Category: Perennials

Threadleaf type Coreopsis, also known as tickseed, might be slow to wake up in Spring but it puts on a long-lived show once the heat of summer comes along.  Dainty yellow flowers are the traditional type.  Though many new hybrids range into pinks and reds.  They all have a long bloom time and smother the plant in color.  The foliage is light and airy and forms a nice mound.  Blends with just about any color in the garden.  Does best in well-drained soil.

Exposure: Sun

Bloom Time: Summer

Varieties:

Big Bang Mercury Rising: a unique threadleaf type that offers deep burgundy blooms all summer long. Zone 5

Early Sunrise:  a lance-leaf type with golden yellow semi-double flowers. Size is smaller than the threadleaf types at about 12″H x 12″W. Blooms in early summer.

Moonbeam: 18″-24″ H x 18″-24″W. Light yellow flowers adorn this threadleaf type. Long bloom time.

Sizzle and Spice Crazy Cayenne: Threadleaf type in orange tones. NEW! Zone 5

Bergenia, also known as Pig Squeak, is a hardy perennial grown for its thick leaves that are green in summer and deeper tones in fall.  Magenta flower spikes appear in Spring.  Though these plants are short, the flowers are showy.   Very pretty when paired with other late spring bloomers (geum, icelandic poppies, turkish veronica, golden creeping jenny).

Exposure: Sun to Part Sun

Bloom Time: Spring

Lungwort (Pulmonaria) is a low growing perennial for shady or morning sun locations.  It delivers a big splash of color both from it’s leaves and iridescent flowers.

Exposure: Shade to Morning Sun

Bloom Time: Spring to Early Summer

Varieties:

Darth Vader
Silver Bouquet

Upright sedum varieties bloom in late summer thru Fall.  They are a great choice for a hot, dry place as they are very drought tolerant.  Their succulent leaves add texture and often change color in cooler temps.  Many types are also loved by pollinators.

Creeping types stay low to the ground and often spread to fill in an area.  Provide full to part sun and well drained soil.

Exposure: Sun, Part Sun

Bloom Time:  Summer

Varieties:

Upright Types:
Autumn Joy:  18″-24″ in height with pink flowers that deepen in color as weather cools
Elsie’s Gold: Variegated leaf with pink flowers.  Shorter stature than Autumn Joy. NEW!

Creeping Types:
These lower growing types make great groundcovers/smaller accents for sunny spots.
Varieties such as: Angelina, Atlantis NEW!, Bertram Anderson, Dragon’s Blood, Kamschatka green leaf, Kamschatka variegated leaf, Sunsparkler Cherry Tart, Tricolor, Tapestry Carpet (mixed creeping varieties!).

Autumn Joy

Lamium forms a bushy groundcover and offers colorful leaves and spring blooms for a deep shade or morning sun location.  It is also a lovely addition to shady containers or hanging baskets.  Just plant it in the ground in late Summer or early Fall if you would like to overwinter it.  Regular watering will help it establish quickly.

Exposure: Shade, Morning Sun

Bloom Time:  Spring

Assorted Varieties:

(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

Varieties:

Paprika, New Vintage 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:

• Golden (Aurea): 4″H x up to 24″ W. Zone 4.

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

Varieties:

Crystal River: 2″H x 18″W.  Sky blue flowers.  Zone 4

Turkish: 2″H x 18″W. Cobalt blue flowers. Zone 3