Perennials are a great and cost-effective way to add color to any garden. With countless varieties that can handle many different conditions, there is a perennial that fits your needs. Here is a list of 6 of Land Designs’ favorite perennials to use in our landscapes.
Astilbe
Astilbe is great for areas with partial to full shade. Variety colors include White, Pink, Deep Red, Lavender, and Violet. Depending on the variety, astilbe will provide blooms from late spring to late summer. A few selections are even fall flowering. With proper moisture, the foliage remains attractive throughout its blooming period. Astilbe prefers shade but can tolerate sun with afternoon shade.
Aster
There are about 250 species of asters native to North America, Europe, and Asia. Aster comes in a variety of colors including white, purple, blue, and pink. Sizes can range from 1-6 feet tall depending on the variety. The most common Aster time is the New England Aster with its purple and peddles and a striking yellow center. Aster prefers to grow in full sun, but some can tolerate light shade.
Black-Eyed Susan
Also referred to as Rudbeckia hirta is a great native addition to any garden. Black-eyed Susans grow 1 to 3 feet tall with flowers with a diameter of 2 to 3 inches. Their nectar attracts butterflies, bees, and other insects. They enjoy full sun but can tolerate partial sun. Although shade areas may affect the reliability of their blooms.
Garden Phlox
Garden phlox is a hardy, long-lived perennial. From midsummer to early fall, these sturdy, upright plants are topped with large clusters of fragrant flowers that come in a fantastic range of colors including white, pink, fuchsia, red, lavender, purple, and orange as well as dozens of eye-catching bicolors. Garden Phlox prefers full sun.
Peony
Peonies are perennial garden classics, loved throughout the world for their extravagant, early summer blossoms. They are dependable, incredibly long-lived plants and will bloom for generations with little attention. They come in pink, red, white, and yellow making them great for a variety of colors in a cutting garden. Peonies bloom best in full sun.
Sedum
There are over 400 different types of Sedum with greatly varying colors, sizes, and looks. Sedum are succulent plants that store water in their thick leaves. Tall sedum varieties are great for well-manicured gardens since they tend not to spread only getting to about 2 feet in diameter. Sedum perfer sun to filtered sunlight to grow strong and healthy.
