Perennials for the Garden

Garden phlox requires little attention and adds color to the landscape until frost.

Perennials add beauty to the garden throughout many growing seasons. In regions experiencing harsh winter weather, the foliage is killed to the ground and new growth emerges from the roots in spring. When choosing perennials, the options include ornamentals, vines, foliage plants and groundcovers.

Hosta

Hostas are most often grown for their foliage, which is available in many shades from light green to almost blue. There are more than 2,500 cultivars of hosta from which to choose including some with variegated leaves. Flower stalks develop in the center of the plants in summer and produce blooms in varying shades of white and lavender. Hostas do well in a location receiving morning sun and afternoon shade. They prefer nutrient-rich soil and need at least 1 inch of water each week.

Garden Phlox

Garden phlox has deep-green foliage and delicate, sweetly scented bloom clusters in many colors including purple, white, red and orange. The plants grow up to 4 feet tall and produce flowers from spring until frost. Garden phlox grows well in full or partial shade and rich, well-drained soil. Regular watering is beneficial during the first growing season, but the plants require very little attention once established.

Clematis

Clematis is a long-lived, ornamental vine producing showy flowers in many shades including purple, scarlet, white and blue. There are at least 250 species available ranging in size from 6 to 30 feet tall. Clematis performs best when its roots are shaded, while the foliage receives abundant sunlight. This is especially important in hot, Southern regions. The vine prefers nutrient-rich, well-drained soil and can be trained to climb a structure or allowed to ramble unchecked.

Common Yarrow

Common yarrow has delicate flower clusters and fern-like foliage that giving a pleasant aroma when crushed. It grows up to 3 feet tall and is available in various colors including white, pink, yellow and red. Common yarrow is hardy and grows quickly even in poor soils. It does best in a location receiving full sun. Water it whenever the soil feels dry until its roots are established.

Coreopsis

Coreopsis, also called tickseed, is a wildflower native to the Southeastern U.S. It grows from 1-1/2 to 4 feet tall and has tough, deep-green foliage. The blooms appear from early summer until fall and are available in varying shades of yellow. Coreopsis prefers full or part sun and grows in almost any soil.

References

• Ohio State University Extension; Growing Hostas; Gretchen Heinke, et al.
• Floridata; Phlox Paniculata; Steve Christman; Oct. 29, 2007
• Ohio State University Extension; Clematis; Jane C. Martin
• Floridata; Achillea Millefolium; Steve Christman; Oct. 17, 2000
• Floridata: Coreopsis Grandiflora
• Clemson Cooperative Extension; Growing Perennials; Karen Russ, et al.; June 1999