| I am not able to spend much time in my garden. However, most perennials flower for a month or so, but I would like my front loan to be in flowers spring through fall season. What should I do or how should I arrange them to get the best effect? |
| If you plant lots of different perennials they will bloom in succession and bring your garden to life for the entire season. Here are a few ideas: Nepeta (Catmint) USDA Zones 3 - 9 - Bloom Span: 2-3 Months Most people think of Nepeta as catnip (Nepeta cataria), a somewhat weedy garden plant. But there are many excellent ornamental Nepetas that will bloom throughout the summer, if deadheaded. Most have some shade of blue-lavender flowers and gray foliage. They are very drought tolerant and make a nice substitute for lavender, in areas where lavender won't thrive. Although not as attractive to cats as catnip, you may still find a cat or two rolling around in your plants. GOOD CHOICES: Nepeta 'Six Hills Giant', Nepeta x faassenii 'Dropmore' (Sterile and doesn't need deadheading) Rudbeckia (Black-eyed Susan)USDA Zones: 3 - 9 - Bloom Span: 3 Months Rudbeckia are at home everywhere and many are native to various parts of North America. They prefers well-drained, somewhat lean soil and full sun. Deadheading will prolong bloom and cut Rudbeckia flowers will last a long time in water. With their flat landing pad petals, they are attractive to butterflies and the seeds will be eaten by the birds during the winter. Relatively long lived, Rudbeckias can be easily multiplied by division. GOOD CHOICES: Rudbeckia fulgida 'Goldsturm" Scabiosa (Pin Cushion Flower) USDA Zones 3 - 9 - Bloom Span: 3+ Months Scabiosa is a unique looking plants with a low growing rosette of narrow leaves and a profusion of gangly stems topped by pincushion flowers. They are relatively easily grown in average soil and full sun. Deadheading is a must for long bloom and general appearance. Divide plants every 3-4 years. You can also root the secondary stems you will see coming from the base of the plants. GOOD CHOICES: Scabiosa caucasica 'Butterfly Blue', S. c. 'Pink Mist' Sedum (Stonecrop) USDA Zones 3- 9 - Bloom Span: 2-3 Months The taller sedums are unparalleled garden performers. Sedum 'Autumn Joy' is a near perfect plants, looking good for 4 seasons. Sedum flower buds are attractive long before they are fully in bloom and long after they have gone to seed, so there is no need to deadhead. They thrive in well-drained soil and full sun. If your plants tend to flop, they can be sheared back in early summer to form a bushier, sturdier plant. Sedums can go years without division, but can be propagated by stem cutting. Once the plant begins to thin out in the center, division is necessary. GOOD CHOICES: Sedum 'Autumn Joy', S. 'Bertram Anderson', S. Madrona, S. 'Brilliant' Tradescantia (Spiderwort) USDA zones 4 - 9 - Bloom Span: 3-4 Months Tradescantia doesn't get much respect, probably because they can become a bit aggressive. However, they will readily bloom in partial shade and can be easily controlled by pulling young plants or by crowding them in with other plants. They have somewhat grassy like leaves with clusters of 3-peteled flower heads. Each flower lasts only one day, but there are so many buds the bloom period is quite long. They prefer cool, moist soil and full sun, but will accept partial shade in exchange for the cool soil. GOOD CHOICES: Tradescantia ''Carmine Glow', T. 'Snowcap' Veronica spicata (Spike Speedwell) USDA Zones 3 - 9 - Bloom Span: 3-4 Months Veronicas start blooming in the spring and keep going through frost. The genus includes a broad range of plants, but V. spicata is most popular in gardens. The low growing dense foliage gives rise to narrow flowers spikes in blues, reds, pinks, whites and purples. Deadheading will keep them going all summer long. Drought tolerant, Veronica likes a well-drained soil. GOOD CHOICES: Veronica 'Sunny Border Blue' Campanula (Bellflower) USDA Zones 4 - 9, varies by species - Bloom Span: 2+ Months There are many species of Campanula or Bellflowers, all easy to grow and relatively long lived. They perform best in areas with cooler summers or in partial shade where the summers are more intense. Most Bellflowers will readily self sow. If they start to look tired and ragged after several blooms, shear or mow them down to a few inches and they will grow back fresher. GOOD CHOICES: Campanula carpatica 'Blue Clips' or 'Blue Chips', C. c. 'White Clips' or 'White Chips' Centranthus (Red Valerian) USDA Zones 3 - 9 - Bloom Span: 3-4 Months Centranthus is often seen spilling over in photos of English gardens. Like Achillea, Centranthus prefers dry, lean soil, but it blooms longer in cooler climates. In intense heat it will bloom in spring and again as it feels up to it, throughout the summer. Centranthus rarely grows true from seed and is best propagated by cuttings. To be certain of what color you are getting, buy the plant while it is in flower. The plants don't live longer than about 5 years and they resent being divided or every relocated. GOOD CHOICES: Centranthus ruber 'Albus' Coreopsis (Tickseed) USDA Zones 3 - 9 - Bloom Span: 3+ Months Coreopsis are undemanding plants, but short lived. Either allow them to self-seed or divide the plants every 2-3 years and replant the newer, outer sections. Flower buds form all along the stems, making deadheading a time consuming challenge. Once the initial buds have completed blooming, sheer the plants back by 1/3 to encourage new flower buds. GOOD CHOICES: Coreopsis verticillata 'Zagreb', C.v. 'Golden Showers', C. grandiflora 'Early Sunrise' Corydalis lutea (Fumewort) USDA Zones 4 - 9 - Bloom Span: 4 Months Corydalis' ferny foliage and delicate flowers belie its fortitude. This is a plant that prefers partial shade and well drained soil and will find a home in cracks in rocks, on slopes in woodlands and along paths. Once established, Corydalis self sows wherever it can. Best wishes with your garden! |
