Easy-to-Grow Nectar Plants for a Butterfly Garden

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By Debbie Hadley, About.com

Want to bring butterflies to your backyard? Butterflies need good sources of nectar, and these twelve perennials are butterfly favorites. If you plant it, they will come.

Butterfly gardens should be planted in a sunny area of your yard, since butterflies require the sun's warmth to fly. All of these perennials do well in the sun.

     Please stay tuned for the next installment.....

For more information on how to grow the perennials butterflies love, click your way over to About.com's gardening site, where you will find plenty of information by Marie Ionnatti, the About.com Guide to Gardening.

Photo: © Marie Iannotti, About.com Guide to Gardening

Phlox paniculata 'The King' (USDA Zones 4 - 8, 26" x 24", Magenta Blooms: July - Sept.)

Alternatives

• Phlox x paniculata 'Red Feelings', (USDA Zones 4 - 8, 28" x 20", Reddish-Purple Blooms: July - Sept.)
• Centranthus ruber (Red Valerian ) (USDA Zones 5 - 8, 36" x18", Magenta Blooms: June - Aug.)

The New England Aster shown here will keep the color going in this corner or the garden, as the Phlox plants begin to fade for the season.

Aster novae-angliae 'Purple Dome' (USDA Zones 3 - 9, 24" x 24", Purple Blooms: Aug. - Sept.)

Alternative

• Aster x frikartii 'Monch' (USDA Zones 5 - 7, 24" x 18", Purple Blooms: June - Sept.)

Heliopsis isn't a true sunflower and it doesn't grow into a giant stalk. I'm not sure why it got its common name, except that the bright yellow flowers are indeed sunny. They also bloom almost all summer. It forms a nice fat clump, but it may need some staking, particularly when it gets wet. Deadheading keeps the flowers going longer and helps maintain a more attractive look to the plant.

Heliopsis helianthoides (Sunflower heliopsis) 'Golden Plume' (USDA Zones 3 - 9, 48" x 36", Orange/Gold Blossoms: June - Aug.)

Alternative

• Coreopsis grandiflora (Large Flowered Tickseed) (USDA Zones 4 - 9, 30" x 36", Orange/Gold Blossoms: June - Sept.)

Repeat Blooming Daylilies 'Happy Returns'

Marie Iannotti

Daylilies are one of the most popular perennials because they grow with so little fuss. A mature daylily will have enough buds to bloom for weeks. The repeat blooming varieties, such as 'Happy Returns', will bloom for weeks, rest and bloom again. For continuous color you can choose either repeat bloomers or simply plant a few different varieties that bloom at alternate times.

Hemerocallis (Daylily)'Hyperion' (USDA Zones 4 - 9, 40" x 24", Yellow Blooms: Mid-Summer)

Alternatives

• Hemerocallis (Daylily) 'Happy Return' (USDA Zones 4 - 9, 18" x 18", Yellow Repeat Bloomer)
• Hemerocallis (Daylily) 'Going Bananas' (USDA Zones 4 - 9, 18" x 20", Yellow Repeat Bloomer)

Purple or Otherwise, They're Easy Growing Garden Treasures

Echinacea (Purple Coneflowers)

Marie Iannotti

No garden should be without a few coneflowers. They're long bloomers, relatively easy maintenance, butterflies love them and the birds will feast on their seeds in the winter. Plus, there are so many wonderful new varieties coming out. Coneflowers are almost always called Purple Coneflowers, even though they now come in white, yellow, orange, pink and red and the purple Purple Coneflowers are more of a magenta. What they all have in common is a rugged growth habit that lets them withstand poor soil and drought conditions. However, rich garden soil, full sun and regular water will reward you with healthier plants and more blooms.

Echinacea purpurea (Purple Coneflower) 'Vintage Wine' (USDA Zones 4 - 9, 36" - 30", Magenat Blooms: July - Sept.)

Alternatives

• Echinacea 'Twilight' (USDA Zones 4 - 8 30" x 18", Rose Blooms: July - Aug.)
• Monarda x 'Violet Queen' (USDA Zones 4 - 9, 36" x 18", Magenta Blooms: July - Aug.)

Using Sedum in a Full Sun Garden Border Design

Marie Iannotti

If the deer didn't eat Sedum, they would be perfect. They look good all year, even in the snow. And the only care required is cutting back to new growth in the spring. Sedum 'Autumn Joy' has been in gardens forever. Catalogs keep saying they've improved it, but gardeners keep returning to it.

Sedum 'Autumn Joy' (USDA Zones 3 - 9, 36" x 24", Magenta Blooms: Aug - Sept.)

Alternatives

• Sedum 'Autumn Fire' (USDA Zones 3 - 9, 24" x 18", Magenta Blooms: Aug - Sept.)

Growing Russian Sage (Perovskia)

Marie Iannotti

Russian Sage came out of no where, in the 1990s, and established itself as a garden standard. It's a sub-shrub grouped with perennial flowers because it blooms on new wood and it tends to die back to the ground each winter. Wait until the lower buds just start to turn green in the spring, then cut the whole plant down to 8 - 10 inches. As the flowers develop over the summer, their blue gradually increases in intensity until they are almost iridescent. After peak, they fade down to a gray blue.

Perovskia (Russian Sage) 'Blue Spires' (USDA Zones 4 - 9, 4' x 4', Purple/Blue Blossoms: July - Aug.)

Alternative

• Caryopteris x clandonensis 'Dark Knight' (USDA Zones 5 - 9, 4' x 4', Purple/Blue Blossoms: August)

Liatris (Blazing Star)

Marie Iannotti

Purple & blue flowers are at their best in a sunny border, when paired with their complement, yellow. The spiky flower stalks are a nice contrast to the wispy, lacy leaves of the neighboring coreopsis and the purple-blue is echoed by the nearby Russian Sage.

Liatris spicata (Blazing Star) 'Kobold' (USDA Zones 3 - 9, 24" x 12", Lilac Blooms: July - August)

Alternatives

• Agastache x 'Black Adder' (USDA Zones 6 - 9, 23" x 15", Purple Booms: July - Sept.)
• Lavendula x intermedia 'Grosso' (USDA Zones 5 - 10, 24" x 18", Purple Blooms: July - Sept.)

Yarrow 'Coronation Gold' and 'Moonshine'

Marie Iannotti

Achillea is a plant that is taken for granted in its native United States. Other counties show it a bit more respect. 'Coronation Gold' was hybridized in England and was named to commemorate the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. When they sent it back to the U.S., it still didn't get the praise we confirm on 'Moonshine', a paler yellow yarrow shown with'Coronation Gold' above. But 'Coronation Gold' is a wonderful sturdy plant with a yellow that forces the colors next to it to look vibrant and alive. As with all yarrows, deadheading is necessary to keep the flowers coming. However 'Coronation Gold' is less floppy than many of the fern-leaf yarrows.

Achillea filipendulina (Fernleaf Yarrow) 'Coronation Gold' (USDA Zones 3 - 9, 36" x 20", Gold Blooms: July - Sept.)

Alternatives

• Achillea 'Moonshine' (USDA Zones 3 - 9, 20" x 24", Yellow Blooms: July - Sept.)
• Echinacea 'Harvest Moon' (USDA Zones 4 - 8, 30" x 24", Gold Blooms: July -Sept.)

No Other Yellow Quite Measures Up

From Marie Iannotti, About.com

Coreopsis 'Moonbeam'

Marie Iannotti

Threadleaf coreopsis have the most delicate foliage. The soft, buttery yellow of 'Moonbean' isn't often seen in flowers and is Moonbeam's main attraction. However it can sometimes be short-lived or difficult to keep in the same place. It's not an aggressive grower, but it has a tendency to disappear from the spot you planted it and pop up elsewhere. If that's the case in your garden there are other, more reliable threadleaf coreopsis with less buttery, but still attractive shades of gold.

They are all difficult to deadhead, because of the abundance of their tiny blossoms. The easiest thing to do is to let them bloom their hearts out and then shear the whole plant back by about 1/3. It will take only a couple of weeks to send out new blooms.

Coreopsis verticillata 'Moonbeam' (USDA Zones 4 - 9, 18" x 18", Yellow Repeat Bloomer)

Alternatives

• Coreopsis verticillata 'Zagreb' (USDA Zones 4 - 9, 18" x 18", Yellow Repeat Bloomer)
• Coreopsis verticillata 'Golden Showers' (USDA Zones 4 - 9, 24" x 18", Yellow Repeat Bloomer)

Photo: © Marie Iannotti, About.com Guide to Gardening

In my yard, blanket flower is a "plant and ignore" flower. It's drought tolerant and can handle poor soil conditions. Once established it will push out blooms right to frost. Few butterflies will roll up their proboscises and flutter away from this one. Look for sulphurs, whites, and swallowtails once this one flowers.

Gaillardia, Blanket Flower

Here in South Central Oklahoma, Gaillardia, our state flower is a hands-down winner. Tough, drought tolerant (it has to be to survive here), performs well even our clay soils, beautiful daisy-like blooms of red/orange/yellow all summer long, and they readily reseed themselves so there are plenty to share with friends and neighbors! Submitted by Melinda B

• Zones: 4 - 10
• Colors: Mahogany, Red, Yellow, Orange, Bi-color
• Height: 2 - 3' Width: 2 - 3'
• Bloom Period: Mid-Summer - Fall
• Exposure: Full Sun
• Notes: Very drought tolerant. Attractive to bees and butterflies. Will self-seed, but not always true to seed.

Gaura, Wand Flower Photo

Marie Iannotti

Geranium sanguineum Photo

Here I am in Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada Trying to think of my favorite. Well here it is: Of ALL of the plants that I love, the one I would have to recommend would be the perennial geranium…so easy to grow and flowers profusely all summer..A great plant for our Canadian climate. Submitted by Sharon

• Zones: 4 - 9
• Colors: Pinks, Blues
• Height: 8 - 12" Width: Spreads
• Bloom Period: Early - Mid-Summer, Will probably repeat bloom
• Exposure: Full Sun / Partial Shade
• Notes: Geraniums can look ragged after their first bloom. Shear back and new growth and flowers will follow.

Gerbera jamesonii (Gerber Daisy)

Photo Courtesy of Norhayati Ibrahim

How to Grow Hellebores

Here in zone 6 upper middle Tennessee US, I have to go for Hellebores ( Lenten Rose ) Just when I am sick of winter, there they are with their beautiful blooms. Submitted by Kay

• Zones: 4 - 9
• Colors: Usually multiple colors of white, pink, red, yellow and green
• Height: 12 - 18" Width: 12 - 18"
• Bloom Period: Late winter / early spring to mid-spring
• Exposure: Partial Shade / Shade
• Notes: H. orientalis will push their way out through snow covering. Deer resistant.

Hellebore

Common Name(s): H. foetidus - Stinking Rose
H. niger - Christmas Rose
H. orientalis - Lenten Rose

4-9 (depending on species)

Day Lilies (Hemerocallis) h1 = document.getElementById("title").getElementsByTagName("h1")[0];h1.innerHTML = widont(h1.innerHTML);

From Marie Iannotti, About.com

Hemerocallis (Day Lily)

Marie Iannotti

I like day lilies, they work well here in Vermont. Submitted by Amanda

My number one recommendation to a new gardener would be daylilies. They are disease, deer, and insect resistant. There is an endless choice of colors, bloom shapes and sizes, and bloom times. Here in central Maine, that is an unbeatable list of prerequisites for success. Submitted by Kim

In zone 6, Hemerocallis (daylilies) would be the perfect perennial for a new gardener. *Big color range (except blue), *heights from 8 to 48 ins., *early, mid and late-season blooms, *price ranges from zero to the sky! Submitted by Myra

For the new gardener I would recommend the daylily because it requires no maintenance, pest free, is hard to kill, many colors. Zone 7 Submitted by brenda

The first plants that I purchased were two daylilys, a purple daisy, and catmint. They are still alive and hardy in an Edmonton winter. Zone 3 The catmint was almost devoured by my cats before I planted it and the cats love to eat them and roll around on them and they still survive. Submitted by bryan

• Zones: 4 - 10
• Colors: Pastels, Yellow, Orange, Red
• Height: 2 - 5' Width: 2 - 4'
• Bloom Period: Either Summer or Repeat Blooming, depending on variety
• Exposure: Full Sun / Partial Shade
• Notes: There is a lot of variety in daylilies

Coral Bells - Heuchera h1 = document.getElementById("title").getElementsByTagName("h1")[0];h1.innerHTML = widont(h1.innerHTML);

From Marie Iannotti, About.com

Heuchera (Coral Bells)

Marie Iannotti

I'd pick Hostas for shade areas. So many to chose from with different textures and colors and so many different blooms at different times. Submitted by LaWana

Hosta with all it's variety of colors and leaf shapes draws one close to the earth and increases wonder and appreciation for all of nature. From the unfolding apple greens that announce Spring to the glowing golden leaves of Autumn, Hosta are undemanding and beautiful. Submitted by Louise

I love Hosta as well. They are great here in Ohio. Second is the oriental lily. Submitted by Marchell

Hostas - so many different ones available, even from seeds for pleasant surprises. Just try for a little shade. Cornflowers next choice. Submitted by John K

I find Hostas and Dicentra bleeding heart and clematis(Jackmanii)are the best for my garden in northern Ontario Canada zone 4-5. Also love hollyhocks easy growing and beautiful to look at. Submitted by Diane

• Zones: 3 - 8
• Colors: Grown for their foliage, in greens, blues and yellows
• Height: 6" - 2' Width: 8" - 5'
• Bloom Period: Grown for their foliage. The flowers are usually removed.
• Exposure: Partial Shade (Some varieties can tolerate more sun.)
• Notes: One of the easiest plants to grow. Unfortunately they are also popular with all kinds of animal pests.

Iris h1 = document.getElementById("title").getElementsByTagName("h1")[0];h1.innerHTML = widont(h1.innerHTML);

From Marie Iannotti, About.com

Iris (Bearded Iris)

Marie Iannotti

In California lavender is great all year.

Submitted by joyce

Lavender, lavender, lavender!! And when in doubt……more lavender!! Gorgeous color and fragrance…..spread so beautifully, and then dry them in the fall. Enjoy!

Submitted by Caec

• Zones: 5 - 10, depending on species
• Colors: Lavender and white
• Height: 1 - 3'' Width: 2 - 5'
• Bloom Period: Summer (May repeat)
• Exposure: Full Sun
• Notes: Lavender's hardiness is affected by winter dampness. Lavender does not like to sit in wet soil.

Shasta Daisies are nice and bright! They one of the few perennials that grew from seed for me, and they spread very well. Submitted by Jen

There are definitely a lot of good ones but I love daisies, especially the new ones. They stand up well and have such large, beautiful flowers. I do not get a lot of sun in any area of my lawn but they have done well in all locations. Submitted by Linda

• Zones: 4 - 10
• Colors: White with Gold Center (New varieties can be double petaled and ruffled, even scented.)
• Height: 2 - 3' Width: 18 - 24"
• Bloom Period: Mid-Summer - Fall
• Exposure: Full Sun / Partial Shade
• Notes: Extremely drought tolerant. Attracts bees and butterflies. Will self-seed.

Oriental Lily - Lilium orientalis h1 = document.getElementById("title").getElementsByTagName("h1")[0];h1.innerHTML = widont(h1.innerHTML);

From Marie Iannotti, About.com

 

Lily 'Casa Blanca'

Marie Iannotti

For a beginner I would recommend Lilies. There are so many to choose from and once planted they are just about trouble free. Day lilies do get rust, blight and some times leaf miners but not very often. Deer do love Day lilies. I find that the Hybrid lilies once planted, if planted properly, are trouble free. Then you have the toad lily which is great for shade. With the many shades of Cone flowers now, they will be hard to beat too. Submitted by Shelby

I love Hosta as well. They are great here in Ohio. Second is the oriental lily. Submitted by Marchell

• Zones: 4 - 8, depending on species
• Colors: White, yellows, pinks, reds and orange
• Height: 2 - 5' Width: 18" - 2'
• Bloom Period: Summer
• Exposure: Full Sun / Partial Shade
• Notes: There is great variety, even among lilies of the same species. Some require a period of cold dormancy. Many, like the 'Casablanca' Oriental Lily pictured here, are fragrant.

Lupin (Lupine)- Lupinus h1 = document.getElementById("title").getElementsByTagName("h1")[0];h1.innerHTML = widont(h1.innerHTML);

From Marie Iannotti, About.com

 

Lupins - Growing Lupins

Photo Courtesy of Anna Runesson Hedin / Stock.xchng. Used with Permission.

…daffodils, coreopsis, daylilies, Submitted by Vivian Martinez Louisville, KY/Zone 7

• Zones: 4 - 11
• Colors: Whites, yellows, pinks
• Height: 6 - 12" Width: 9 - 12"
• Bloom Period: Early - mid-Spring
• Exposure: Full Sun / Partial Shade
• Notes: All daffodils are narcissus, but not all narcissus are daffodils. Whatever you call them, they signal spring in many areas. Daffodils are deer and rodent resistant and many will naturalize over time. You can often tell where houses used to be, by the sweep of narcissus that were once planted along the foundation.

Catmint is very easy and seems to tolerate anything. Submitted by Melanie

I like catmint or "nepeta". It is a continuous blooming perennial here during the summer into fall with pretty purple flowers. Just chop it back and it reblooms. It also makes a nice draping ground cover. We love it here in Michigan (zone4-5). Submitted by sandee

The first plants that I purchased were two daylilys, a purple daisy, and catmint. They are still alive and hardy in an Edmonton winter. Zone 3 The catmint was almost devoured by my cats before I planted it and the cats love to eat them and roll around on them and they still survive. Submitted by bryan

• Zones: 4 - 8
• Colors: White, Pink and Purples
• Height: 18" - 3' Width: 18" - 2'
• Bloom Period: Summer (Will repeat bloom if sheared after initial flowering.)
• Exposure: Full Sun / Partial Shade
• Notes: Catmint and catnip are often used interchangeably. I've seen catnip used specifically for Nepeta cataria, which makes sense from the spelling, but I've never gotten a definitive answer. Oddly, my cats have loved just about all my Nepeta. The photo here is the tall Nepeta siberica or Siberian Catmint.

Catmints (Nepeta) are Easy Growing, Drought Hardy Garden Performers h1 = document.getElementById("title").getElementsByTagName("h1")[0];h1.innerHTML = widont(h1.innerHTML);

By Marie Iannotti, About.com

Nepeta siberica (Siberian Catmint) Tall growing and extremely hardy.

Nepeta, or catmint, is a member of the mint family. It is an extremely easy growing plant with few pests or problems. The billowing foliage is topped with spikes of flowers in early summer with repeat blooms throughout the season. Certain varieties are very attractive to cats, both as a living plant and dried. The lavender-blue varieties are often used as a substitute for lavender plants, where lavender is not particularly hardy.

Nepeta Common Name(s) Catmint, Catnip

USDA Zones 4 - 8

Varies with variety, 10" - 4' H, 12" - 3' W

Full Sun / Partial Shade

Early Summer with repeat blooms throughout the growing season.

Nepeta has slightly aromatic grey-green foliage that has a delicate, lacy appearance. The flowers can be white, pink or lavender-blue, and bloom on long spikes. Nepeta has a somewhat sprawling growth habit, making it a nice plant for edges and along paths. However there are a few tall growing varieties, like ‘Six Hills Giant’, with a more upright habit. As with many scented, grey foliage plants, Nepeta is deer resistant.

Nepeta is a classic underplanting for roses. The colors complement and the foliage hides the ugly ‘knees’ of the rose bush. It is also a wonderful plant for edging, for spilling over walls and walkways and for softening spiky plants like iris and yucca. The pastel blues combine wonderfully well with pinks and yellows, such as day lilies and yarrow (achillea). Check out 1 Plant 3 Ways, for more design tips using Nepeta.

• N. nervosa ‘Felix’ - Compact plant with vivid lavender-blue flowers. (12" H x 24" W)
• N. x ‘Six Hills Giant’ - One of the tallest growing nepetas, with lavender-blue flowers.(36" H x 30" W)
• N. subsessilis ‘Sweet Dreams’ - Pink flowers with burgundy bracts. Likes a bit more water than most Nepetas. (2' H x 3' W)
• N. racemosa ‘Walker’s Low’ - 8" spikes of lavender-blue flowers. 2007 Perennial Plant of the Year ( 2 H' x 2' W)
• 
  

Nepeta is one of those plants that thrives on neglect. Too much fertilizer will only make it grow lots of flimsy foliage. A lean soil and somewhat dry growing conditions will encourage both flowers and scent.

Many of the newer varieties of nepeta are sterile, producing no viable seeds. This is a plus if you don’t like the weedy, self-seeding habit of older nepeta varieties, but it means you will need to either buy plants or make plants from divisions or cuttings.

Maintenance:

Most Nepetas will rebloom if sheared back after their initial flowering. Some won’t provide much of a second show, but their foliage will be refreshed and tidied by the shearing. Division is not a requirement, but if you’d like more plants, Nepeta responds well to division in the spring.

Ozark Sundrop, Missouri Evening Primrose - Oenothera macrocarpa/O. missouriensi h1 = document.getElementById("title").getElementsByTagName("h1")[0];h1.innerHTML = widont(h1.innerHTML);

From Marie Iannotti, About.com

www.blossomcreekfarm.com/.../4296757/4393650.htm

Granted it's got a relatively short bloom season, but for it's spectacular flowers, robust foliage and near-immortality, I've got to put a plug in for peonies. Submitted by Lawrence

Peonies, zinnia, lilies, lilies of the valley, African daisies, sun-glo, there are many! but mostly I'd say test your soil before you kill your roses with acid soil or broil your Hostas in the full sun. Submitted by Joan

Peony "Scarlett O'Hara", a beautiful red single. Even better in a small group. Submitted by Gina

• Zones: 3 - 8
• Colors: Whites, Pinks, Reds
• Height: 2 - 3' Width: 2 - 3'
• Bloom Period: Late Spring / Early Summer
• Exposure: Full Sun / Partial Shade
• Notes: Long-lived plants that hate to be disturbed.

Overview:

Peonies are beautiful, often fragrant, clump forming perennials with large cupped or ruffled showy flowers.

Latin Name:

Paeonia

USDA Hardiness Zone:

USDA Zones: 3-8

1½ - 3½' tall, 2-3' wide

Full sun to light shade

May and June

Peonies are long-lived and easy to grow. Flowers can be single double or anemone-like, in shades of white, pink and red. New foliage is reddish and mature to a dark green, with deeply lobed leaves that stay nice all season.

Peonies require a period of cold, to set eyes or flower buds on their roots. For this reason, they should not be planted more than a few inches below the soil surface.

Maintenance:

The can become top heavy and benefit from staking.

Peonies are susceptible to botrytis or gray mold. Early applications of fungicide and removal of infected leaves will help. Remove the peony foliage in fall, to prevent overwintering of botrytis spores.

Peonies are susceptible to botrytis or gray mold. Early applications of fungicide and removal of infected leaves will help. Remove the peony foliage in fall, to prevent overwintering of botrytis spores.

Large clumps of peonies can be used as an anchor in a border. They also pair especially well with the spiky leaves and flowers of iris.

P. ‘Sarah Bernhardt’ is a late blooming soft pink, fragrant double
’Krinkled White’ is an early season anemone style with pink tinged white petals and a golden yellow center
P. ‘Peppermint Stick’ is a ruffled variety with white, pink and red stripes.

Rock Rose - Pavonia lasiopetala h1 = document.getElementById("title").getElementsByTagName("h1")[0];h1.innerHTML = widont(h1.innerHTML);

From Marie Iannotti, About.com

http://bexar-tx.tamu.edu/HomeHort/F4Best/nTxLSPerennials.htm

I have had great luck with Russian Sage here in New Hampshire - it is so tough and looks beautiful massed. Also, Rudbeckia is a winner here. Both plants are reliable, undemanding, and have a long bloom period that lasts far beyond when most other plants are tired out. Submitted by Laura

• Zones: 5 - 9
• Colors: Shades of Purple
• Height: 2 - 3' Width: 2 - 3'
• Bloom Period: Mid to Late Summer
• Exposure: Full Sun / Partial Shade
• Notes: Extremely drought tolerant sub-shrub. Deer resistant.

Perovskia Hybrid with Upright Habit

Marie Iannotti

Perovskia is a woody sub-shrub with long panicles of lavender-blue flowers that become increasingly brilliant as they open.

Perovskia

5-9

4' tall, 3' wide

Full sun

July through Fall

Perovskia grows as a many stemmed clump with flower panicles at the ends of each stem. The foliage is finely cut gray-green leaves that are slightly scented. When fully in bloom it looks like a purple haze.

These are very easy to grow. They tolerate poor soil, a range of pH and drought. P. Atriplicifolia tends to flop to one-side. P. ‘Login’ remain more upright.

For those in deer country I'd go with Pulmonaria (Lungwort) - pink/blue flowers in the spring, great leaves and spreads without misbehaving (as opposed to my first choice, Columbine) Submitted by MargeB

• Zones: 4 - 9
• Colors: White, Pink & Blue
• Height: 12 - 18" Width: 18 - 24"
• Bloom Period: Early to Mid-Spring
• Exposure: Shade / Partial Shade
• Notes: Some varieties change flower color from pink to blue, when pollinated. The foliage is often speckled or splashed with silver and remains attractive long after the flowers are gone.

Most gardeners first encounter Pulmonaria with the old fashioned ‘Mrs. Moon’. This is a charming little plant with lance-shaped deep green leaves spotted with small white moons. The buds start out pink and open to a azure blue.

Pulmonaria[i/]

Common Name(s:) Lungwort

USDA Zone:

USDA Zones 4 - 8

Size:

Height: 10 - 14", Spread: 18"

Exposure:

Shade to Partial Shade. Can tolerate sun if kept moist.

Bloom Period:

Early Spring, One of the first perennials to bloom.

Description:

A low growing perennial flower that often has long, variegated leaves that come in spots or splashes. The small funnel shaped flowers can be very vivid, with some changing color as they mature.

Plant them among later maturing perennials for a shot of spring color and the sun protection the taller, summer perennials will provide.

They also look especially beautiful planted with the delicate foliage and soft pink flowers of fringed leaf Dicentra.

Pulmonaria ‘Excalibur’ - A clump former with silver leaves and long lasting violet-blue flowers. Mildew resistant.

P. officinalis ‘Sissinghurst White’ - Long, speckled leaves with pale pink buds that open to pure white

P. ‘Spilled Milk’ - Has the familiar pink to blue flowers. Young leaves are tinged purple, changing to film of white as they age.

Pulmonaria is a large genus with some form that will grow almost everywhere. Their season is early spring, when most other plants are barely poking out of the ground. Breeders have had a good deal of fun with Pulmonaria in recent decades. They flower in wonderful brilliant blues, pinks and white. The leaves can be solid green, speckled or completely frosted white.

Pulmonaria is a low growing plant, although the flower stalks can reach a foot and a half. Bees love the blossoms. Most varieties will self seed as well as spread by rhizomes, so they make a nice choice as a ground cover.

Pulmonaria are basically a woodland plant and prefer either shady location or at least a moist one.

Maintenance:

After flowering, the flower stalks turn brown and flop over. The initial leaves also begin looking tattered. A removing the entire flower stalk and the older leaves will encourage the plant to rejuvenate and look fresh again. More de-leafing may be necessary if the summer is hot or dry.

Because they grow in moist conditions and low to the ground, pulmonaria can be prone to mildew and slug and snail damage.

We have all forgotten the garden Queen, Roses, yes some are fussy but the "English Roses" are a breeze to grow and come in just about every size and color. Merry Christmas to all and don't forget to add stuff for your favorite gardener to your list. Submitted by Gail P

Here in Illinois even in the winter, I enjoy my Cabbage Rose, can take sun or shade. Grows to a plump small bush size. Submitted by Linda

David Austin English Rose

• Zones: 5 - 9
• Colors: White, Pink, Coral, Yellow & Red
• Height: 18" - 4' Width: 3 - 4'
• Bloom Period: Summer (Repeat Bloomers)
• Exposure: Full Sun
• Notes: David Austin crossed roses with old-fashioned fragrance and modern disease resistance to come up what many consider the perfect garden rose. New introductions come out yearly.

I ditto the Sedum, Marie's choice, but I understand the variety 'Autumn Fire' doesn't flop over like the 'Autumn Joy' often do. Submitted by Suzie Q

• Zones: 3 - 9
• Colors: Mauve Pink
• Height: 2 - 3' Width: 18 - 24"
• Bloom Period: Late Summer / Early Fall
• Exposure: Full Sun / Partial Shade
• Notes: Looks good all season.

Showy Sedum, the taller plants in the genus Sedum, are often taken for granted in the garden, partly because they don’t bloom until the fall, but also because they require so little care from the gardener. Their thick, succulent leaves are able to withstand drought and rainy weather. The flower buds form early and remain attractive well in winter. If the deer didn’t eat them, Sedum would be a perfect plant.

Sedum

Common Name(s): Showy Stonecrop, Border Stonecrop

Varies with variety from Zone 3 - 10

6 - 24" H, 12 - 24" W

Full Sun / Partial Shade

Late Summer / Fall

Border Stonecrop are a small section of the hundreds of species of Sedum. These taller growing Sedum have thick stems, fleshy leaves and tight flower heads that start out looking similar to heads of broccoli. Most are study enough to stand upright on their own, with a few varieties showing a trailing quality suitable for containers. Flowers tend to be in shades of pink and mauve, that start out pale and deepen as they mature. Flower heads are attractive from bud through their dried stage.

Sedum look especially good in a small mass planting that takes center stage in autumn. Because they look good all season, Sedum are suitable for edging, specimen plants and containers. Smaller varieties are good choices for rock gardens and wall. Sedum make great cut flowers and are popular with butterflies.

• Sedum ‘Autumn Joy’ - Still a favorites because it is such a wonderful, beautiful performer.
• S. spectabile ‘Brilliant’ - A clearer pink than most Sedum flowers.
• S. ‘Vera Jamison’ - Burgandy leaves and mauve flowers with a trailing habit.
• S.’Black Jack’ - Deep burgandy, almost black foliage and strong upright habit.
• S.'Cloud Nine' - Variegated Foliage

Sedum are extremely easy to grow. They prefer a well-drained soil, but can tolerate rainy weather as well. Extreme heat and lack of sun both cause Sedum to get a bit leggy. Pruning the plants back in early July will encourage them to get bushier and to grow more study.

Maintenance: Sedum flowers bloom only once; late in the season. Sedum do not need deadheading and often look good right through the winter. After several years, the center of Sedum plants will show signs of dying out. Division is needed at that point, to keep the plant vigorous. Stem cuttings can be taken at any time, to propagate more Sedum.

Lamb's Ears - Stachys byzantina

From Marie Iannotti, About.com

Lamb's Ears (Stachys) Photo

Marie Iannotti

Here in Wisconsin Lamb's Ear is a winner. It lasts well into Fall and spreads like crazy. It's light green color adds a good contrast to the other "greens" of the garden. Submitted by Becky

• Zones: 4 - 8
• Colors: Purple-Pink
• Height: 12 - 18"Width: 18 - 24"
• Bloom Period: Mid-Summer
• Exposure: Full Sun / Partial Shade
• Notes: Lamb's Ears are really grown for their fuzzy, silver foliage. Once the flowers fade, the plants will look much better if your trim them back and remove any dead leaves.

Overview:

Lamb's Ears is a low growing spreader with very fuzzy, pale, silvery gray-green foliage. They are grown primarily for the color and texture of their foliage, although the species does have flower spikes early in the season. Lamb's Ears are often recommended for children's gardens because of their soft feel.

A Word of Caution:

Lamb's Ear can be invasive in warmer climates and very hard to eradicate. Check with your local DEC or Cooperative Extension before planting.

Stachys byzantina

Common Name

Lamb's Ears

4 - 10 Will require more shade in higher zones.

Height - 6 - 8" (12 -18" in flower), Width: 12"

Full Sun / Partial Shade

Late Spring into Early Summer

With fuzzy, silvery green, soft as suede leaves, Lamb's Ears are favored for their foliage, rather than their flowers. They flower on tall spikes in shades of pinkish purple or white, in the late spring or early summer. Some gardeners's find the flower spikes charming and others cut them off to encourage the foliage, as with Hosta. Bees are not so fussy and love the slightly fragrant flowers.

Don't try to use Lamb's Ears as a specimen plant. They look best either as a rambling ground cover or as soft edging. As an edger, they will need to be kept within bounds. Besides spreading by roots, Lamb's Ears can self-seed profusely. The silvery foliage makes a nice complement to purple flowering plants.

S. byzantina 'Silver Carpet' Does not bloom
S. byzantina 'Helen von Stein' Doesn’t not bloom and is a slightly larger plant (Height: 10" and Width: 18-24"). Also call 'Big Lamb's Ears.

Lamb's Ears are extremely easy to grow. Their only caveat is their need for well-drained soil. Otherwise they are very difficult to kill.

Maintenance:

Aside from deadheading, Lamb's Ears require very little maintenance. The lower foliage can become brown and tattered looking later in the season and will look better with some clean up. Because the leaves sit so close to the ground, rotting can be a problem. Mulching under the plants helps to keep the leaves dry and be sure to give them well-drained soil. Other water related problems include powdery mildew and slug damage.

Lamb's Ears spreading nature and their tendency to grow from the center out, leaving a dead spot in the middle, makes them candidates for frequent (2-4 years) division. However they divide and transplant very easily. There are newer varieties on the market that do not flower. These non-flowering types also tend to be slower growers.

Tulips - Tulipa

From Marie Iannotti, About.com

 

 

Tulips

Photo: © Marie Iannotti (2008) licensed to About.com, Inc.

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