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Perennials that Pack a Punch

3 min read | May 14, 2014 | Plants 

Spring and Summer Interest

Daylilies (Hemerocallis)

Trumpet like flowers in a wide range of colors. Each bloom lasts for only one day, but the profusion of buds assures near constant flowering throughout the season. Very adaptable, low maintenance plants with attractive strap-like foliage. Divide every three years to maintain vigor. Cut back after blooming to within 3” from the ground for fresh foliage and to encourage re-blooming.

Hemerocallis ‘Blackthorne’

daylily blackthorne

Image via Riverbend

This variety is heat and humidity tolerant, has beautiful large blooms of creamy yellow and dark purples, and has a high bud count.

  • 24-26” H
  • Full Sun
  • Blooms in mid-Summer
  • Great choice for the summer garden!

Monarda ‘Pardon My Purple”

monarda pardon my purple pw

Image via Proven Winners

A colorful, compact, dwarf variety perfect for the front of borders and containers. A butterfly & hummingbird favorite.

  • 10-12”
  • Sun/Part Sun
  • Blooms in Summer
  • Deer resistant

Sedum

Succulent-leaves make it possible for most sedums to be extremely heat and drought tolerant. Most varieties are fall bloomers while some of the smaller varieties have earlier bloom times.

Sedum seiboldii

Sedum sieboldii 1

This variety works well in a hanging basket and will attract butterflies to your garden.

  • 10” H
  • Full Sun – Part Shade
  • Blooms Summer to Early Fall
  • Deer Resistant

Sedum ‘Thundercloud’

Sedum Thundercloud

Blue green foliage remains strictly upright. Blooms with a plethora of pinkish-tan airy panicles which sit just above the foliage.

  • 10-12” tall
  • Full sun- Part Shade
  • Blooms late Summer
  • Deer & Rabbit resistant

Caryopteris

Wonderful shrub to add cool blue to garden areas from late summer to frost.  Needs full sun and good drainage.

Caryopteris ‘White Surprise’

caryopteris white surprise

Image via Riverbend

Violet blue flowers compliment the white variegated foliage in June and July. Cut back to 6” in the spring as new growth appears.

  • 30” Tall
  • Full sun
  • Attracts Butterflies
  • Deer resistant

Caryopteris ‘Longwood Blue’

caryopteris longwood blue

Image via Riverbend

Clusters of flowers in shades of blue on woody perennial plants from late summer to fall.

  • 36 – 48” Tall
  • Full sun
  • A favorite of butterflies
  • Cut back near to ground each spring

Caryopteris ‘Gold Giant’

A butterfly favorite! This low maintenance perennials has attractive long lasting blue-lavender flowers as well as striking gold-green foliage which provides contrast in the garden

  • 36-48” Tall
  • Sun/Part shade
  • Blooms late Summer-Fall
  • Deer resistant
  • Tolerant of drought & poor soils

Iris ‘Starwoman’

Iris Starwoman

Fragrant and beautiful!  A blue-purple variety with a splash of white on ruffled petals.  Enjoy this beauty in the mid to late spring garden and also as a cut flower in your favorite vase.

Phlox ‘Blue Paradise’

phlox blue paradise

Image via Riverbend

A new shade for garden phlox! A fragrant, long blooming variety with bright blue-violet blooms atop red tinged green foliage.

  • 2 – 3’ Tall
  • Full sun
  • Blooms in summer
  • Deer and rabbit resistant
  • Attracts butterflies