Tall Flowers
“Tall flowers” can refer to a variety of flowering plants that grow to a significant height and are often used to create dramatic vertical elements in gardens, landscapes, or even indoor spaces. There are many different kinds of tall flowers, each with its own unique characteristics, requirements, and aesthetic appeal. Here are some popular choices:
1. Sunflowers (Helianthus annuus)
- Height: 3 to 10 feet or more
- Bloom Time: Late summer to early fall
- Characteristics: Large, bright yellow flowers with dark centers. They can grow very tall and are often used as a backdrop in garden beds.
2. Delphiniums (Delphinium spp.)
- Height: 2 to 6 feet
- Bloom Time: Early to mid-summer
- Characteristics: Tall spikes of blue, purple, white, or pink flowers. They prefer cooler climates and need well-draining soil.
3. Hollyhocks (Alcea rosea)
- Height: 5 to 9 feet
- Bloom Time: Mid-summer to early fall
- Characteristics: Tall spikes of single or double blooms in a variety of colors. They are biennial or short-lived perennials.
4. Gladiolus (Gladiolus spp.)
- Height: 2 to 6 feet
- Bloom Time: Mid-summer to early fall
- Characteristics: Tall spikes of funnel-shaped flowers in a wide range of colors. Often used as cut flowers.
5. Joe Pye Weed (Eutrochium purpureum)
- Height: 4 to 7 feet
- Bloom Time: Late summer to early fall
- Characteristics: Tall, sturdy stems with clusters of pink or purplish flowers. Attracts butterflies and other pollinators.
6. Foxgloves (Digitalis purpurea)
- Height: 2 to 5 feet
- Bloom Time: Late spring to mid-summer
- Characteristics: Tall spikes of tubular flowers, usually in shades of pink, purple, white, or yellow. Note that all parts of the plant are toxic if ingested.
7. Giant Alliums (Allium giganteum)
- Height: 3 to 4 feet
- Bloom Time: Late spring to early summer
- Characteristics: Large, spherical clusters of tiny star-shaped flowers, usually in purple.
8. Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia)
- Height: 3 to 5 feet
- Bloom Time: Mid-summer to fall
- Characteristics: Tall, airy spikes of small, lavender-blue flowers with silvery-gray foliage.
9. Cannas (Canna spp.)
- Height: 3 to 8 feet
- Bloom Time: Summer to fall
- Characteristics: Large, tropical-like flowers in various colors with lush, often colorful foliage.
10. Prairie Dock (Silphium terebinthinaceum)
- Height: 4 to 10 feet
- Bloom Time: Mid-to-late summer
- Characteristics: Tall stems with yellow, daisy-like flowers and large, basal leaves.
When incorporating tall flowers into your garden or landscape, consider the following tips:
- Placement: Tall flowers are best placed at the back of beds or borders to provide a backdrop for shorter plants.
- Support: Some tall flowers may require staking or other forms of support to keep them upright, especially if they have heavy blooms.
- Spacing: Provide adequate spacing to ensure good air circulation and prevent fungal diseases.
- Soil and Sun: Check the specific requirements of each plant regarding soil type, watering needs, and sun exposure.
Tall flowers can add not just height but also visual interest and a sense of grandeur to your garden.