3. What is a Perennial? A plant that lives for three or more years Usually herbaceous Flower for a shorter period than annuals Whether it’s a perennial, wildflower or weed depends on us Tops generally die back Average a three week bloom
4. Perennials v. Annuals Pros Variety of plants, blooms and foliage Don’t plant every year= less expensive Ability to specialize in plant groups More challenging to combine well Cons Divide every 3-5 years Short bloom period Less striking blooms Too many choices=design over time
5. Things to think about when choosing perennials: Soils Light Spacing Hardiness
12. Achilleafilipendula- Yarrow Many colors, flower in late spring to summer 2-3 feet tall Few pests Borders, cut flowers, dried Cuttings or division in spring or fall, some by seed
13. Achilleamillifolium- yarrow Wider range of colors than previous species Spreads faster, can become aggressive Performs well in dry areas
14. Alcearosea- hollyhock Technically a biennial, often behaves as a short-lived perennial Numerous pest problems Easily grown, great for vertical interest
16. Amsoniahubrictii- bluestar Similar to previous species Primary distiction lies in very finely texture foliage Same excellent golden fall color
17. Anemone x hybrida – Japanese Anemone Flowers white, pink, violet, in late summer and fall 3-4 feet tall Few pests Used in borders Division or root cuttings made in spring, seed
18. Anthemistinctoria- marguerite Tends to be short lived Often re-seeds in good conditions Cut back after flowering to improve appearance and encourage repeat bloom
19. Aquilegia x hybrida- Hybrid Columbine Flower colors, many and bicolors, in spring and early summer 1½ to 3 feet tall Leaf miners may make foliage unattractive Used in borders, will also do well in part shade Division in late summer, seed
20. Armeriamaritima- sea pinks Needs well drained soils Great for rock gardens, raised beds Looks best planted in large groups
21. Artemisia schmidtiana ‘Silver Mound’- Silver Mound Artemisia Yellow flowers in summer that are not noteworthy. Grown for gray-green foliage. 6-8 inches tall, keep compact by shearing Few pests Used in borders and rock gardens Propagate by cutting
23. Artemesia- powis castle Forms a large woody sub-shrub Do not prune in fall or winter Looks best when pruned in late spring to maintain shape Tolerant of poor soils
24. Asclepiastuberosa– Butterfly weed Flowers orange in summer 1-2 feet tall Major pest – aphids Used as a border plant and for cut flowers, attractive to butterflies. Propagate by seed or root cuttings, does not transplant well.
25. Aster spp. - Asters Flowers in blues, violets, whites in summer and fall 1-6 feet tall, taller varieties must be staked Powdery mildew is the major pest Used for borders and cut flowers Propagate by division in spring
26. Baptisiaaustralis– False indigo Blue flowers in late spring 3-5 feet tall Few pests Used in borders, dried seed pods Division in late fall or early spring, seed
27. Belamcandachinensis– Blackberry lily Yellow, orange flowers in summer, seed heads look like blackberries 3-4 feet tall Iris borer is a major pest Used in borders Propagate by seed or division
29. Boltoniaasteroides- boltonia Very tall fall blooming perennial Cut back in summer to shorten and promote branching Grows vigorously, may require staking
30. Campanula- bellflower Many different species with varying plant habits Some may be invasive Some may struggle in our summer heat
32. Centranthusruber- Jupiter’s beard Vigorous perennial for well-drained soils Tolerates poor soils if draiinage is good Dead head to extend bloom season
34. Chrysanthemum x morifolium (Dendranthemagrandiflora) – Garden mum Many colors, yellow, bronze, lavender, white, in fall 1-2 feet tall, must be continually pinched until July to keep short Major pests – aphids, leaf hoppers Used in borders and cut flowers Propagate by cuttings in summer, division in spring, seed
35. Chrysanthemum x superbum (Lucanthemum x superbum)– Shasta Daisy White flowers in early spring 1-3 feet tall Major pest – aphids Used in borders, cut flowers Propagate by division in fall, seed
36. Cimicifugaracemosa– Black cohosh, Snakeroot White flowers in late summer 5-8 feet tall Few pests Used in borders, will tolerate some shade Propagate by division, seed, deep root system Growing popularity as medicinal herb
37. Coreopsis -tickseed Many species with varying plant habits Most have yellow flowers and bloom for an extended period Dead head to extend bloom season Best divided regularly to maintain vigor
38. Crocosmia - montbretia Iris-like foliage provides vertical element Grown from a corm Interesting flowers in summer Mites can be a problem in dry conditions Some forms are not hardy here
39. Delphinium elatum- larkspur Pefers rich well-drained soils and cooler climates Tends to be short lived and performs poorly here Monkshood can provide a similar effect in gardens
40. Dianthus - pinks Many species and forms Most are easily grown Range in height from 4”-3’ Many form spreading groundcovers Attractive spiky silver foliage
41. Digitalis purpurea- foxglove Technically biennial, generally short lived here May require staking May reseed in good conditions D. ambigua and D. mertonensis are true perennials
42. Echinacea purpurea– Purple Coneflower Flowers purple, white in summer to fall 3-5 feet tall Major pest is powdery mildew Used as border or cut flowers Divide clumps in spring or by seed
43. Geranium sanguineum- Cranesbill Geranium Flowers in white, violet, red in late spring 1 - 1½ feet tall Few pests Used as a border or edge plant, protect from afternoon sun Propagate by seed, some by cutting
44. Eryngiumamethystinum– blue sea holly Tolerates poor dry soils if drainage is excellent Spreads very slowly Division seldom necessary Strikingly unusual blue flower heads
45. Eupatorium coelestinum– hardy ageratum Very vigorous plant, particularly in moist soils Cut back in summer to shorten and increase flowering Divide regularly
46. Eupatorium purpureum – Joe pye weed Stately perennial ‘monster’ growing up to 10’ Native plant attracts butterflies Smaller dwarf versions are available May reseed around the garden
47. Euphorbia - spurge Many different forms, some evergreen Very tolerant of poor dry soils Milky sap may be an irritant to skin or eyes Often self seeds
48. Gaillardia x grandiflora – blanket flower Very long bloom period in summer Tends to be short lived Excellent for dry areas Often seeds itself in good soils
49. Gypsophila paniculata– Baby’s Breath White or pink flowers in summer 2-3 feet tall Few pests but tends to be short lived in Ky Used as border or cut flowers Propagate by seed or cuttings, does not like to be divided once established
50. Heleniumautumnale- sneezeweed Tall perennial valued for its fall blooms in yellow orange and red Prune in summer or stake to support Adaptable plant tolerates many soil types Native
52. Hemerocallishybrids - Daylily Many colors, bloom in early summer 8 inches to 3 feet tall Major pests are aphids and leaf spot Used as border plants or in mass plantings Propagate by division in late summer
53. Heucherasanguinea – Coral bells Pink and red flowers in late spring 8-18 inches tall Few pests Used as border plants, mass plantings, also does well in part shade Propagate by division or seed
54. Hibiscus moscheutos– Rose Mallow White, red, pink and bicolors in summer 3-8 feet tall, taller ones require staking Major pests are Japanese beetles and caterpillars Used as border plants Propagate by division or seed
55. Bearded Iris- German Iris Various colors and bicolors in late spring 2-4 feet tall Main pest is iris borer Used in borders Propagate by division in fall
56. Iris siberica – siberian iris Tough as nails perennial Tolerates moist soils well Foliage provides interest when not in flower Mostly shades of blue, purple and white Relatively short bloom period
57. Liatrisspicata- Gayfeather Native prairie perennial Excellent cut flower Attracts butterflies Tolerates wet areas Divide regularly as needed
58. Lysimachiapunctata– Yellow Loosestrife Yellow flowers in summer 18-24 inches tall Few pests Used as a border, will also tolerate some shade Propagate by division cutting, or seed May be invasive
59. Lythrumvirgatum– Purple Loosestrife Purple, pink, red flowers in summer 3-5 feet tall Major pests - aphids Used in borders Propagate by division, seed Plant is invasive in moist or wet conditions
60. Monarda - beebalm Very vigorous plant is invasive in good soils Loved by hummingbirds and butterflies Tolerates moist areas Powdery mildew is a huge problem prune hard to control or select mildew resisitant varieties
62. Oenotheraspeciosa– showy primrose Aggressive- leaning toward invasive Large pink flowers over a long period in spring and summer Cut back after bloom to encourage repeat
63. Paeonia hybrids – Chinese Peony Pink, white, red flowers in late spring, attractive foliage 3-4 feet tall Several pests, botrytis, thrips, leaf spots, root rots, Japanese beetles Used as a border or cut flower Propagate by division in late summer, don’t plant too deeply
64. Papaverorientalis- Oriental Poppy Flowers of red, pink, and white in late spring. 1-2 feet tall Few pests Used as a border or cut flower Propagation by division, root cuttings or seed.
65. Perovskiaatriplicifolia- Russian Sage Blue flowers in summer 4-6 feet tall, shrubby Few pests Used as a border Propagate by cuttings, division, or seed
66. Phlox paniculata - Summer Phlox White, pink, blue, red flowers in summer 2-6 feet tall Major pest is powdery mildew Used as a border or cut flower Propagate by division or seed
67. Phlox subulata - Moss Pink Blue, white, or pink flowers in early spring 3-6 inches tall Few pests Used as a border, in rock gardens, edging, and ground cover Propagation by division in fall
68. Physostegiavirginiana– obedient plant Native plant in pink or white Spreads aggressively in good soils Tolerates moist areas Good cut flower Divide frequently
70. Rudbeckiafulgida - Black-eyed Susan Yellow flowers in summer to fall 2-3 feet tall Powdery mildew is the main pest problem Used as a border, cut or meadow flower Propagation by division or seed
71. Salvia x superba– meadow sage Reliable plant with long bloom season in late spring Good for drier areas Aromatic foliage Cut back after bloom for a second, smaller flush of bloom
72. Sedum spp. - Stonecrop Yellow, orange, red flowers in summer but generally grown more for foliage 3-8 inches Few pests Used for edging, ground covers, rock gardens Propagation by division or seed
73. Sedum spectabile - Showy Sedum Pink, red, white, lilac flowers in late summer and early fall 12-18 inches tall Few pests Used as a border, edging, cut flower or dried Propagation by division or cuttings
75. Aconitum napellus- Monkshood Blue flowers in late summer 3-4 feet tall Few pests Used as border or cut flower, may tolerate sunny conditions Propagate by division in fall or from seed Poisonous!
76. Arum italicum - Italian Arum White flowers in late spring followed by spikes of red berries in fall, good foliage throughout year 12-20 inches tall Few pests Used as a border plant Propagate by division in fall or by seed
77. Astilbe x arendsii- Astilbe Pink, white, red, lavender flowers in late spring and summer 2-3 feet tall Mites are the major pest Used as a border, cut flower, or dried Propagation by division in spring
78. Begonia grandis - Hardy Begonia Pink flowers in summer 18-24 inches tall Few pests Used in borders Propagate by tubers (may not be hardy) or bulbils
79. Ceratostigmaplumbaginoides– Plumbago, Leadwort Blue flowers in summer and fall 8-12 inches tall Few pests Used as a border or ground cover Propagation by division in spring, cuttings, or seed
80. Dicentraspectabilis – Common Bleeding Heart Pink or white flowers in summer 12-18 inches tall Major pest – stem rot and wilt Used as a border or cut flower Propagation by division in spring or fall, cuttings, or seed
81. Epimedium grandiflorum- Barrenwort Prefers moist, organic soils Some species tolerate dry shade when established Nice groundcover Small white, pink, or yellow flowers
82. Helleborusorientalis– Lenten Rose White or purple flowers in early spring 12-15 inches tall Few pests Used as a border plant Propagate by division or seed
83. Hosta spp. and hybrids - Hosta, Plantain Lily White and lavender flowers in spring and summer, grown more for the foliage 8-36 inches tall Major pest - slugs Used as border and cutting Propagation by division
84. Polygonatumodoratum ‘Vari-gatum’ – Fragrant Solomon’s Seal White to green flowers in spring, foliage is also attractive 18-24 inches tall Few pests Used in borders Propagation by roots divisions, seed
85. Tricytishirta - Toad Lily White flowers with purple spots in late summer and fall 2-3 feet tall Few pests Used in borders Propagation is by division in spring or fall or by seed (needs stratification)
86. Thanks to: Jamie Dockery Fayette County Extension Agent for Horticulture Dr. Leonard Perry Extension Professor, UVM Rosie Learner Horticulture Specialist, Purdue University Jane Martin Extension Agent Horticulture, Ohio State University Susan Grupp Unit Educator, Horticulture, University of Illinois Margaret Hudson photo of Hosta garden Michael Boer UW herb garden
Notes de l'éditeur
When growing perennials, extra care should be give to preparing the soil. Incorporate organic matter in the beginning is the soil is lacking in this regard. Amending the soil prior to the first planting will be the easiest time to do so. Amendments must be done piece meal thereafter as small areas of the bed are dug an replanted.Pay attention to mature size of perennials. When the label says that a particular hosta will spread to 3 feet in diameter, believe the label and plant accordingly. Crowded perennials will decline and produce fewer and smaller flowers and stunted growth.When planting and transplanting pay attention to depth. Plant perennials according to label directions or at the same depth as they were previously growing.The fertilizer recommendation give the amount of fertilizer to apply per 100 sq. ft. and this amount should be split into 2 spring applications about 6 weeks apart. Perennials should not be fertilized after about mid summer since late fertilization will encourage new growth in late summer and fall when most plants should be slowing down to enter dormancy.l
Things to consider when placing perennials in the landscape.Height, be sure that larger plants are placed toward the back of the bed while smaller ones are used in the front.Choose color combinations wisely. Remember that blues tend to add depth to a planting while bold colors tend to jump out.Unlike annuals, perennials often have a specific season of bloom, some may only bloom for a few weeks during spring, summer, or fall. Make wise choices to ensure that something will always be in bloom if that is your objective.But don’t look only at flowers, some perennials are grown only for their foliage and contrasts in foliage textures and colors can be just as important as coordinating flower color.