Anemone, Anemone blanda
You have to check out Anemone blanda. It’s a low growing plant that blooms in the spring. It will usually grow to about 6″. Native to Greece and Turkey, it prefers full sun to part shade, likes good drainage and blooms for about 5 weeks in the spring.
Looking for an early spring bloomer? Anemone blanda is your plant!
This little beauty will give you lots of color early on in the season and then take a backseat later on so you can enjoy some other perennials like Clematis or Astilbe.
Aster, Aster x frikartii ‘Monch’
Aster x frikartii ‘Monch’ is a hardy perennial that produces blooms of lavender-blue flowers in the late summer and fall. This plant is relatively low maintenance, with most pruning and deadheading only needed in the springtime; please see this link for more information on planting and upkeep. Aster x frikartii ‘Monch’ typically grows to about 2 feet tall and 2 feet wide. Planting in full sun to part shade will yield the best results for this perennial, as too much shade can inhibit flowering. Since it’s a perennial, you’ll need to space it according to how long its roots can grow over time (for Asters, about 24 inches).
This plant is relatively drought-tolerant but benefits from supplemental watering during particularly dry spells. Soil should be well drained and amended with compost before planting.
Campanula, Campanula portenschlagiana
Campanula portenschlagiana is a vigorous low-growing perennial, making it an ideal choice for ground cover. It is native to the rocky crevices of higher altitudes in Europe, so it performs well in rock gardens. The flowers are small and clustered, with each flower looking like an open bell. They are a delicate shade of blue and add a soft beauty to your garden that belies their hardiness. Campanula portenschlagiana also does well in containers.
Clematis, Clematis ‘Pink Fantasy’
Clematis ‘Pink Fantasy’ is a very popular variety of clematis which produces large pink flowers with purple anthers and flowering for up to six months. It has a vigorous growth habit and is considered a hardy plant making it one of the more easy to care for varieties. Clematis ‘Pink Fantasy’ displays vibrant pink flowers in early summer that transition to a paler pink later on in the season.
Clematis ‘Pink Fantasy’ is often referred to as “clematis Pink Perfection” by gardeners.
Crocosmia, Crocosmia ‘Emily McKenzie’
Crocosmia, Crocosmia ‘Emily McKenzie’
The most common question I get from people at the end of a consultation is “What should I plant that will come back every year?” To which my answer is, “Ohhh boy, where do I start?!” A good place to start would be ‘Emily McKenzie.’ This crocosmia makes a great statement with its cherry red flowers and tall habit. It blooms in July and August. It’s a hybrid, so it won’t reseed itself like some other varieties of crocosmia might. It grows well in moist areas (especially wetlands), average soil conditions and full sun to part shade.
Dianthus, Dianthus gratianopolitanus ‘Bath’s Pink’
The Dianthus gratianopolitanus ‘Bath’s Pink’ is a sweetly scented, pink-colored perennial that thrives in partial shade or full sun. It grows to be about 12 inches tall and makes an excellent border edging or container plant. If you choose to grow it in your garden, the USDA Hardiness Zone for this plant is 4-9. While it does not do well with wet feet, it can tolerate drier conditions and drought once established. A member of the Caryophyllaceae family, Dianthus gratianopolitanus ‘Bath’s Pink’ does well planted in rock gardens where other perennials of similar size have been planted as well.
It is also a good choice for growing in flower beds if you are looking for some variety of color to add interest to your garden. The flowers on this perennial bloom from mid-spring through summer and attract bees and butterflies to your yard as long as they remain blooming throughout the season.
Echinacea, Echinacea purpurea ‘Violet Meadowbrite’
If you like purple flowers, this is the plant for you! The flowers are a beautiful shade of deep violet and attract butterflies. Echinacea purpurea ‘Violet Meadowbrite’ grows from 1 to 3 feet tall and is native to North America. It blooms from July through September. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil.
Fun fact… Echinacea is in the daisy family!
Epimedium, Epimedium versicolor ‘Sulphureum’
Epimediums are very easy to grow and are tolerant of a wide range of soil conditions. It is an herbaceous perennial that will die back in late fall and emerge from the ground again in early spring. The flowers appear before the foliage emerges, adding color to the garden.
The flowers of Epimedium versicolor ‘Sulphureum’ are yellow with red veins on each petal. The flower stems are long enough to hold the flowers above their own foliage, but not so tall as to look awkward when other plants emerging from the ground later in spring hide them completely for a few weeks.
Geraniums, Geranium sanguineum ‘Max Frei’
There are many different types of Geraniums. Some of them are annual, but the ones we’re talking about here are perennial—they will come back year after year. Look for these flowers in spring or summer when they’re in bloom. Their beautiful blossoms may be white, pink, lavender or blue and may have red spots on the petals. The plant itself usually grows to about 1 foot high and wide, but that can vary depending on the variety you choose.
Geraniums like to grow in full sun (6+ hours/day) with good drainage and moderately fertile soil; although they’ll grow in partial shade (at least 4 hours/day), they won’t flower as well.
It’s easy to propagate geraniums! Take a stem cutting from your existing plants and stick it into some potting soil or water: within a few weeks, you should see it starting to form roots! Most geranium cultivars can also be grown from seed if you’d prefer that method (this is how I started out growing my geranium collection).
Geraniums are perfect for edging flower beds or for growing indoors, where their flowers will add beauty without much fuss over maintenance. They can also be used as ground covers; just remember that they grow outward quite quickly so give them plenty of space to spread when planting them.[1]
Hellebore, Helleborus orientalis Yellow Lady Group and Single Yellow Group
If you are looking for a perennial with lovely flowers, hellebores are the ticket. They can grow in shade and in hardiness zones 4-9. They are also rabbit and deer resistant which is great news for those of us who have excessive amounts of rabbits and deer in our garden! Hellebores require very little care other than pruning after the blooms have finished.
Iris, Iris germanica ‘Caesar’s Brother’ and ‘Immortality’
Iris is a stunning plant with incredible blooms. They come in a wide variety of colors and sizes, as well as different types of flora. The most popular are the tall bearded Iris which typically bloom in late spring or early summer. Bearded irises have large blossoms that can be blue, purple, pink, white, yellow or orange and their foliage is a deep green shade.
Iris flowers were named after the Greek goddess for the rainbow because they come in so many colors! Besides being beautiful to look at, irises are also very fragrant making them great cut flowers for bouquets with ruffled petals that unfurl like butterflies on sunny days.
One of the oldest known types of flower in existence today (the first type was found over 5500 years ago), Iris has long been used as a symbol of France and royalty. They grow from thick rhizomes (underground stems) which should be planted horizontally with the top just slightly above ground level in spring or fall 4-8 inches apart to help prevent overcrowding plants.
Lilies (Asiatic), Lilium asiatic hybrids; in particular ‘Sweet Incident’ and ‘Orange Pixie’. Also L. longiflorum ‘Casa Blanca’
You will find a huge number of lilies for sale at your local garden centre because there are so many hybrid types. They are a short-lived perennial, and only last about five years. Lilies can grow to be two to three feet tall with white, pink, yellow or orange flowers depending on the variety you pick. The blooms appear in mid-summer. Most hybrids prefer full sun but tolerate partial shade. Stakes may be needed if there is no companion plant nearby to provide support in windy conditions when bloom size is at its peak, although some varieties such as ‘Casa Blanca’ are heavy enough that staking is not required.
The best companions for lilies include hostas for early spring foliage and peonies for late summer blooms and long-lasting cut flowers. Interplanting the two species near each other provides an ideal habitat and can add years onto both of them while improving their appearance by filling holes in their life cycle with complementary colours, heights and textures.
Peony, Paeonia suffruticosa hybrids; in particular the ones that were promoted at the 2018 Chelsea Flower Show.
You can’t have just one!
It is official, peonies are the plant of 2018. Whether in gardens around the world or gracing bouquets everywhere, these perennials are here to stay.
Peonies make a great addition to any garden. They come in variety of colors and will bloom for about three weeks each summer. They are low maintenance plants that add a splash of color every year without taking much work on your part. The best part? They last up to 100 years! This makes peonies a good choice for beginner gardeners and those who do not have time to take care of their plants regularly. Peonies are very hardy and can handle freezing temperatures with ease. After the initial planting they require little effort from you but provide years of gorgeous blooms.
The perennial garden has some fantastic plants to offer and if you are really lucky some of them can bloom for a few months of the year!
You can’t go wrong with perennials. There are amazing plants that bloom all summer long, and they only require one annual cut-back! For example, the Chaste Tree (Vitex agnus-castus), blooms in late spring and summer. And, if you’re really lucky…the flowers will last into early fall! They are also known to be disease-resistant and grow well in most soils. In addition to having fabulous flowers, chaste trees can be a great source for shade since their leaves turn green as the seasons change. If you’re looking for something a little more showy in your garden…then try incorporating a chrysanthemum into your perennial garden! This plant makes a great accent piece due to its bright yellow blooms that attract butterflies and hummingbirds all season long.Anemone, Anemone blanda
You have to check out Anemone blanda. It’s a low growing plant that blooms in the spring. It will usually grow to about 6″. Native to Greece and Turkey, it prefers full sun to part shade, likes good drainage and blooms for about 5 weeks in the spring.
Looking for an early spring bloomer? Anemone blanda is your plant!
This little beauty will give you lots of color early on in the season and then take a backseat later on so you can enjoy some other perennials like Clematis or Astilbe.
Aster, Aster x frikartii ‘Monch’
Aster x frikartii ‘Monch’ is a hardy perennial that produces blooms of lavender-blue flowers in the late summer and fall. This plant is relatively low maintenance, with most pruning and deadheading only needed in the springtime; please see this link for more information on planting and upkeep. Aster x frikartii ‘Monch’ typically grows to about 2 feet tall and 2 feet wide. Planting in full sun to part shade will yield the best results for this perennial, as too much shade can inhibit flowering. Since it’s a perennial, you’ll need to space it according to how long its roots can grow over time (for Asters, about 24 inches).
This plant is relatively drought-tolerant but benefits from supplemental watering during particularly dry spells. Soil should be well drained and amended with compost before planting.
Campanula, Campanula portenschlagiana
Campanula portenschlagiana is a vigorous low-growing perennial, making it an ideal choice for ground cover. It is native to the rocky crevices of higher altitudes in Europe, so it performs well in rock gardens. The flowers are small and clustered, with each flower looking like an open bell. They are a delicate shade of blue and add a soft beauty to your garden that belies their hardiness. Campanula portenschlagiana also does well in containers.
Clematis, Clematis ‘Pink Fantasy’
Clematis ‘Pink Fantasy’ is a very popular variety of clematis which produces large pink flowers with purple anthers and flowering for up to six months. It has a vigorous growth habit and is considered a hardy plant making it one of the more easy to care for varieties. Clematis ‘Pink Fantasy’ displays vibrant pink flowers in early summer that transition to a paler pink later on in the season.
Clematis ‘Pink Fantasy’ is often referred to as “clematis Pink Perfection” by gardeners.
Crocosmia, Crocosmia ‘Emily McKenzie’
Crocosmia, Crocosmia ‘Emily McKenzie’
The most common question I get from people at the end of a consultation is “What should I plant that will come back every year?” To which my answer is, “Ohhh boy, where do I start?!” A good place to start would be ‘Emily McKenzie.’ This crocosmia makes a great statement with its cherry red flowers and tall habit. It blooms in July and August. It’s a hybrid, so it won’t reseed itself like some other varieties of crocosmia might. It grows well in moist areas (especially wetlands), average soil conditions and full sun to part shade.
Dianthus, Dianthus gratianopolitanus ‘Bath’s Pink’
The Dianthus gratianopolitanus ‘Bath’s Pink’ is a sweetly scented, pink-colored perennial that thrives in partial shade or full sun. It grows to be about 12 inches tall and makes an excellent border edging or container plant. If you choose to grow it in your garden, the USDA Hardiness Zone for this plant is 4-9. While it does not do well with wet feet, it can tolerate drier conditions and drought once established. A member of the Caryophyllaceae family, Dianthus gratianopolitanus ‘Bath’s Pink’ does well planted in rock gardens where other perennials of similar size have been planted as well.
It is also a good choice for growing in flower beds if you are looking for some variety of color to add interest to your garden. The flowers on this perennial bloom from mid-spring through summer and attract bees and butterflies to your yard as long as they remain blooming throughout the season.
Echinacea, Echinacea purpurea ‘Violet Meadowbrite’
If you like purple flowers, this is the plant for you! The flowers are a beautiful shade of deep violet and attract butterflies. Echinacea purpurea ‘Violet Meadowbrite’ grows from 1 to 3 feet tall and is native to North America. It blooms from July through September. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil.
Fun fact… Echinacea is in the daisy family!
Epimedium, Epimedium versicolor ‘Sulphureum’
Epimediums are very easy to grow and are tolerant of a wide range of soil conditions. It is an herbaceous perennial that will die back in late fall and emerge from the ground again in early spring. The flowers appear before the foliage emerges, adding color to the garden.
The flowers of Epimedium versicolor ‘Sulphureum’ are yellow with red veins on each petal. The flower stems are long enough to hold the flowers above their own foliage, but not so tall as to look awkward when other plants emerging from the ground later in spring hide them completely for a few weeks.
Geraniums, Geranium sanguineum ‘Max Frei’
There are many different types of Geraniums. Some of them are annual, but the ones we’re talking about here are perennial—they will come back year after year. Look for these flowers in spring or summer when they’re in bloom. Their beautiful blossoms may be white, pink, lavender or blue and may have red spots on the petals. The plant itself usually grows to about 1 foot high and wide, but that can vary depending on the variety you choose.
Geraniums like to grow in full sun (6+ hours/day) with good drainage and moderately fertile soil; although they’ll grow in partial shade (at least 4 hours/day), they won’t flower as well.
It’s easy to propagate geraniums! Take a stem cutting from your existing plants and stick it into some potting soil or water: within a few weeks, you should see it starting to form roots! Most geranium cultivars can also be grown from seed if you’d prefer that method (this is how I started out growing my geranium collection).
Geraniums are perfect for edging flower beds or for growing indoors, where their flowers will add beauty without much fuss over maintenance. They can also be used as ground covers; just remember that they grow outward quite quickly so give them plenty of space to spread when planting them.[1]
Hellebore, Helleborus orientalis Yellow Lady Group and Single Yellow Group
If you are looking for a perennial with lovely flowers, hellebores are the ticket. They can grow in shade and in hardiness zones 4-9. They are also rabbit and deer resistant which is great news for those of us who have excessive amounts of rabbits and deer in our garden! Hellebores require very little care other than pruning after the blooms have finished.
Iris, Iris germanica ‘Caesar’s Brother’ and ‘Immortality’
Iris is a stunning plant with incredible blooms. They come in a wide variety of colors and sizes, as well as different types of flora. The most popular are the tall bearded Iris which typically bloom in late spring or early summer. Bearded irises have large blossoms that can be blue, purple, pink, white, yellow or orange and their foliage is a deep green shade.
Iris flowers were named after the Greek goddess for the rainbow because they come in so many colors! Besides being beautiful to look at, irises are also very fragrant making them great cut flowers for bouquets with ruffled petals that unfurl like butterflies on sunny days.
One of the oldest known types of flower in existence today (the first type was found over 5500 years ago), Iris has long been used as a symbol of France and royalty. They grow from thick rhizomes (underground stems) which should be planted horizontally with the top just slightly above ground level in spring or fall 4-8 inches apart to help prevent overcrowding plants.
Lilies (Asiatic), Lilium asiatic hybrids; in particular ‘Sweet Incident’ and ‘Orange Pixie’. Also L. longiflorum ‘Casa Blanca’
You will find a huge number of lilies for sale at your local garden centre because there are so many hybrid types. They are a short-lived perennial, and only last about five years. Lilies can grow to be two to three feet tall with white, pink, yellow or orange flowers depending on the variety you pick. The blooms appear in mid-summer. Most hybrids prefer full sun but tolerate partial shade. Stakes may be needed if there is no companion plant nearby to provide support in windy conditions when bloom size is at its peak, although some varieties such as ‘Casa Blanca’ are heavy enough that staking is not required.
The best companions for lilies include hostas for early spring foliage and peonies for late summer blooms and long-lasting cut flowers. Interplanting the two species near each other provides an ideal habitat and can add years onto both of them while improving their appearance by filling holes in their life cycle with complementary colours, heights and textures.
Peony, Paeonia suffruticosa hybrids; in particular the ones that were promoted at the 2018 Chelsea Flower Show.
You can’t have just one!
It is official, peonies are the plant of 2018. Whether in gardens around the world or gracing bouquets everywhere, these perennials are here to stay.
Peonies make a great addition to any garden. They come in variety of colors and will bloom for about three weeks each summer. They are low maintenance plants that add a splash of color every year without taking much work on your part. The best part? They last up to 100 years! This makes peonies a good choice for beginner gardeners and those who do not have time to take care of their plants regularly. Peonies are very hardy and can handle freezing temperatures with ease. After the initial planting they require little effort from you but provide years of gorgeous blooms.
The perennial garden has some fantastic plants to offer and if you are really lucky some of them can bloom for a few months of the year!
You can’t go wrong with perennials. There are amazing plants that bloom all summer long, and they only require one annual cut-back! For example, the Chaste Tree (Vitex agnus-castus), blooms in late spring and summer. And, if you’re really lucky…the flowers will last into early fall! They are also known to be disease-resistant and grow well in most soils. In addition to having fabulous flowers, chaste trees can be a great source for shade since their leaves turn green as the seasons change. If you’re looking for something a little more showy in your garden…then try incorporating a chrysanthemum into your perennial garden! This plant makes a great accent piece due to its bright yellow blooms that attract butterflies and hummingbirds all season long.
