’t deadhead species with seeds favored by birds. Be careful dead-heading biennials. Don’t remove the flowers before the seeds mature and have a chance to drop, or they may not come back next year.

Fall Care – Perennials should not be cut down as winter approaches. Instead let them die down naturally to avoid damaging the plant. However, you may want to prune them lightly towards the end of fall to remove any diseased, damaged, or dying foliage.

Many perennials go completely dormant and die back to the ground each year. After they are dormant, you can cut these perennials perennials back to about 3 inches from the ground. Any closer may damage crowns. Remove debris from the garden to help prevent diseases.

Other perennials, such as ornamental grasses, upright sedums, and ferns, are often trimmed in the spring allowing the foliage to provide some interest to the winter landscape. In addition to adding winter interest, some perennials overwinter better if left uncut. The uncut stems and leaves add an extra layer of insulation.

Winter-Mulching – Many perennials benefit from a protective layer of mulch to help them overwinter. Wait until after several killing frosts and the soil is cold. If you apply mulch too early, it will hold warmth in the soil and some plants may break dormancy
and start growing again. This new growth will be killed by cold weather. Spreading mulch too thickly over the crowns can trap too much moisture, and encourage them to rot. In the spring, be sure to remove mulch gradually when plants begin growing.

Dividing – With age, many perennials won’t grow as vigorously as they did when you first planted them; and they flower less. The center of the clump may appear dead, with little or no new growth. When this happens, it’s a good sign that the plant is ready to be divided. The best time and method of dividing perennials varies with species. In most cases, you divide plants when they are dormant, either early in the season before they break dormancy, or in the fall so that the roots can settle in before the ground freezes.

In most instances, dig out the entire plant, wash the soil off the roots, and cut or pull them apart into several pieces. Sometimes this can be quite difficult, especially with older plants and with ornamental grasses. Replant the newer, more vigorous roots and
discard the older or diseased parts.

Varieties

Achillea (Yarrow) Very hardy plant that does well in most areas. Will grow in hot dry gardens very well. Re-seeds well and spreads fast. Divide regularly to keep under control. Good cut flower for dried arrangements. Varieties 40+

Cerise Queen – cherry-pink clusters of flowers. 18″-24″
Coronation Gold – Golden yellow flowers 30″-36″
Lavender Beauty – Pale-Lavender flowers. 18″-24″
Moonshine – bright canary-yellow flowers. 18″-24″
Paprika – cherry-red, gold centered flowers, later fading to light pink and creamy yellow. 18″-24″
Summer Pastels – pastel shades, from white through to cream, yellow, pink, salmon, mauve and red. 18″-24″
Roseum – Large heads of rose-red flowers. 20″ -24″
Saucy Seduction – rose-pink flowers, each with a tiny white eye.

Acontium (Monkshood) Showy plants grow 3′-5′ tall. Deep green leaves with flower spikes rising above the leaves in late summer. Shades of blue and purple. Good cut flower. All parts of this plant are poisonous, may cause skin rash. Deer Resistant. Varieties 12+

Aegopodium (Bishop’s Weed, Snow-on-the-mountain) Extremely vigorous and spreads fast; may become weedy. Light green leaves edged with white. Likes cool shady areas with plenty of moisture. White flowers are unattractive and rise above foliage, remove as desired. Mow to ground if plants become unsightly. Some plants may change into a lighter-color-edged variety, or some may even develop completely solid-colored-leaves. You can prevent this color change by dividing clumps occasionally; removing any plants that exhibit any color variations or changes. 14″-18″

Ajuga (Bugleweed) A fast growing groundcover that will grow well in most areas. Good under trees, as a border or in rock gardens. Grows 4″-6″ tall. Blue flowers on 6″ spikes. Blooms April-May. Remove faded flowers. Deer Resistant. Varieties 19+

Bronze Beauty – bronzy leaves in sun, fading to green in shade.
Burgundy Glow – variegated leaves, burgundy, white & green
Dixie Chips – green, cream, and rose-purple variegated leaves.
Chocolate Chips – dark green leaves, overlaid with chocolate-brown,
Catlin’s Giant – variegated long purple and green leaves.

Alcea (Hollyhock) Biennial or short-lived perennial. They re-seed readily. Tall plants, great for backgrounds. Likes full sun. Good cut flower. Attracts Butterflies and hummingbirds. Varieties 25+
Chaters Double Tall spikes, 4′-6′ tall. Double ball-shaped flowers in July. Assorted colors of yellow, pink, white and scarlet.
Powderpuff Large double flowers on 4′-5′ spikes. Mixture of colors.
Single Many common varieties with a single row of petals. Grows very easy from seed.

Alchemilla (Lady’s Mantle) Low growing perennial for shady areas. Large rounded leaves. Greenish-yellow flowers in the spring. Re-seeds very well. Grows 6″-12″-18″ tall. Good cut flower. Varieties 5+

Anacyclus (Matt Daisy, Mt. Atlas Daisy) Low growing, dense plant with small white daisy flowers. Single row of petals with yellow center. Blooms mid summer. Good in hot, dry rock gardens. Not a long-lived plant, but will self-seed.

Anenome Pulsatilla (European Pasqueflower) Bell-shaped flowers in April-May. Fern-like leaves give variety to garden. Several colors available. Drought Tolerant once established . Grows 8-10 inches tall. Deer Resistant. Varieties 5+

Antennaria (Pussy-toes) Low growing groundcover great for hot, dry areas. Pink or white flowers late-spring. Grows 1″-3″ tall and spreads quickly. Varieties 5+

Anthemis (Golden Marguerite) Showy bright yellow, orange or white daisy flowers during the summer. Likes hot, dry and infertile soil. Good cut flower. Remove old blossoms to encourage new flowers. Deer Resistant. 24″-36″ Varieties 6+

Aquilegia (Columbine) Attractive ferny leaves with long flowers. Pastel shades of pink, white, yellow, red and blue. Likes cool semi-shaded areas to bloom best. Likes plenty of moisture. Blooms early spring and summer. Good cut flowers. Varieties 45+

Biedermeier Compact plants, 9″-12″ tall. Flowers have a wide range of pastel colors.
Cameo A dwarf, 6″ variety, with large beautiful flowers and prolonged spring blooming.
Clementine – fluffy double flowers that resemble a small Clematis bloom. Grows 16″ – 20″ tall.
Dragon Fly Mixed pastel shades and bicolors. Grows 18″-24″ tall.
McKana Hybrid Tall growing plants. 24″-30″. Wide range of colors.
Music Mix Many colors available. A short compact series, 18″-20″ tall.
Songbird Mix -Dramatic shaped flowers in lovely shades of light blue, rose and white. Grows 24″ tall.

Arabis (Rock Cress, Wall Cress) Large clusters of small flowers early in the spring. Good for rock gardens, perennial flower gardens or as a border. Grows 6″ tall. Varieties 12+

Pink Charm – Pink flowers.
Snow Cap – Pure white flowers.
Compinkie – Small rose-pink flowers for several weeks.
Red Sensation – sweetly fragrant, deep cherry-pink flowers.

Armeria (Common Thrift, Sea Pink) Small evergreen mound great for rock gardens. Small pink balls of flowers rise above the leaves. Blooms in June. Grows 6″ tall. Varieties 12+

Artemisia Silvery-gray leaves give nice color to the garden. Likes hot, dry areas. Very drought tolerant once established. Leaves die to the ground each fall. Trim dead branches in spring to maintain size and appearance. Varieties 14+

Silver Brocade – A compact plant growing 10″-15″ tall. Silvery-white scalloped leaves, not as finely divided as silver mound.
Silver Mound – A compact plant growing 8″-12″ tall. Great for hot dry rock gardens.
Davids Choice – Leaves even finer than ‘Powis Castle’. Small and compact 8″ – 12″ tall x 3 feet wide.
Powis Castle – upright mound of fine silvery-gray leaves, with a mild camphor fragrance. 22″ – 27″ tall.

Aruncus (Goat’s Beard, Bride’s Feather) Tall white feathery plumes bloom in June and July; resembles Astilbe. Grows 5′ tall, needs lots of space. Good cut and dried flower. Varieties 4+

Asclepias (Butterfly Flower) Brilliant orange flowers in July and August. Attracts Butterflies, Bees and Hummingbirds. Grows 2′ tall. Deer Resistant. Nice for dried flowers and arrangements. Poisonous if eaten. Varieties 4+

Hello Yellow – clusters of golden-yellow flowers in mid to late summer.
Soulmate – clusters of cherry-pink flowers with a tiny white center.3′-4′
Aster (Michaelmas Daisy)  Small daisy-like flowers from August to October. Adds variety to your fall color scheme. Multiply rapidly, are useful in hardy borders, especially with chrysanthemums because of similar bloom time. Varieties 55+
Alert – Dark red flowers. Grows 12″-15″ tall. Blooms in August.
Alpine – Purple flowers mid-summer. Grows 6″ tall.
Goliath – Light blue flowers. Grows 15″ tall. Blooms June-July.
Pink Bouquet – Pink Flowers. Grows 12″ tall. Blooms late-summer.
Prof. Kippenburg – Bright blue flowers. Grows 12″-15″ tall. Blooms in August.
Red Star – Rose-red Flowers. Grows 12″-15″ tall. Blooms in August.
Wartburg Star – Lavender flowers. Grows 24″ tall. Blooms late-summer.

Astilbe (Feather Flower, False Spirea) Fluffy spikes of various shades of white, pink, and red. Blooms from June through July. Good cut flower and dried flower. Ferny type leaves add variety to the garden all summer. Prefers moist areas in partial shade. Likes acid soil conditions. Does not like hot or dry locations. Varieties 55+

Bremen Rose pink. Grows 18″. Blooms midseason.
Etna Dark red. Grows 24″ Blooms midseason.
Fanal Dark red. Grows 24″. Blooms midseason.
Gloria White. Grows 20″. Blooms late.
Glut Red. Grows 30″. Blooms midseason.
Granaat Dark red. Grows 24″. Blooms midseason.
Peach Blossom Light Pink. Grows 20″. Blooms early.
Rheinland Pink. Grows 24″. Blooms early.

Aubretia (Purple Rock Cress) Low growing border plant that blooms early in the spring. Dark purple, red and blue shades give a wide variety of colors. Blooms with Creeping Phlox, and arabis in April-May. Grows 3″ – 6″. Varieties 20+

Aurinia (Basket-of-gold) Blooms early spring. Mass of bright yellow flowers. Drought tolerant; do not over-water during the summer. Nice for rock gardens, rock walls, or hillsides. Trim flowers after blooming to keep compact. Varieties 6+

Compacta Bright yellow flowers on dwarf plants. Grows 10″-12″ Tall; tight, compact, and very attractive
Saxatilis Bright yellow flowers. Grows 18″-24″ Tall. Trim flowers after blooming to maintain appearance.

Baptisia (False Indigo) Bushy plants grow 3′-5′ tall. Blooms early-summer. Starts growing early-spring. Bluish-green leaves, blue clusters of pea-shaped flowers. Good cut flower. Varieties 35+

Bellis (English Daisy) Tender perennial or biennial. Reseeds well. Flowers early-spring. Shades of white, pink and red. Grows 6″ tall and spreads well. Remove dead flowers to stimulate continual blooming. Varieties 12+

Pomponette mix – cute little button-like flowers. 4″-6″ tall.
Bellissima mix – cute little double button flowers of bright red, pink or white. Grows 6″ – 8″ tall.
Monstrosa mix – Especially large blooms, the petals curled or “quilled” . Grows 4 – 6″ tall.

Bergenia (Cabbage Plant, Saxifrage) Large cabbage shaped leaves, turn reddish in fall. Early spring flowers rise above leaves. Bell-shaped flowers range from white to red. Good cut flower. Grows 10″-18″ tall.

Brunnera (Perennial Forget-me-not) Large heart shaped leaves. Small blue flowers resembling Forget-me-nots. Blooms June-July. Likes sun or shade but needs plenty of moisture. Blooms better and longer in partial shade. Grows 12″ to 18″ tall. Varieties 13+

Macrophylla – Large, dark-green leaves. May reseed into other areas.
Jack Frost – Heart-shaped silver leaves, veined with mint-green. Tolerates more direct sun that most other variegated types.
Silver Heart – Leaves are silver with green edging and veining
Variegata – Heart-shaped, green leaves, boldly splashed with creamy-white margins and edges.

Campanula (Bell Flowers) A group of biennials and perennials that like moist, well drained soil. They grow in the sun but prefer cool conditions. Many, many varieties 60+.

Blue Clips (Carpactica)– Light green leaves with blue cupshaped flowers. Grows 8″-10″ tall. Blooms June-September if dead blossoms are removed. Likes cool areas.
White Clips (Carpactica) – Light green leaves with white cupshaped flowers. Grows 8″-10″ tall. Great for rock gardens.
Superba (Glomerata) – Large clusters of white or purple flowers. Grows 20″ Tall. Blooms June-July. Tolerates some heat.
Canterbury Bells, Cup and Saucer Biennial. – Bell-shaped flower with a row of petals looking like a saucer. Blooms in May-June. Does not re-seed well. Grows 30″-48″ tall.
Peach-leafed Bluebell (Persicifolia) – Grows 3′ tall. White or blue flowers.
Serbian Bellflower (poscharskyana) – Grows 18″-24″‘ tall.
Olympia (Rotundifolia) Blue bells of Scotland – Bright blue bells about 1″ long in clusters. Blooms July-September. Grows 12″-18″ Tall.

Centaurea (Cornflower, Bachelor Button) Grows best in full sun with well-drained soil. Good specimen plants and as borders. Good cut flowers. Varieties 9+

Montana Blue Blooms early summer. Grows 18″-24″ tall. Likes sunny area. Grey-green foliage. Deep blue flowers with an unusual texture. Good cut flower.

Dealbata (Persian cornflower) Blooms late-spring. Grows 18″-30″ tall. Likes full sun. Pretty lavender-pink flowers, 2″-3″ diameter, nice for cutting.

Centaurea Macrocephala (Armenian Basket Flower) Yellow, globe-like flowers mid-summer. Grows 3′-4′ tall. Good background perennial. Good cut, fresh or dried flower.

Centranthus (Red Valerian, Jupiter’s Beard) Vigorous, hardy perennial for this area. Grows well in hot, dry and infertile soils. Grows 18″-24″ tall. Blue-green leaves. Showy clusters of red, fragrant flowers. Blooms late spring and summer. Trim flowers to stimulate continued blooming. Good cut flowers. Attracts butterflies, deer resistant.

Cerastrium (Snow-in-summer) Fast growing groundcover for sunny areas. Silvery-gray foliage adds color to garden. White blossom above foliage appear in June. Remove spent blossoms. Grows 6″-9″ tall.

Ceratostigma (Plumbago, Leadwort) Fast growing groundcover for a sunny area. Dark blue flowers from August through October. Leaves turn reddish in fall. Grows 8″ tall. Very late to emerge in spring. Deer resistant.

Chelone (Pink Turtlehead) Dark green leaves with flowers rising above the leaves. Likes moist areas with cool temperatures. Rose-pink flower spikes in the late-summer. Blossoms may last four weeks. Grows 24″-30″ tall. Varieties 3+

Chrysanthemum Showy and reliable perennials for borders, massed plantings or backgrounds. Likes full sun, little fertilizer and well drained soil. Too much water or fertilizer stimulates tall growth. Blooms naturally from late-summer through frost, depending upon varieties. All colors available except blue. Please read our Chrysanthemum Handout for more information. Varieties 100+

Cushion – Double flower form. Grows 12″-20″ tall.
Daisy – Single daisy flowers with yellow centers. Height varies with variety.
Decorative – Taller plants with double or semi-double flowers. Flowers larger than cushion type.
Pompom – Free-flowering varieties, blooms early in summer. Small ball-shaped flowers. Grows less than 18″ tall.
Button – Small double flowers, less than 1″, plants grow 12″- 18″ tall.
Cactus – Tall plants with large, open flowers. Petals are usually thin and sometimes unusually shaped.

Chrysanthemum Coccineum – Tanacetum Coccineum (Painted Daisy) Foliage is bright green and ferny. Early summer blossoms. Shades of red, white, and pink. Grows 12″-24″ tall. Grows in cool areas, protect from hot afternoon sun. Cutting old flowers may stimulate fall flowers. May be a short-lived perennial. Attracts butterflies, Deer resistant. Varieties 4+

Chrysanthemum Maximum – Leucanthemum superbum (Shasta Daisy) A must for your perennial flower gardens. One of the best perennial flowers for sunny areas. Colorful white blossoms June-July. Remove faded flowers to extend blooming. Very easy to care for.

Alaska – Large, single white flowers. Grows 24″-30″ tall.
Esther Reed – Double row of white blossoms. Grows 24″ tall.
Little Princess or Silver Princess – Compact plants, 12″-15″ tall. Large single blossoms.
Snow Lady – Dwarf plant, long lasting flowers. Grows 8″-12″ tall.
Wirral Pride – Double row of white petals. Grows 3′ tall.

More Varieties (30+): Sunshine, Gold Rush, Broadway Lights, Victorian Secret, Sunny Side up, Snowdrift, Snowcap, Silver Spoons.

Convallaria (Lily-of-the-valley) Fast growing ground cover for shady areas. Grows 6″-8″ tall. White bell shaped flowers in May-June. Flowers are fragrant and are useful in flower arrangements. Warning: All parts of the plant—the stems, the leaves, the flowers and the berries—are extremely poisonous.

Coreopsis (Tickseed) Brilliant daisy-like flowers in spring and summer. Good cut flowers. Likes full sun and well drained soil. Remove faded blossoms to stimulate continuous blooming. Attracts butterflies. Deer resistant.

Baby Sun – Small plant, 12″-18″ tall. Bright yellow flowers.
Early Sunrise – Grows 12″ tall. Double yellow flowers.
Flying Saucers – large, single golden-yellow daisy flowers. 15″.
Golden Showers – Fern-like foliage. Large, bright yellow flowers (2.5″). Grows 18″-24″ tall.
Moonbeam – Very striking fern-like foliage. Grows 18″-24″ tall. Covered with soft yellow flowers from early summer to fall.
Sunburst – Double yellow flowers. Grows 24″ tall.
Sunray – Double and semi-double golden yellow flowers. Grows 18″-24″ tall.
Zagreb – Very delicate, ferny foliage. Golden flowers. 12″-18″.
More Varieties: (50+) Heaven’s Gate, American Dream, Superman, Imperial Sun, Sweet Dreams, Route 66, Solanna, Sunny Day, Stertaler, Golden Ball, Sunfire, Domino.

Crocosmia Cousins to the gladiola, these are hardy plants that produce clumps of green sword-shaped leaves, with tall, arching spikes of funnel-shaped blossoms appearing in mid to late summer. Deer Resistant. Varieties 10+

Lucifer – brilliant flame-red flowers. 3′-4′
Bright Eyes – large bright-orange flowers with a contrasting scarlet-red eye 18″-24″

Delosperma (HARDY ICE PLANT) Best grown in dry, well-drained soil, in full sun. This plant will grow poorly or die in any soil that is not well-drained: Avoid heavy clay soils. Tolerates average soils including sandy and gravelly ones. Water sparingly during the growing season. Plants have good tolerance for heat and drought. Small, daisy-like, 2″ Blossoms from June to September. Deer resistant. May not always survive harsh winters in Utah, especially if not covered with snow. Varieties 17+

Delosperma cooperi – Pink Ice Plant
Delosperma nubigenum – Yellow Ice Plant
Table Mountain – Fuchsia Ice Plant
Oberg – Open pink then fade to white
Osberg – white starry flowers with yellow eyes

Delphinium (Larkspur) Colorful, elegant flower spikes rise above clumps of leaves. Likes fertile, well-drained soil, and full sun. Stake taller plants. Trim fading flowers to encourage new flower development. Often a short-lived perennial (plants live 2 to 3 years), aggravated by excess water in winter. Good cut flower. Poisonous Plants if eaten.

Black Knight – Deep Violet flowers. Grows 4′-6′ tall.
Blue Bird – Medium blue flower with white center. Grows 4′-6′ tall.
Connecticut Yankee Assorted colors. Grows 30″ tall.
Galahad White. Grows 3′-4′.
Guinevere Pink. Grows 3′-4′.
King Arthur Dark Blue. Grows 3′-4′.
Magic Fountains Mixed Colors. Grows 30″-36″ tall.
Pacific Hybrids Mixed Colors. Grows 3′-4′ tall.
Summer Skies Light Blue. Grows 3′-4′ tall.
More Varieties (45+): Princess Caroline, Blue Elf, New Millenniums, Summer Stars, Summer Nights, Summer Morning, Summer Cloud, Sweetheart, Super Stars, Sunny Skies.

Dianthus (Pinks) A wide variety of perennial flowers. Very colorful and have extended bloom periods, depending upon varieties. Likes full sun but many varieties will tolerate partial shade.

Brilliant (Deltoides) – Low spreading plants, good groundcover or rock garden plant. Grass-like leaves with small pinkish flowers.
Princess Series Blooms early summer. Remove flowers and the plants will bloom again until frost. The princess series is available in scarlet, red, pink, salmon, white and purple.
Spotty (Gratianopolitanus) Grows 6″-12″ tall. Red and white spotted flowers. Very striking color variation.

Spring Beauty Double, fragrant flowers early summer. Resemble a small carnation. Colors range from white, pink to red.
Tiny Rubies (Gratianopolitanus) Compact plants grow 6″-12″ tall. Good rock garden plant or for borders. Blooms spring and summer if faded flowers are removed. Small, deep-pink flowers.
Zing Rose (Plumarius) Low growing, almost groundcover, 6″ tall. Deep-red summer blossoms, may have prolonged flowers all summer. Excellent choice for hot, sunny sites
Dianthus Barbatus (Sweet William) A biennial that reseeds well. Large clusters of small flowers in whites, pinks and reds. Blooms late spring. Blooms late-May. Variety of colors white, pink and red. Dwarf Grows 12″-15″ tall; Tall Grows 18″-24″ tall.

Dianthus Caryophyllus (Carnation) Hardy carnations do not have as large of blossoms as florist carnations. They are a short-lived perennial or annual in this climate. Protect them well in the winter. Grows 12″-18″ tall. Likes full sun. Graygreen leaves. Good cut flower.

More Varieties (100+): Starlette, Silver Star, Romance, Shooting Star, Raspberry Surprise, Passion, Star Cushion, Firewitch, Fire Star, Early Bird, Dessert Raspberry, Strawberry Sorbet, Flashing Light, Cranberry Ice, Vampire, Confetti, Coral Reef, Coconut Surprise. Candy Floss, Spangled Star.

Dicentra (Bleeding Heart) Likes cool shady areas. Needs plenty of mulch and moisture. Fertilize well early in the spring. Old-fashioned varieties have leaves that often die to ground in mid-summer.

Old Fashioned – Grows 24″-30″ tall. Pink flowers in May. (White variety is also available) Foliage turns yellow and brown late in the summer. Remove dead leaves in summer. A new plant will grow early next year.
Gold Heart – the usual chains of pink and white locket flowers, but on a plant with stunning bright yellow foliage
King of Hearts – Fern-leaf leaves, valued for their compact habit and long season of deep-pink blossom. 8″-10″.
Luxuriant – Red blossoms. Blooms heavily in spring then occasionally until frost. Fern-like leaves add variety in garden. Will tolerate some summer sun.
Zestful – Fern-like leaf. Everblooming pink flowers during the summer. Flowers are not as large as common bleeding heart. Grows 12″-15″ tall.
More Varieties (19+): Fire Cracker, Ivory Hearts, Candy Hearts, Burning Hearts,

Digitalis (Foxglove) Tall spikes of tubular flowers. Most varieties are biennial. Good background plant. Blooms June-July. Good cut flowers. Poisonous if eaten.
Ambigua – Perennial variety. Yellow flowers with brown inside markings. Grows 24″ tall.

Dalmation – Flowers first year. Mauve-Purple flowers. 3′-4′ tall.
Ecelsior – Grows 4′-5′ tall. Pastel colors, Lavender-Yellow-Pink-Salmon-White flowers. Biennial that reseeds well.
Foxy – More compact habit. Grows 30″-36″ tall. Has a range of soft pastel shades, cream – pink – rose. Biennial that reseeds well.
Shirley – Tall biennial foxglove. Reseeds well in the garden. Mixed colors. Grows 4′ tall.
More Varieties (21+): Candy Mountain, Camelot, Apricot Beauty, Summer King, Carillon, Polkadot, Goldcrest, Rusty.

Doronicum (Leopard’s Bane) Bright yellow, daisy- like flowers. Blooms late-spring. Prefers moist but well-drained soil. Will tolerate some shade. Dwarf or Tall varieties available. Grows 10″- 12″-18″-24″ tall. Leaves die back mid-summer. Excellent cut flower. Attracts Butterflies. Deer Resistant. Varieties 4+

Echinacea (Coneflower) Vigorous summer-flowering perennials. Likes hot, dry areas. Tolerates drought. Needs dry area during the winter. Grows 12″-24″-30″-36″ tall. Large daisy-like flowers with large raised centers. Removing faded flowers regularly will greatly increase the flowering period. Deer Resistant. Attracts Butterflies. Good Cut and Dried Flower.

Alba Creamy-white petals with greenish center.
Bright Star Rose-colored flowers. Blooms well.
Kim’s Knee High – mauve-pink with an orange cone. 12″-24″
Magnus – Rosy-purple flowers. 30″-36″.
Pow Wow – magenta-pink petals surrounding an orange-brown central cone. 18″-24″
Tomato Soup – tomato-red petals surrounding an orange-brown button-shaped cone. 24″-30″.
More Varieties: (80+) Henry Eilers, Little Henry, Black beauty, Sundance, Buttons and Bows, Sundown, Autumn Sun, Ruby Star, Double Decker, Big Sky, White Swan, Sparkler, Raspberry Truffle, Jade, Hope, Hot Coral, White Swan.

Echinops (Globe Thistle) Dark blue, globe shaped flowers mid-summer. Likes hot areas and tolerates drought. Good cut flower, especially for dried flower arrangements. Grows 2′-3′ tall. Attracts Butterflies. Deer Resistant. Not a weedy kind of thistle. May be trimmed to the ground in late fall, or left for winter interest.
Varieties (5+): Vetch’s Blue, Star Frost, Blue Glow, Arctic Glow.

Erigeron (Fleabane) Grows well in sandy, infertile, well-drained soil. Grows 20″-24″ tall. Clusters of 1″-2″ daisy-like flowers. Good cut flower. Pink, blue, white, and lavender shades. Attracts Butterflies.
More Varieties (10+): Albus, Sea Breeze, Prosperity, Azure Fairy, Darkest of All, Blue Beauty, Profusion.

Erysimum Cheiranthus (Wallflower) Biennial or Short-lived perennials in cold climates. Showy late-spring flowers. Fragrant flowers; yellow, orange, gold, mauve or red. Grows 8″- 12″-24″ tall. Drought tolerant once established. Attracts butterflies, deer resistant.
Kotschyanum (Alpine Wallflower) Low mounding, bright green foliage. Fragrant Golden-yellow flowers. An excellent rock garden plant for sunny areas, and tolerant of hot, dry sites with poor soil.
More Varieties (11+): Bowles’ Mauve, Yellow Bird, Apricot Twist, Fragrant Star, Patchwork, Fragrant Sunshine, Golden Bedder.

Euphorbia (Spurge) Spreading plant grows 12″-18″ -30″-36″ tall. Yellow flower bracts open in early spring. Pale green leaves turn reddish in fall. Grows in sun with dry soil. Has milky sap which will cause skin irritation. Some people may have an allergic reaction (Eye or Skin) to this plant. Poisonous if Eaten. Good Cut Flower, Deer Resistant.
Tasmanian Tiger – Grayish evergreen leaves strongly edged with creamy white. 30″-36″. Tender in winter: Protect well or take inside.
Ascot Rainbow – Grey-green leaves, edged in creamy-yellow and flushed rose pink. 18″-24″. Protect well or take inside.
Polychroma Cushion Spurge – Bright, golden-yellow flowers, over a perfect cushion of light green leaves. 12″-18″
More Varieties: (20+) Blue Lagoon, Tiny Tim, Redwing, Shorty, Fireglow, Glacier Blue, Lacy, Excalibur, Bonfire, Martini.
Ferns As a rule ferns like cool, moist areas. Some ferns will tolerate drought. Ferns sometimes take one or two years to develop a root system before they really start to grow. Ferns can add a lot of variety to your shade gardens. Mulch all ferns well during the winter. Please read our Fern Description Handout for More Information about ferns.

Gaillardia (Blanketflower) Daisy family. Vigorous plant in poor, dry soils. Likes full sun. Tolerates heat well. Shortlived in moist, fertile soil. Doesn’t like wet winter conditions. Divide every two or three years. Good cut-flower. Attracts Butterflies, Deer Resistant.

Arizona Sun – flame-orange daisies with golden-yellow tips. Blooms profusely even in the first year.
Baby Cole – Dwarf plant. Grows 6″-8″ tall. Red center with yellow edges. Very prolific bloomer.
Burgundy – Wine-red flowers. Grows 24″-36″ tall.
Dazzler – Bright orange-red petals with golden-yellow tips. 24″-30″
Goblin – Dwarf plant. Red flowers with yellow tips. Grows 12″ tall.
More Varieties (30+), Fanfare, Summer’s Kiss, Bijou, Torchlight, Tangerine, Sunrita, Commotion, Gallo, Mesa, Golden Goblin, Candy Corn, Arizona Apricot, Blaze.

Galium (Sweet Woodruff) Excellent groundcover for partial shade or full shade. Needs moist soil. Tiny white flowers in May-June. Grows 12″ tall. Leaves die to ground in winter. A useful herb as well.
Gaura (Bee Blossoms) Grows 2′-4′ tall. Blooms a long time but only a few blossoms are open at one time. Likes sunny areas and will tolerate drought. Gaura varieties may not always be winter hardy. It flowers for the entire summer and fall, so you may consider using it even as an annual. Attracts Butterflies, Deer Resistant.

Lindheimeri – Very hardy. White flowers tinged with pale pink.
Crimson Butterflies – rich pink flowers, held on red stems. 12″-18″
Passionate Rainbow – Green leaves, edged in cream and flushed with pinkish red. Small, deep-pink silky blooms. 24″-30″
More Varieties (15+) – Passionate Blush, Sunny Butterflies, Whirling Butterflies, Cherry Brandy, Rosy Jane, Pink Fountain, Perky Pink.

Geranium (Cranesbill) Good long blooming perennial for rock garden or border. Leaves make plants very attractive even after blooming. Likes sun or partial shade. Deer Resistant. Makes a nice bushy groundcover.

Alpinum – Showy blue flowers in June-July. Grows 16″ tall.
Claridge Druce – Large lilac-pink flowers most of the summer. 18″.
Johnson’s Blue – Vivid blue flowers starting in July. 15″-18″.
Lancastriense – Low growing plant, 6″ tall blooms May-October. Light pink flowers.
Sanguineum – Reddish-purple flowers June-September. Leaves turn red in fall. Grows 10″-12″ tall.
More Varieties (70+) Ballerina, Mayflower, Stephanie, Blue Sun-rise, Dalmation, Carol, Memories, Wargrave Pink, Magnifica, Tiny Monster, Starman, Pink Penny, Splendens, Bressingham’s Delight, Summer Skies, Brookside, Ann Folkard.

Geum (Avens) Colorful spring and summer blooming perennial. Needs plenty of water, good drainage and protection from the hot afternoon sun. Remove faded flowers to stimulate more flowers. Good cut flower. Attracts butterflies.

Mrs. Bradshaw – Large double orange-red flowers. 24″-30″.
Lady Stratheden – Golden yellow, semi double blossoms. 24″-30″.
Totally Tangerine – large bright apricot to tangerine blooms.
Mai Tai – apricot flowers with a rose blush. 16″-18″
More Varieties (15+) Eos, Red Dragon, Arends, Georgenburg, Fireball, Fire Storm, Bloody Mary, Blazing Sunset, Cosmopolitan.

Grasses Grasses have graceful beauty, varied forms, colors and textures. They make attractive plants for any garden or landscape. The design possibilities when using ornamental grasses are endless. Ornamental grasses are adaptable and grow in virtually every environment. They seem to literally thrive on neglect, as they take the heat, humidity and drought perfectly. Please read our Perennial Grass Handout for more information about the different varieties.

Gypsophila (Baby’s Breath) Popular for its airy, cloudlike display in the summer. Excellent in fresh or dried flower arrangements. Likes sunny areas with well-drained soil. Do not over-water this plant. Blooms in June-July and will bloom again if the flowers are cut. Deer Resistant. Varieties 7+

Bristol Fairy – Large clusters of double white flowers. 24″-36″
Perfecta – Large, double, white flowers. Grows 36″ tall.
Pink Fairy – Tiny, Light-pink, double flowers. 18″-24″
Repens – Nice groundcover for something a little different. Small clusters of light pink flowers. Grows 5″ tall.
Snowflake – Double white flowers. Grows 24″ tall.

Helianthemum (Sunrose, Rock Rose) Small shrubby perennial that does well in sun or partial shade. Small “sunny” pastel colors. Blossom only lasts one day but the plant is covered with buds. Shear plant after blooming to stimulate new set of blossoms. Drought tolerant but needs consistent watering during blooming period. Deer Resistant.

Ben Vevis – Single orange scarlet-eyed flowers.
Wisely Pink – large single soft-pink flowers, over a mound of silvery-gray foliage. 6″-12″
Wisely Primrose – single soft primrose-yellow flowers, over a mound of silvery-gray foliage. 6″-12″
More Varieties (15+) Fire Dragon, Ben Ledi, Cerise Queen, The Bride, Annabel, Raspberry Ripple, Dazzler, Fireball, Cheviot.

Helianthus (Perennial Sunflower, Thin-leaved Sunflower) Looks like a sunflower. Grows 3′-5′ tall. Large 5″ yellow flowers in late summer. Attracts butterflies. Varieties 16+
Lemon Queen – soft-yellow, single petal daisy flowers. Tall & upright.
Happy Days – bi colored daisy flower; yellow petals surrounding double golden eye 20″-24″
Salicifolius – Tall Stem with long, drooping, green willow-like leaves. Golden-yellow daisies. 30″-36″
Decapetalus Plenus – Double, golden-yellow daisy flowers. 20″-24″

Heliopsis (False Sunflower) Showy yellow sunflower-like flowers in the summer. Very long season of bloom. Grows 3′-6′ tall. Attracts Butterflies. Removing faded flowers regularly will greatly extend the blooming season. Varieties 10+
Summer Nights – single daisy flowers are golden yellow with a contrasting mahogany-red center. 3′-4′.
Summer Sun – large, semi-double, golden-yellow daisy flowers with a brown center. 3′-4′
Summer Pink – Multi-colored pink, green and white leaves with purple veining on dark red stems. Large daisy-like yellow flowers.

Helleborus (Christmas Rose, Winter Rose) Clumps of leathery, evergreen leaves. Large cup-shaped white or soft-pink flushed flowers appear between Christmas and Easter. Somewhat slow to establish, but worth the wait! Do not like being disturbed, so avoid moving or dividing. Poisonous if eaten. Deer Resistant.

Jacob – Large, slightly fragrant, single, pure white flowers appear in late-winter or early-spring. Flowers gradually age to a light green and in cooler temperatures are tinted pink. 18″-24″
Red Lady – Lenten Rose – a close cousin to the Christmas Rose, and even easier to grow. Flowers appear in early spring, in shades of red. 18″-24″
More Varieties (70+) Green hellebore, Early purple, Winter Ghost, Yellow Lady, Peppermint Ice, Pink Lady, Onyx Odyssey, Blue Lady, Berry Swirl, Black Diamond, Apple Blossom.

Hemerocallis (Daylilies) Very hardy plants, require little maintenance. Adaptable to most types of soils and planting areas. Will tolerate sun or shade. Blooms June to frost, depending upon varieties. Please read our Daylily Handout for more information.
Herniaria (Rupturewort) Known to be nearly indestructible, this is an excellent choice for growing between flagstones or growing as a lawn substitute. The tiny leaves create a dense evergreen carpet, becoming bronze in winter. Insignificant green flowers. 1″-2″ tall.

Heuchera (Coral Bells, Alumroot) Low growing mound with flowers extending above leaves. Small bell shaped flowers from late spring to early summer. Shades of red, white and pink. Does well in sun or partial shade. Needs well drained soil, especially in the winter. Grows 12″-18″ tall. Attract hummingbirds and butterflies, deer resistant.

Splendens – old-fashioned style of Coral Bells. 12″-18″
Bressingham Bronze – beet-red maple-shaped leaves, which hold their color in sun or part shade. Small creamy-white flowers.
Fire Chief – leaves are wine-red. As the leaves mature, they develop maroon markings. Small bicolor white and pink flowers. 12″-18″
Lime Rickey – Leaves chartreuse in spring, turning lemon-lime in summer. Tall spikes of ivory flowers. 12″-18″
Mahogany – leaves begin deep purple in spring, aging to mahogany red during summer. Small ivory bell flowers. 8″-14″
Obsidian – smooth jet-black leaves. Creamy white flowers. 12″-24″
Purple Palace Ivy shaped leaves. Mahogany-red leaves fade to bronze-green in heat. White flowers in spring. 12″-18″.
More varieties (100+) Paris, Dark Secret, Tara, Paprika, Velvet Night, Geisha’s Fan, City lights, Midnight Rose, Harvest Burgundy, Georgia Peach, Marvelous Marble, Volcano, Vienna, Tiramisu, Tara, Swirling Fantasy, Sweet Tart, Sugar Plum, Sugar Berry, Root Beer, Ring of Fire, Miracle, Mint Frost, Hercules, Hollywood, Kassandra, TOO MANY TO LIST.
Hibiscus (Rose Mallow) Very hardy perennial for hot, sunny areas. Grows 3′-4′ tall. Plant dies to the ground in the winter. Very late to emerge in spring. Blooms from mid-August to September. Blossoms open for one day but the plant is covered with buds. Deer Resistant. Attracts Butterflies. Varieties 7+

Luna – compact variety with huge blossoms, Red, White or rose. 2′-3′
Southern Bell – Large blossoms, 12″ diameter. Red, white or pink.
Lord Baltimore – has huge brilliant red blossoms. 3′-4′
Blue River II – snow-white petals, no contrasting central eye 2′-3′

Hosta (Plaintain Lily) One of the best perennials for the shade garden. Grows well in sun or shade, but prefers the cooler areas. Leaves are attractive from spring through frost.

Houttuynia (Chameleon Plant) Very striking heart shaped leaves. Yellow, green, bronze and red, depending upon light. Grows well in sun or shade. Grows 6″-9″ tall. White flowers in the summer. Will tolerate wet soil conditions. Can become very invasive if not kept in bounds!

Hypericum (St John’s Wort) Good groundcover or specimen plant. Grows 12″-15″ tall. Large yellow flowers in June-July. Will grow in sun or shade. Leaves turn purplish in fall. Good groundcover for hillsides. Deer Resistant. Varieties 7+ Albury Purple – dusky-purple leaves. Yellow flowers in mid-summer.

Iberis (Candytuft) Spreading, woody perennial great for borders and rock gardens. Grows 6″-12″-15″ tall. Trim lightly after blooming to maintain shape and stimulate new growth. Deer Resistant. Drought tolerant, once established. Avoid soils that stay wet in winter. Varieties 10+

Purity –good-sized white flowers for several weeks. 6″-8″
Tahoe – early-flowering selection, clusters of small white flowers. 8″
Snowflake – Pure white flowers late-spring to early-summer. 10″

Incarvillea (Gloxinia) Large, pink trumpet-shaped flowers in May. Likes cool, sunny area, protected from the wind. Good cut flower. Extend blooming season by removing old blossoms. 18″-24″. Needs good drainage, Avoid soils that stay wet in winter.

Iris (Flags) Showy sword-like leaves. Blooms late spring through summer. Needs well-drained soil. Hanging petals are called falls. Upward petals are called standards. Plant in full sun and divide plants every two or three years.

Bearded Iris (Germanica) These iris are easy to take care of and don’t require any special care. Do not over-water or over-fertilize. Grows 24″-36″ tall. Large blossoms mid-May. Divide in August to control size of plant.
Dwarf Iris (Pumila) Dwarf form of bearded Iris. Grows 6″-18″ tall. Blooms early summer.

Japanese Iris (Kaempferi) These iris are beardless. They have a flat bloom and the leaves are narrower. Grows 36″ tall. Likes plenty of water during blooming period but not much water the rest of the year.

Siberian Iris (Sibirica) Medium size beardless flowers. Likes moist soil but will tolerate some drought. Blooms after bearded iris but before Japanese Iris. Grows 30″-36″ tall.

Kniphofia (Poker Plant, Red-hot-poker) Grass-like leaves. Likes hot sunny area. Will tolerate drought. Long flower spikes June-July. Colors range from yellow, orange and red. Good cut flower. Needs good drainage, Avoid soils that stay wet in winter. Deer Resistant.

Fire Dance – large scarlet and yellow flower spikes. 18″-24″
Flamenco – Large bottle brush heads; yellow, orange and flame red. 2′-3′.
Shining Scepter – spikes of flowers in a beautiful golden-orange shades. 24″-36″
More Varieties (14+): Echo Rojo, Samuel’s Sensation, Royal Castle, Fire Glow, Creamsicle, Cobra, Bressingham Comet.

Lamium (Spotted Deadnettle) Grows twelve to fourteen inches tall. Perfect deer resistant groundcover to brighten a partly sunny to semi-shady spot. Vigorous without being invasive, Lamium produce dainty snapdragon-like flowers in colors from white, to pink to purple. Flowers appear in spring, then continue off and on until fall. Light green leaves with white center. Very colorful, attractive two-toned foliage provides interest even when the flowers are not in bloom. Leaves turn purplish in fall and die to ground in winter. Varieties 15+

Beacon Silver – Silver-white leaves with green margins. Pink flowers in May. 12″-24″
Aureum Yellow – gold leaf with a white center. Lavender pink flowers. Grows 6″ tall. Spreads slowly.
Purple Dragon – small silver leaves with a wide green edge. Clusters of deep magenta-purple flowers
White Nancy – Clusters of pure white flowers. 12″-24″
Lemon Frost – lemon-lime leaves with a central silver stripe. Clusters of deep lavender-pink flowers 6″-8″
Pink Pewter – Clusters of soft salmon-pink flowers. 12″-24″
Red Nancy – Clusters of purplish-pink flowers. 12″-24″
Ghost – silver leaves with clusters of deep magenta-purple flowers that appear in spring, then continue on and off until fall. 10″
Golden Nuggets – Beautiful combination of yellow-green foliage with silvery white stripes. Pink flowers add further appeal.

Lathyrus (Perennial Sweet Pea) Vigorous flowering vine for cool, sunny area or shade. Needs a fence or trellis to climb on. Showy white to rose-pink flowers from summer to fall. Remove faded blooms to extend blooming season. Allow some seed-pods to form. Good cut flower. Deer Resistant. Varieties 4+

Lavandula (Lavender) Evergreen gray foliage. Scented leaves and flowers are used in potpourri. Good border plant and small hedge plant. Some winter injury occurs to this plant, mulch well in fall. Blooms June through September. Flowers retain fragrance after drying. Needs good drainage, Avoid soils that stay wet in winter. Deer Resistant. Attracts hummingbirds. Varieties 25+

Munstead English Lavender – Grey-green foliage and bright lavender-blue flowers. Grows 15″-18″ tall.
Hidcote English lavender- Compact selection has gray-green foliage and dark violet-purple flowers 12″-24″
Grosso French lavender – The most fragrant of all the lavender. Most hardy French lavender. 12″-24″
Other Varieties – not hardy but great as an annual flower: Lavandula stoechas (Spanish Lavender ‘Otto Quast’, ‘Strawberry Ruffles’), Lavandula dentata (French Lavender, ‘Goodwin Creek Grey’), Lavandula angustifolia (English Lavender ‘Coconut Ice’)

Leontopodium (Edelweiss) Silver leaves with silver bracts surrounding yellow flowers. Blooms July-August. Grows 6″-8″ tall. Good dried flower. Likes a sunny area with dry soil. Short-lived in home gardens.

Liatris (Gayfeather) Long flower spikes, good for fresh flower arrangements. Flowers bloom from the bottom of the spike to the top. The blossom lasts for a long time. Attracts butterflies, Deer Resistant. Varieties 3+

Kobold – Rose-lavender flowers in July-August. 18″-24″

Ligularia (Ragwort, Elephant Ears) Very pretty foliage. Needs plenty of moisture but doesn’t like to stay wet. Likes cool areas. Good for cut flowers and cut leaves. Deer Resistant.

Desdemona – Bronzy green leaves on upper side and purple underneath. Orange daisy-like flowers in July-August. 3′-4′.
Othello – dark-green leaves with a purple backside. Clusters of bright golden orange daisy flowers. 3′-4′
The Rocket – jagged-edged green leaves. Purplish black stems rise above in summer, bearing long spikes of bright-yellow daisy flowers. 4′-6′
More varieties: (15+) Dragon Wings, Little Rocket, Bottle Rocket, Sungold, Little Lantern, Dragon’s Breath, Osiris Fantasia.

Lilium (Lily) Likes full sun or partial shade. Wide range of colors available. Blooming period is from June through September, depending upon varieties. Do not plant in wet area, they need good drainage. Let the plants dry out when the leaves begin to turn yellow.

Tiger Lily – Orange, yellow or red flowers with black spots. Grows 3′-4′ tall. Old-time favorite.
Hybrid Lily – Wide array of colors from white, yellow, orange, red and shades of pink. Very easy to grow. Good cut flower.
Asiatic Lily – easy, dependable perennials that put on a great show in the early summer border. 2′-3′

Limonium (Statice, Sea Lavender) Leathery dark green leaves at the base of the plant. Tall sprays of miniature flowers June-August. Great for dried flower arrangements. Likes hot, dry areas. Available in annual, biennial and perennial varieties. Attracts butterflies, Deer Resistant.

Linum (Flax) Clumping plants with feathery foliage. Blooms continuously from late-spring through the summer. Grows best in light, well-drained soil. Likes full sun. Tend to be short-lived, but re-seeds well. Drought tolerant once established. Deer Resistant.
Yellow – Big 1″ flowers in summer. Doesn’t bloom as well as blue variety.
Alpine Blue – soft-blue flowers. Blooming period can last 12 weeks. Grows 8″-12″.
Blue Sapphire – Compact selection forms a bushy mound of small, ferny green leaves. Small sky-blue flowers. 10″-12″

Lobelia (Cardinal Flower) Vigorous perennial with brilliant summer flowers. Mulch well in fall. Showy red or lavender blossoms mid summer. Attractive to both hummingbirds and butterflies. Not usually long lived but will sometimes self-seed. Poisonous if eaten. Grows 24″ tall. Varieties 9+

Lunaria (Money Plant, Honesty Plant) Biennial but re-seeds well. Fragrant lavender flowers in May. Showy white, paper-like seed pods in July-August, resembling a quarter. Makes great decorations in a dried flower arrangement. Attracts butterflies. Prefers moist, shady areas. Grows 24″-36″ tall.

Lupinus (Lupine) Biennial or short-lived perennials. Tall spires of flowers. Likes sun or partial shade. Wide varieties of colors in June-July. Likes a moist soil. Plants live a few years and die out. Some varieties re-seed well. Good cut flower. Seeds and seedpods are poisonous. Varieties 11+

Russell Hybrids – Produces flowers in nearly every shade of the rainbow, including white, pink, yellow, red and deep blue. 2′-3′.
Gnome – Dwarf plant. Bi-colored and solid blue, red, pink, and white flowers. 18″-24″
Popsicle Mix – This mid-sized mixture produces flowers in nearly every shade of the rainbow, including pink, yellow, red, blue and purple as well as lovely bicolors.

Lychnis (Catchfly, Maltese Cross) Upright plants with bright summer flowers. Good for borders or specimen plants. Good cut flower. Flowers are attractive to butterflies, and hummingbirds. Deer resistant. Varieties 9+

Alpina – Arctic Campion – low, tufted mound of narrow, grassy leaves. Clusters of tiny, bright-pink flowers in late spring. Short-lived, but may re-seed.
Arkwrighti – Orange-red flowers mid summer. Grows 18″ tall.
Rose Campion – fuzzy silver leaves. Double, blood-red flowers for most of the summer.
Chalcedonia Maltese cross- Scarlet-orange flowers in June-July. 3′-4′

Lysimachia (Creeping Jenny) Fast growing groundcover. Good in moist areas. Tolerates full sun or part shade. Bright yellow flowers in July. Grows 4″-8″ tall. Bright green leaves.

Aurea – Bright yellow leaves with yellow flowers mid-summer.
Monarda (Bee Balm, Bergamot) Aromatic mint-like foliage. Will grow in sun or shade but needs a moist soil. Blooms June-July. Grows 24″-30″ tall. A favorite of both butterflies and hummingbirds. Colors available in blue, red, scarlet, pink and white. Good cut flower. Deer Resistant. Varieties 19+
Grand Parade – shaggy lavender-purple flowers Prairie Night – deep mauve to rosy-purple flowers 3′-4′ Pink Supreme – magenta-pink flowers. The foliage is fragrant 18″-24″ Petite Wonder – Flowers are soft pink. Fragrant gray-green foliage. 12″

Myosotis (Forget-me-not) Biennial or short-lived plants that re-seed well. Small flowers in early spring. Likes partial shade or sun. Likes moist soil during blooming period. After flowering, discard all but a few plants, in order to produce seed for next year. Available in blue, white and pink. Deer Resistant. Grows 6″-8″. Varieties 7+

Oenothera (Evening Primrose) Spreading, shrubby perennial. Blossoms open in the evening. Likes dry soil. Tolerates heat but will grow in partial shade. Varieties 13+

Missouriensis – Large yellow, fragrant flowers. Blossom lasts from evening to the end of the next day. Grows 6″-12″ tall.
Speciosa – Fragrant white flowers turn rose-pink with age. Plants are short-lived but reseed well. Grows 12″-24″ tall.
Sundrops – Plants form a bushy, upright mound of bright green leaves, with satiny golden-yellow flowers that somewhat resemble poppies. 18″-24″
Cold Crick – makes a well-behaved clump that won’t take over the border. Flowers are bright golden-yellow, over a mound of green leaves. 10″-12″

Pachysandra (Japanese Spurge) Fairly slow groundcover for shade. Rich green foliage gives great appearance. Leaves turn yellow in hot sun. White flowers in May. Grows 12″ tall. Will grow as a ground cover under Pine Trees, Shade Trees, Under Decks and Porches.
Paeonia (Peony) Likes full sun and plenty of water during blooming period. Leaves die to the ground each fall. Do not plant the tubers too deep or they will not bloom. Good cut flower. Grow 30″- 36″ tall. Please read our Peony Handout for more information
Tree Peony Fairly hardy for this area if protected from frost during the winter. Mulch them well during the winter. Large blossom late May, two or three years after planting. Available in yellow, purple, red, pink, white, or two tone (red/white). Grows 48″ – 60″ tall. Please read our Peony Handout for more information
Itoh peonies Hybrids between Tree Peonies and Herbaceous Peonies. Their blooms are large just like the tree peonies’ and the foliage is like that of the tree peony as well. Their stems die back in the fall and must be cut back just like the herbaceous peonies. Once established, Itoh Peonies have an extended blooming period, with as many as 50 blooms in a single season. Please read our Peony Handout for more information

Papaver Burseri (Alpine Poppy) Short-lived perennial that reseeds well. Semi-evergreen, gray foliage. Silky, fragrant summer flowers in white, yellow and pink. Likes cool areas, will not tolerate heat. Grows 8″-10″ tall.

Papaver Nadicaule (Iceland Poppy) Fragrant spring flowers. Pastel colors of yellow, orange, pink and red. Grows 12″-18″ tall. Short-lived perennial that re-seeds well. Removing faded flowers will encourage more buds to form, be sure to allow plants to set seed.

Papaver Orientale (Oriental Poppy) Hairy leaves. Grows 30″ tall and spreads wide. Blooms May-June. Likes full sun. Plants form a low clump of coarse, hairy leaves, and usually go dormant, disappearing completely by late summer. Divide every 4 – 6 years. Do not over-water.

Allegro – scarlet-orange blooms, with a black center. 18″-24″
Beauty of Livermere – deep oxblood red flowers. 30″-36″
Brilliant – scarlet-red blooms, with a black center. 2′-3′
Queen Alexander Pink
More Varieties (25+): Blackberry Queen, Candyfloss, King Kong, Harvest moon, Storm Torch, Scarlet O’Hara, Royal Wedding, Prince of Orange, Pink Ruffles, Patty’s Plum, Dancing Girl.

Penstemon (Beard-tongue) Showy perennial for moist but well-drained soil. Likes sun but will tolerate some shade. Attractive to both butterflies and hummingbirds.

Elfin Pink – Tubular pink flowers in June-July. Drought tolerant, 12″-18″
Husker Red –Red spring foliage, turns green in summer. Whitepink flowers. 30″-36″. Needs average moisture.
Pinifolius – Small pine needle-like leaves. Orange scarlet flowers. Grows 8″-10″ tall. Drought tolerant.
Prairie Dusk – Rose to purple flowers in June-July. Drought tolerant. 20″-24″
Fire Cracker – Bright scarlet flowers. Drought Tolerant 12″-36″
More Varieties (20+) Mexicali red, Red Riding Hood, Purple Riding Hood, Pink Riding Hood, Blue Riding Hood, Prairie Twilight.

Phlox Paniculata (Garden Phlox) Fragrant, showy flowers in July and August. Grows 30″-36″ tall. Likes sunny area. Spray with Infuse to prevent powdery mildew, this plant’s only major problem. Do not sprinkle leaves. Great for late summer color. Good cut flower. Attractive to butterflies.

Blue Boy- Almost a true blue color. 30″-36″
Bright Eyes – Clear pink flower with red eye. 24″-30″
Fairy’s Petticoat – Light pink flower and dark pink eye.
Coral Flame – fragrant flowers are vibrant coral-red, 20″
Fairest One – Light pink flowers, Grows 24″ tall.
Orange Perfection – Bright salmon-orange flowers. 30″-36″
White Eye Flame – snow white blossoms with a rich red eye. 20″
Sandra – Scarlet flower. Grows 24″ tall.
Starfire – Sweetly fragrant, Very bright red. 30″-36″
More Varieties (50+) Pink Flame, Lilac Flame, Wendy, Watermelon Punch, Tequila Sunrise, Purple Kiss, Sherbet Cocktail, Peppermint Twist, Neon Flare, Juliet, Harlequin, Purple Kiss.

Phlox Subulata (Creeping Phlox) Low growing, mounding groundcover. Great for rock gardens, groundcover or specimen plant. Blooms April-May. Available in pink, white, blue and red. Not available in Purple. Evergreen, needle-like leaves. Grows 6″ tall. Colors will vary with the soil pH and soil fertility. Varieties 25+

Candy Stripe – rose-pink flowers, each petal striped with white.
Coral Eye– baby-pink flowers, each with a dark coral-red eye
Emerald Pink – hot-pink flowers and has a medium-fast growth rate
Emerald Blue – lavender-blue flowers
Scarlet Flame – scarlet-red flowers, each with a tiny darker eye
Red Wings – starry crimson-red flowers, each with a tiny dark eye

Physalis (Chinese Lantern) Papery, Orange, ornamental seed-pods, with red fruit. Good flower to dry for arrangements. Grows 24″-30″ tall. Grows in any garden, sun, shade or partial shade. Spreads rapidly from seed. Deer resistant.

Physostegia (Obedient Plant) Upright perennial. Blooms late summer and fall. This plant is named “obedient” because flowers will stay in place if physically moved. Good cut flower. Attracts butterflies. Varieties 7+

Pink Bouquet – Rose pink flowers in August – September. Grows 3′ tall. Flowers resemble snapdragons. 30″-40″
Summer Snow – Pure white flowers in August – September. 24″-30″
Variegata – light green leaves, splashed with creamy-white. Spikes of soft lavender-pink flowers. 24″-36″

Platycodon (Balloon Flower) Bell-shaped flowers. Bloom from July-August. Buds look like a balloon when they start to open. Compact plants, dividing is not necessary. Nice cut flower, deer resistant. Varieties 12+

Dwarf Blue- Large blue flowers. Grows 20″ tall.
Pink – Light pink flowers. Color holds better in partial shade. 24″-30″
White – Pure white flowers. 18″-24″

Polemonium (Jacob’s Ladder) Likes cool moist areas, partial sun. Clusters of bell-shaped, white or light blue flowers in May-June. Grows 18″-24″ tall. Tends to self seed prolifically, but cutting off the spent flower heads will help to prevent this. Deer Resistant. Varieties 11+

Brise D’Anjou – variegated green and creamy-white leaves. Violet-blue flowers
Snow & Sapphires – ferny dark-green foliage, each leaflet edged in creamy-white. 24″-30″
Heavenly Habit – Low, bushy mound of ferny green leaves, bearing loads of violet-blue, starry flowers, each with a white eye.

Potentilla (Cinquefoil) Grows two to four inches tall. Vigorous, green, strawberry-like leaves. Small yellow flowers bloom intermittently all summer, has an exceptionally long bloom season. Likes partial sun or shade. Outstanding groundcover for any area, including dry areas. Varieties 15+

Miss Willmott – Strawberry-like leaves; Strawberry-red flowers. Plants and flowers resemble strawberry plants. 12″-18″
Verna – Low growing plant with yellow flowers. Will bloom occasionally all summer in cool area.
Verna Nana – Dwarf form of verna. Doesn’t spread as much, stays in a clump. 2″-4″
Monarch’s Velvet – clump of strawberry-like leaves, upright stems of rich, raspberry-red flowers with a black center. 12″-18″

Primula (Primrose) Good plant for shady areas. Blooms early spring. Will bloom a second time if blossoms are removed immediately after blooming. Magenta and blue, to red, pink, yellow and white. Do not over-water. 4″-6″ Varieties 58+

Double Primroses – They are easy to grow, and put on a tremendous show in the spring garden, their double rose-like flowers are available in blue, yellow, white, pink, rose and red.
Candelabra Primrose – Colorful display of flowers arranged in tiers or layers on tall, upright stems. 16″-30″

Ranunculus (Buttercup) Good spreading perennial. Bright yellow summer flowers. Good informal groundcover. Likes cool, shady areas with plenty of moisture. Grows 6″-12″ tall.
Double Creeping Buttercup – Plants form a thick mat of shiny, bright green ferny leaves. Small double bright-yellow buttercups beginning in late spring. Stems creep along the ground and root in where they touch.

Rudbeckia (Gloriosa Daisy, Black-eyed Susan) Tall, showy, long lasting flowers. Blooms mid-summer to fall. Daisy flowers have yellow-orange petals with dark center. Rapid growing. Likes fertile soil. Grows 18″-30″ tall. Good cut flower. Deer Resistant. Attracts Butterflies.

Cherry Brandy – large daisy heads with cherry-red petals surrounding a black eye. 20″-24″
Goldsturm – brown-eyed, golden-orange daisy flowers. 24″-30″
Cherokee Sunset – coppery-bronze daisy flowers with Indian red overtones, dark brown eyes and yellow tips. 18″-24″
Denver Daisy – large golden-yellow daisies, the black cone surrounded by a big mahogany-red eye. 18″-20″
Indian Summer – very large golden-orange black-eyed daisy flowers
More Varieties (25+) Little Henry, Henry Eilers, Rustic Colors, Sonora, Irish Eyes, Goldilocks, City Garden, Autumn Sun.

Sagina (Moss)
IRISH MOSS – Grows one to two inches tall. Needs adequate moisture and good soil. Likes cool sunny areas or semi-shady areas. Although this plant looks like moss, it is not a true moss and will not grow in soggy areas. It has dark green foliage. Small white flowers. Good for rock gardens and planting between stepping stones or pavers. Somewhat temperamental; tends to brown or die out occasionally.
SCOTCH MOSS – An extremely popular groundcover plant, this forms a very low moss-like carpet of bright neon-yellow foliage. Tiny little white flowers begin to appear in late spring. Excellent for filling in between the cracks of flagstone paving. Likes cool, sunny areas or partial shade. Dislikes both drought and soggy wet soils. Sometimes melts out and becomes unattractive in mid summer. Not a good choice for full shade.

Salvia (Meadow Sage, Blue Sage) Grows best in sunny areas. Drought tolerant; do not over-water. Flowers and leaves have a slight fragrance. Good Cut Flower. Remove faded blooms to encourage repeat flowering. Attracts Butterflies and hummingbirds, Deer Resistant.

Blue Queen – Large spires of violet-purple flowers in June-July. 18″-24″.
East Friesland – Violet-purple flowers in June-July. 16″-18″
May Night – Deep purple flowers in June-July. 18″-24″
Tri Color Sage – Showy purplish, green and white leaves. Violet- blue flowers. Leaves have sage fragrance.12″-18″
More Varieties (30+) Indigo, Sensation Rose, New Dimension, Lubecca, Blue Queen, Pink Delight, Eveline.

Santolina (Lavender Cotton) Likes hot, dry areas. Traditionally used as a low, fragrant silver-gray hedge around formal herb and flower gardens. Bright yellow button flowers appear in summer, but these are often clipped off. Deer resistant. 12″-18″
Green – Green aromatic foliage. Good for a small hedge. Trim up to 18″ tall. Small, ball-shaped yellow flowers.

Saponaria (Rock Soapwort) Good trailing groundcover for rocks, walls or banks. Showy pink flowers in the summer. Trim hard after blooming. Deer resistant. Drought tolerant once established. 4″-9″ Varieties 5+
Snow Tip – Plants form a low mound of bright-green leaves, literally smothered by starry white flowers in late spring
Bressingham – grassy green leaves, studded with large rose-pink flowers in late spring. 2″-4″

Saxifraga Mat-forming perennial for cool sunny areas or shade. Spreads fairly rapidly. Pretty ferny leaves all summer. Small white, pink, or red flowers rise above foliage late-spring. May repeat its bloom during the summer. Deer Resistant.

Varieties (20+): rosea, neon rose, white mossy, Scarlet mossy, Cloth of Gold, Peter Pan, Purple Robe, Whitehill, Appleblossom

Scabiosa (Pincushion Flower) Grows 24″-36″ tall. Nice cut-flower. Gives variety to your garden. Blooms mid-summer and continues to fall. Color: whites, pinks, and blues. Center of flower looks like a small pincushion. Varieties 14+

Caucasica – The old-fashioned Pincushion Flower. Upright stems of large lacy blossoms in shades of blue, lavender, lilac and white.
Pink Mist – Large soft-pink pincushion flowers begin to appear in early summer and continue blooming non-stop into late fall.
Butterfly Blue – Soft lavender-blue flowers begin to appear in early summer and continue blooming non-stop into late fall. 12″-18″

Sedum Succulent leaves withstand heat and drought well. Great for hot, dry rock gardens. Many of the lower growing varieties make great groundcovers while the taller growing varieties add a unique variety to your garden. Varieties 86+

Autumn Joy (Spectabile) Large bronze flower clusters in August- September. Leaves die to the ground each winter. 15″-18″
Black Beauty – deep bronze to black foliage – the darkest-leaved Sedum available. Masses of reddish-pink flower heads. 18″-20″
Purple Emperor – deep purple, almost black leaves. Small salmon pink flowers. 15″-18″
Strawberries & Cream – purple-tinted green leaves on red stems. Pink buds open to green-centered white flowers. 12″-15″
Blue Spruce Sedum (Reflexum) Small blue-gray leaves that resemble a spruce needle. 4″-6″
Brilliant (Spectabile) Large rose-pink flower clusters in August- September. Leaves die to the ground each winter. 15″-18″
Dragon’s Blood (Spurium) Low growing groundcover. Leaves are red in sun, greenish in the shade. Red flowers in June-July. Remove flowers after blooming to maintain appearance. 3″-4″
Old Maid’s Curl (Globosum) Small globular, puffed leaves. Not as hardy as other sedums. 3″-4″
Stonecrop (Brevifolium) Fast growing. White summer flowers. Trim hard after blooming. 3″-4″
Tricolor (Spurium) Low growing groundcover. Red and white leaves with small pink flowers in June. 4″-6″
Utah (Acre) Low growing groundcover. Small green leaves with yellow flowers in June-July. Remove blossoms to keep nice appearance. 2″-4″
Variegated Sedum (Kamtschaticum) Small pale green leaves tinged with white and pink. 4″-5″.
Angelina – Grows three to six inches tall. Brilliant chartreuse-yellow, needle-like foliage. 4″-5″

Sempervivum (Hen & Chicks) They grow in a wide variety of soils. They tolerate drought well. Use in rock gardens, in borders or edging. Needs very little soil to grow in. Wide array of colors and leaf size 60+ varieties.
Varieties: Cobweb, Candy Floss, Bediver, Wendy, Grey Lady, Icicle, Red Heart, Red Beauty, Limelight, Forest Frost, Minus, Sioux, Smaragd, Royal Ruby, Red Heart, Just to name a few.

Solidago (Goldenrod) Very vigorous plant that may become invasive. Golden yellow flowers late summer and fall. Good cut flower. Grows 1′-2′ tall. Likes the sun and a dry soil. Attractive to butterflies. Deer Resistant. Varieties 7+

Stachys (Lamb’s Ear) Soft, woolly, silver-gray leaves. Has the shape and texture of a lamb’s ear. Likes full sun. Doesn’t like a wet soil. Nice to add color to your flower garden. Upright spikes of magenta-pink flowers form in early summer, but these should be clipped off to maintain a tight, compact habit. 12″-24″ Varieties 10+.

Stokesia (Stoke’s Aster) Very easy to grow perennial. Very striking summer flowers. Good cut flower. Remove faded flowers to encourage more buds to form. Deer Resistant. Varieties 5+
Peachie’s Pick – lavender-blue, stokesia- type flowers but they bloom longer and a bit later in the season. 16″-18″
Colorwheel – large, shaggy flowers that open white and then age to deep mauve purple. 10″-12″
Blue Danube – Deep lavender-blue daisy-like flowers. Flowers are 3″-4″ across. Blooms from July to frost. 12″-18″

Teucrium (Germander) Dwarf shrubby plant used in low borders and ornamental designs. Grows 6″-18″ depending upon pruning. Pink flowers attract bees & butterflies. Deer Resistant.

Lemon & Lime – chartreuse-yellow leaves, each striped or streaked with green in the middle. Small spikes of frothy lavender-mauve flowers. 24″-30″
Summer Sunshine – bright yellow leaves in spring, fading to chartreuse in summer when short spikes of pink flowers appear.

Thymus (Thyme) Thymus (Thyme) Low growing aromatic herbs. Good in rock gardens, or groundcovers. Like sunny areas but will tolerate partial shade. Deer Resistant. 20+ varieties.

Elfin – Foliage is gray-green, smothered by soft-pink flowers in early summer. A slower growing form. 1″-2″
Lemon – Lemon fragrance on leaves. Light green leaves. Pink flowers. 12″
Gold Edge – lemon-scented green leaves, variegated with golden- yellow. Clusters of lilac-pink flowers. 10″-12″
Mother of Thyme – Grows four to six inches tall. Small purplish flowers in June. Grows well between stepping stones, brick pavers, or where a filler is needed. Tolerates light foot traffic. Small, dark-green leaves, very fragrant when crushed. Likes full sun.
Pink Creeping Thyme – Flowers are dark pink or red. It tolerates foot traffic, excellent for planting between stones in terrace or walk. Leaves are very fragrant when crushed, often used as potpourri. Leaves turn bronze in the fall. Grows two to four inches tall. Likes full sun. Water often. 1″-2″
Woolly thyme – Grows two inches tall. Small grayish leaves. Small pinkish flowers in summer. Use in rock crevices, between stones in walks, or where an attractive ground cover is desired. Tolerates heat well. 2″-3″

Tiarella (Foamflower) Maple-like leaves that turn reddish in winter. Whitish-pink flowers in May – June. Likes shade or partial shade areas. Will tolerate some drought. Grows 6″-10″ tall.
Varieties (25+) Candy Striper, Sugar and Spice, Pirate’s Patch, Crow Feather, Oakleaf, Inkblot, Spanish Cross, Ninja, Dark Eyes, Neon Lights,

Tradescantia (Spiderwort) Narrow leaves. Prolific bloomer from late June through August. Triangular shaped flowers over a clump of grassy leaves. Likes sun or partial shade. Reliable, easy to grow perennial. Attracts Butterflies.

Red Cloud – Rosy-red flowers. 15″-18″
Blue and Gold – chartreuse-yellow grassy foliage. Rich gentian-blue triangular flowers 18″-24″
Sunshine Charm – bright golden-yellow to chartreuse leaves Lovely mauve-purple triangular flowers
Zwanenburg Violet-purple flowers. 20″-24″
More Varieties (20+) Red grape, Purple Profusion, True Blue, Hawaiian Punch, Concord Grape, Osprey, Pink Chablis

Tricyrtis (Japanese Toad Lily) Lily-shaped, white flowers spotted with purple. Likes shady area. Blooms in September. Grows 24″-30″ tall. 17+ varieties

Trollius (Globeflower) Large golden-orange buttercup flowers in June-August. Grows in sun or shade but needs a moist soil. Grows 30″ tall. Deer Resistant. Flowers will last a few days when cut. Shear plants back after blooming to encourage a flush of new leaves to last through the summer. Varieties 12+

Veronica (Speedwell) Hardy perennial with blue, pink, white or purple flower spikes. Remove faded blossoms to encourage further flower development. Deer resistant Good cut flower. Prune hard if they get floppy. Varieties 50+

Crater Lake – Gentian-Blue flowers from June-July. 12″-15″
Heavenly Blue – Light blue flowers. Evergreen foliage. Blooms May-June.
Red Fox (Spicata) – Long flowering reddish-pink variety from July-August.12″-15″
Royal Blue – Blue flowers June-July. Grows 12″ tall.
Icicle – White flowers. 18″ -20″
Repens – Low growing, 4″-6″ tall. Bluish spring flowers.
Sunshine – Soft carpet of moss-like, golden foliage. Showy blue flower spikes. 1″-2″
Sunny Border Blue – clump of crinkled, dark-green leaves, bearing spikes of deep violet-blue. 12″-18″
More Varieties (50+) First Love, Hocus Pocus, Christy, Atomic Pink, Shirley Blue, Crystal River, Erica, Royal Candles.

Vinca Major (Periwinkle, Tall Myrtle) Grows eighteen to twenty four inches tall. Rapid grower, can become a weed. Dark green leaves with lavender flowers in the spring. Grows well in shade, partial shade or full sun. Needs plenty of moisture in full sun.

Variegated Vinca Major – Similar to vinca major but dark-green leaves have a white margin. Does not like full sun. Grows 18 to 24 inches tall. Not as hardy as common vinca. Needs winter protection. Needs plenty of moisture, even in the winter.

Vinca Minor (Dwarf Myrtle) Grows six to twelve inches tall. Spreads fast, can become a weed. Very hardy and one of the best groundcovers for any area. Dark green leaves with small blue flowers in spring. Likes shade, partial shade, or full sun. Needs plenty of water if planted in hot sun.

‘Bowles’ – blooms sporadically throughout the growing season.
‘Variegated vinca’ – creamy white-and-green leaves.

Viola (Violets) Good ground cover for sun, partial sun or shade. Prefers moist area with some shade. Grows fast and can spread to undesired areas. Fragrant flowers in April – May. Grows 6″-8″ tall.

Freckles – Pale blue flowers with tiny purple dots. 6″-12″
Royal Robe – Dark violet-blue flowers on long stems.
White Czar – Large white flowers.

Zauschneria (Orange Carpet) – Low-growing mat of small green leaves, Small scarlet orange trumpet blooms from mid summer into the autumn. Flowers are attractive to hummingbirds and butterflies. An excellent choice for the sunny rock garden. Native to dry parts of several Western states, this plant really needs good drainage to survive wet winters. Drought tolerant once established. Deer resistant.

This is not a complete listing of perennial flowers by any means. New species and varieties are being introduced every year. This is just a sampling of the myriad of perennials flowers available.

More Resources:

http://www.gardeners.com/Growing-Perennials/5073,default,pg.html
http://www.hort.purdue.edu/ext/ho-061.pdf
http://www.perennials.com/index.html
http://www.skagitgardens.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/plants.featured/
http://www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/garden/color.pdf
http://urbanext.illinois.edu/perennials/specific.cfm?NodeID=3883
http://bloomingnursery.com/scripts/pfDetailInfo2.asp?id=4236#

Perennial Flower Cross Reference of Common Names

March Blooming Perennials

Winter Aconite–Eranthis hyemalis
Snowdrops–Galanthus nivalis
Christmas Rose–Helleborus niger
Lenten Rose–Helleborus orientalis
Crocus

April Blooming Perennials

Bugleweed–Ajuga
Basket of Gold–Aurinia
Pasque Flower–Pulsatilla
Rock Cress–Arabis
Purple Rockcress–Aubretia
Chionodoxa luciliae
Primrose
Saxifraga
Viola
Old-fashioned Bleeding Heart–Dicentra spectabilis
Fringed bleeding Heart–Dicentra eximia
Candytuft–Iberis
Dwarf Iris–Iris reticulata
Grape Hyacinth– Muscari
Creeping Phlox–Phlox subulata
Scilla siberica
Early Tulips, Daffodils
Hyacinth

May Blooming Perennials

Late Tulips, Daffodils
Lady’s Mantle–Alchemilla mollis
Columbine–Aquilegia
Sea Pink–Armeria
Blue False Indigo–Baptisia
Brunnera
Forget-Me-Nots myosotis
Mountain Bluet–Centaurea
Snow-in-Summer–Cerastrium
Delphinium–Delphinium
Cottage Pink–Dianthus
Leopard’s Bane–Doronicum
Peony–
Penstemon
Oriental Poppy–Papaver
Wild Geranium–Geranium
Yarrow

June Blooming Perennials

Astilbe–Astilbe
Silver Mound –Artemisia
Carpathian Harebell–Campanula carpatica
Peach-Leaf Bellflower–Campanula persicifolia
Blanket Flower–Gaillardia
Coral Bells–Heuchera
Rock Soapwort–Saponaria
Pincushion Flower–Scabiosa
Shasta Daisy –
Lamium
Painted Daisy
Stokes Aster–Stokesia
Spiderwort–Tradescantia
Veronica–Veronica
Pale Purple Coneflower–Echinacea
Bellflower–Campanula

July Blooming Perennials

Yarrow–Achillea
Tickseed–Coreopsis
Purple Coneflower–Echinacea
Globe Thistle–Echinops
Sea Holly–Eryngium
Baby’s Breath–Gypsophila
Helen’s Flower, Helenium
Sunflower Heliopsis–Heliopsis
Hibiscus–Hibiscus moscheutos
Hosta, Plantain Lily–Hosta
Blazing Star–Liatris spicata
Sea Lavender–Limonium
Cardinal Flower–Lobelia
Lupine
Daylily – Hemerocallis
Bee Balm–Monarda
Russian Sage–Perovskia
Garden Phlox–Phlox paniculata
Obedient Plant – Physostegia
Butterfly Weed–Asclepias
Pink Turtlehead–Chelone
Balloonflower–Platycodon
Perennial Salvia–Salvia

August Blooming Perennials

Monkshood–Acontium
Hibiscus–Hibiscus moscheutos
Aster–Aster
Plumbago – Ceratostigma
Early Garden Mums
Red Hot Poker–Kniphofia
Black-Eyed Susan–Rudbeckia
Showy Sedum– Stonecrop
Grasses

September-October Blooming Perennials

Monkshood–Acontium
Aster–Hardy Fall Aster
Coreopsis–Coreopsis
Plumbago – Ceratostigma
Purple Coneflower–Echinacea
Globe Thistle–Echinops
Blanket Flower–Gaillardia
Helenium- Sneezeweed
Phlox–Phlox
Balloon Flower–Platycodon
Black-Eyed Susan–Rudbeckia
Sedum–Stonecrop
Garden Mums- Chrysanthemum
Solidago- Goldenrod
Tricyrtis- Toad Lily
Fall Crocus – Sativus
Colchicum – Fall Crocus
Japanese Anemone – Windflower

Cut Flower Garden

Perennials for Shade

Ligularia – Ragwort
Monarda – Bee Balm
Myosotis – Forget-me-not
Pachysandra – Japanese Spurge
Polemonium – Jacob’s Ladder
Polygonum – Solomon’s Seal
Primula – Primrose
Pulmonaria – Lungwort
Ranunculus – Buttercup
Tiarella – Foamflower
Trollius – Globeflower
Vinca – Myrtle
Viola – Violets

Perennials for Hot & Dry

Penstemon – Beard-tongue
Phlox – All Varieties
Platycodon – Balloon Flower
Poker Plant – Kniphofia
Rudbeckia – Gloriosa Daisy
Russian Sage – Perovskia
Salvia – Sage
Santolina – Lavender Cotton
Saponaria – Rock Soapwort
Sedum – All Varieties
Sempervivum – Hen & Chicks
Shasta Daisy – Leucanthemum
Stachys – Lamb’s Ear
Thymus – Woolly Thyme
Tradescantia – Spiderwort

Perennial Flower Blooming Chart

Rock Garden Perennials

Achillea, Ajuga, Anaclycus, Antennaria, Aquilegia, Arabis, Arenaria, Armeria, Artemisia, Aubretia, Aurinia, Campanula, Cerastrium, Dwarf Chrysanthemum, Corydalis, Coreopsis, Delosperma, Dianthus, Erigeron, Erodium, Gailardia, Geranium sanguineum, Gypsophila repens, Helianthemum, Heuchera, Hypericum, Iberis, Lavandula, Dwarf Leucanthemum. Lewisia, Lithodora, Penstemon, Phlox subulata, Alpine Poppy, Potentilla verna, Primrose, Rudbeckia, Sagina, Salvia, Saponaria, Saxifraga, Sedum, Sempervivum, Thymus, Veronica, Viola