(Achillea) A dependable, drought tolerant summer bloomer that comes in a variety of colors. Attracts butterflies. Will repeat bloom if deadheaded.
Exposure: Sun
Bloom Time: Summer to Fall
Desert Eve and other Assorted Varieties
This hardy groundcover forms a dense mat of bright golden leaves. Adds a pop of color wherever you put it. Creeping Jenny can also be used in baskets or containers as a trailing accent plant. Its pretty small rounded leaves just drip out a basket to add a lush effect.
Exposure: Part Sun, Shade
Varieties:
What a pretty and dense groundcover. It literally SMOTHERS itself in flowers. Want to attract pollinators early in the season? This is your plant.
Exposure: Sun, Part Sun
Bloom Time: Late Spring to Early Summer
Crystal River: 2″H x 18″W. Sky blue flowers. Zone 4
Turkish: 2″H x 18″W. Cobalt blue flowers. Zone 3
(Scrophularia) Introduced in 1996 by High Country Gardens, this rare penstemon cousin has showy, crimson, tubular flowers produced in generous sprays above rich green serrated foliage. Hummingbird magnet. 36″H x 18″W. A Plant Select perennial. Zone 3.
Exposure: Sun, Part Sun
Bloom Time: Summer
There are many different types of Salvia also known as Sage. There is a wide variety of flower color between them… but they all offer a long bloom time for your garden, are deer resistant and pollinator friendly. Plant in well drained soil and deadhead for an extended bloom time.
Exposure: Sun, Part Sun
Bloom Time: Summer
Furman’s Red: 24″H x 14″W. Zone 5. A Plant Select perennial. Blooms Summer to Fall.
May Night: 18″ x 24″. Purple blooms all summer, deadhead to prolong show. Long Bloom Time!
Mojave Sage (Salvia pachyphylla): Irridescent blooms in violet tones above silvery foliage. 24″ x 24″. Blooms Summer to Fall. A Plant Select perennial. More info here.
WindWalker Desert Rose: up to 24″ H x 24″ W. Zone 5. Bright Pink. Blooms Summer to Fall. A Plant Select perennial. More info here.
Creeping Phlox is one of the first perennials to bloom in Spring. It literally covers itself in cheerful blossoms. Pair with spring blooming bulbs such as tulips or daffodils for a bit more impact. All varieties grow close to the ground and spread to form a patch.
Exposure: Sun, Part Sun
Bloom Time: Early Spring
Candy Stripe
Pink Ridge (P. stolonifera)
Violet Pinwheels
…and other assorted varieties
Penstemons typically thrive in lean, well drained soil. So they do well in a dry border or rock garden setting. Their tubular flowers come in many colors. They put on a pretty show in summer and are visited by many pollinators.
Exposure: Sun, Part Sun
Bloom Time: Summer
Coral Baby: 20″H x 14″W. Coral flowers. A Plant Select perennial. Zone 5. A Plant Select perennial. More Info Here.
Desert Beardtongue: up to 36″H x 20″W. Lavender mauve flowers. A Plant Select perennial. Zone 5. More Info Here.
Pine Leaf: 10″H x 15″W. Fine semi-evergreen foliage covered with scarlet or yellow flowers. Zone 4.
Prairie Jewel: up to 3’H x 1’W. Showy, tall penstemon in purple tones. Deadhead the first 2 years to avoid seed set for a stronger plant. Zone 3. A Plant Select perennial. More Info Here.
Rocky Mountain: up to 2’H x 3’W. Purple-blue flowers. Zone 4.
SteppeSuns Sunset Glow: a newer orange pine leaf type from Plant Select. Hardy to Zone 4. Hummingbird magnet for dryland gardens. More Info Here.
Tushar: 3″-6″H x 18″W. A mat-type penstemon with pretty petite blue flowers and silvery blue foliage. Native to the mountains of Utah. Blooms in Summer. A Plant Select Perennial. More Info Here. Zone 5.
Waggon Wheel: 1-2″”H x 12″W. Sweet and petite native with lavender/blue flowers. Blooms in early Summer. A Plant Select Perennial. More Info Here. Zone 4.
Photo Courtesy Plant Select
Photo Courtesy Plant Select
Oriental poppies will establish over time to steal the show in any early Spring garden. They come in a variety of colors, though red or orange hues are the most common. Place them toward the back of your Spring border. Their flowers are striking, but as the foliage dies back, it is best to have something in front of it to help continue the show for the rest of the season.
Exposure: Sun, Part Sun
Bloom Time: Late Spring – Early Summer
Assorted Oriental Types
Catmint (Nepeta) is a long-blooming perennial… especially if you shear it back after the first bloom. Its lavender blue flowers blend well with the silvery foliage. A favorite of bees, it mixes well in an herb garden and at the front of a perennial border. A great perennial for beginners since it is so easy to grow. Deer and rabbit resistant. Drought tolerant.
Exposure: Sun, Part Sun
Bloom Time: Summer
Walker’s Low: 30″H x up to 2’W. Zone 4.
Little Trudy: Compact catmint. up to 14″H x up to 14″W. Zone 4. More Info Here.
Plant one of these perennial plants to enjoy lovely blue flowers swaying in the breeze. They provide an airy filler to any Spring garden and attract butterflies as well. Durable, long-lived and easy to grow. Plant in multiples for best effect.
Exposure: Sun, Part Sun
Bloom Time: Spring