Perennial Flowers
Perennial flowers are plants that live for more than two years, often providing long-lasting beauty and color to gardens. They typically bloom during specific seasons, then die back during the winter, only to regrow from their root systems the following year. Here are some popular perennial flowers:
-
Peonies (Paeonia): Known for their large, fragrant blooms in late spring to early summer. They come in a variety of colors including pink, white, and red.
-
Lavender (Lavandula): Recognized for its fragrant purple blossoms and aromatic foliage. Lavender thrives in full sun and well-drained soil.
-
Hostas (Hosta): Ideal for shaded areas, hostas are known for their attractive foliage, which can range from deep green to variegated shades of white, yellow, and blue.
-
Daylilies (Hemerocallis): These resilient plants produce vibrant flowers that last for just a day, but each plant can produce multiple blooms over the summer.
-
Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia): These cheerful flowers have bright yellow or orange petals with a dark brown center and bloom from mid-summer to fall.
-
Coneflowers (Echinacea): Popular for their daisy-like appearance with raised centers, coneflowers bloom in various colors including purple, pink, and white.
-
Bleeding Heart (Lamprocapnos spectabilis): Known for their heart-shaped pink or white flowers that dangle from arching stems, they prefer shady, cool spots.
-
Coreopsis (Coreopsis verticillata): These bright yellow or gold flowers add a cheerful splash of color to gardens from early summer through fall.
-
Sedum (Sedum spp.): Also known as stonecrop, sedums are succulents that require little maintenance and come in various forms and colors, often blooming in late summer to fall.
-
Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia): This plant features silvery foliage and spiky blue flowers. It thrives in hot, dry conditions and blooms from midsummer to fall.
-
Shasta Daisy (Leucanthemum × superbum): With their classic white petals and yellow centers, Shasta daisies are a garden favorite that bloom from early summer to fall.
-
Phlox (Phlox paniculata): These flowers are known for their clusters of vibrant blooms in shades of pink, purple, white, and red, often with a sweet fragrance.
-
Astilbe (Astilbe spp.): Known for their feathery plumes of flowers in shades of pink, white, red, and purple. They thrive in moist, shady areas.
-
Salvia (Salvia spp.): These plants are known for their spikes of deep blue, purple, or red flowers and are particularly attractive to pollinators like bees and hummingbirds.
-
Heuchera (Heuchera spp.): Also known as coral bells, these plants are treasured for their colorful foliage, which can come in shades of green, burgundy, and silver.
When planning a perennial garden, consider the bloom times, light requirements, and soil conditions to ensure your garden thrives throughout the growing season. Additionally, combining plants with differing bloom times can provide continuous color and interest in your garden.