(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.
Platinum: 12″H x 12″W. Zone 5. Dwarf type, silver leaf sage. Lavender blooms. Blooms Late Spring-Summer.
Windwalker Royal Red: BIG! up to 48″H x 48″W. Zone 5. Blooms Summer to Fall.
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
Emerald Blue
Fort Hill
Pink Ridge (P. stolonifera)
Woodland Phlox (P. divaricata): Blue Moon
…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: (P. pinifolius) 10″H x 15″W. Fine semi-evergreen foliage covered with scarlet or yellow flowers depending on variety. 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. Planted in our front bed! Blooms like a champ in that hot, sunny, low water area.
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
Allegra
Brilliant
Queen Alexander and other 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
Junior Walker
Whispurr Pink
Prelude Purple (N. subsessilis): A new Japanese catmint with a deeper purple color, still wonderful for pollinators and a long bloom time. 3′ x 3′ Zone 4.
…and other assorted varieties
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
(Gypsophila) Pink creeping baby’s breath can be used as a small-scale groundcover (as pictured with this peony) and is equally as lovely trailing over a stone wall or in a container. Though it is drought tolerant…prefers consistent soil moisture for extended bloom time. Likes well-drained, alkaline soil. Works great here as Colorado soils are naturally alkaline. 6″H x 12-24″W, Zone 3.
Exposure: Sun
Bloom Time: Late Spring to Late Summer
(Gypsophila) White Baby’s Breath blooms in Summer, does very well here and can be 2-3′ high and wide at maturity. Clip a little for an indoor bouquet or pair with other Summer blooming perennials.
Flowers of this perennial are held above low mounding foliage. Some varieties offer a lighter re-bloom with deadheading. Sometimes also called “Avens.”
Exposure: Sun, Part Sun
Bloom Time: Late Spring-Early Summer
Coneflowers (Echinacea) bloom in late summer and come in a wide range of colors and heights. Their daisy-like blooms surround brown cones that are attractive if left on the plant in Fall. They attract butterflies and make great cutflowers. Wonderful performance in bright full sun.
Exposure: Sun, Part Sun
Bloom Time: Summer
E. angustifolia (Native)
Cheyenne Spirit
Sombrero Lemon Yellow
…and other varieties