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Perennials for Sun

Achillea spp. = Yarrow~ 100 species, usually aromaticNative to Asia Minor Legend – Achilles healed his wounds in battleLegend Achilles healed his wounds in battleBloom June to SeptemberMidsummer color in border, wild flower garden or naturalized areaCut flowers, dried bouquets – strip off lower leaves

Achillea filipendulinaFern Leaf Yarrow

A. Filipendulina‘Coronation Gold’

A. Filipendulina ‘Parkers Variety’

Achillea filipendulinaFern Leaf Yarow

Sunny, well drained siteTolerates dryness, but better flower when moistwhen moistBone meal each springDivide clumps in spring after 3-4 yearsSeeds sown in spring, flower following year

Achillea millefoliumCommon Yarrow

A. millefolium

A. millefolium ‘Summer Wine’

A. millefolium ‘Pretty Belinda’

‘Red’

Achillea millefoliumCommon Yarrow

Native is weedy perennialSunny, well drained, fertile soilWill grow in poor, dry soil, but better flowering when even moisturePropagate by division or spring seed

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Divide every 2 or 3 years or when center dies out. Spring or fall. Spreading root division.

Artemisia spp. = Wormwood

200 – 400 species of herbs and shrubs known for oilsTemperate climates of bothTemperate climates of both hemispheresName honors Artemisia, the mythological wife and sister of Mausolus Name associated with the moon goddess Artemis

Artemisia

A. ludoyiciani‘Silver King’

A. schmidtiana‘Silver Mound’

Artemisia spp.Full sun, dry conditionsPrefers poor soils – fertilizer not necessarynecessaryDoes not tolerate wet soil in winterPropagate in spring by division or stem cuttings

Divide every year or two for spreading wormwoods like ‘Silver King’ and ‘Valerie Finnis.’ In Spring.Finnis. In Spring. Spreading root division, or remove excess and dead center. Do not divide woody artemesias.

Aster spp. = Sunflowers, etc.

250-500 species native to broad areas of North and South America Asia EuropeSouth America, Asia, EuropeAster is derived from ancient Greek word astron meaning “star”

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Aster novae-angliaeNew England Aster

Aster novae-angliae‘Purple Dome’

Aster novae-angliae‘Alma Potschke’

Aster novi-belgiiNew York Aster

Aster dumosus‘Woods Purple’

AstersSunny site with rich, moist, well drained soilBalanced fertilizer in spring and fallCutback growing tips once in late spring andCutback growing tips once in late spring and again 4 weeks later to encourage branchingFreely self-sows -Remove faded flowersDivide in spring or fall every couple of yearsSeeds do not produce to type – named cultivars come from division

Every year or two to control spread and maintain vigor. SpringSpreading root division. Replant outer growth and discard the centers of older plants.

Campanula spp. = Harebells or Bluebells

300 varied speciesNative to Carpathian Mountains of AustriaAustriaCampanula is of Latin origin meaning “little bell”Provides color in middle to late summerMore impressive when massedExcellent cut flowers

CampanulaBlue Bells

Campanula carpatica‘white clips’

Campanula persifolia Campanula carpatica‘blue clips’

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Campanula spp.Sunny site, well drained soil, average fertilityFeed in spring with well rotted compost and bone meal worked into soil then fertilize 2-3 times during growing seasontimes during growing seasonRemove faded flowers to prolong floweringProvide winter protectionSeeds germinate readily but may not reproduce trueDivide in early spring or August

Every 2 to 3 years or as the plant becomes crowded. Spring or early fall. Spreading root division.

Centaurea spp. = Mtn. Bluet or Bachelor Buttons

~ 500 speciesNative to Mediterranean region and Near EastNear EastGreek – “centaur” means “famous for healing”Legend, the centaur Chiron used the plant to heal his wounds

Centaurea spp.Cornflower

Centaurea cyanus

Centaurea montana

Centaurea spp.Full sun to light shadePoor to average fertile soil that is moist and well-drainedRich soil – may become stragglyThin new shoots to increase air circulationDivide in spring or late summer every 2-3 yearsDeadhead to prolong blooming and prevent self-sowing – cut back to basal growth at end of flowering for fall blossomsBottomless flower pot to prevent spread

Chrysanthemum spp. = ‘Mums’

Diverse group – over 200 species of annuals and perennialsNative to PersiaName is derived from Greek chrysosmeaning “gold” and anthos meaning “flower”

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Now perennials have been botanically reclassified into various genera

Leucanthemum x superba = Shasta Daisy

Tanacetum coccineum = Painted Daisy

Leucanthemum x superbumShasta Daisy

L. SuperbumL. Superbum

L. Superbum ‘Becky’

L. Superbum‘Gold Rush’

L. Superbum‘Gold Rush’

Leucanthemum x superbum

Full sun, tolerates partial shadeMoist, rich, well-drained soil, neutral pHHeavy feeder, fertilize 3-4 times/growingHeavy feeder, fertilize 3 4 times/growing seasonKeep well watered, mulch heavilyDivide in fall every 2-3 yearsProtect from heaving in winter (in some parts of the state.)

Tanacetum coccineumPainted Daisy

Tanacetum coccineum ‘Robinson’s Red Scarlet’’

Tanacetum coccineum ‘Robinson’s Mixture’’

Tanacetum coccineum

Full sun, tolerating light shade for part of dayRich, well-drained soil with lots of organic matter

d lAvoid wet soil in winterHeavy feeder, fertilize regularlyCut back after flowering to encourage rebloomDivide late summer every 3-4 yearsProtect from heaving during winter

Every year or two. Spring. Spreading root division.

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Coreopsis spp. = Tickseed

< 100 speciesNative to Africa, North and South AmericaAmericaGreek – “coris” meaning “bug” and “opsis” meaning “similar to” because the seeds resemble certain insectsPetals have toothed tips

Coreopsis spp.Tickseed

Coreopsis lanceolata ‘Sterntaler’

Coreopsis ‘Jethro Tull’

Coreopsis spp.Full sunAverage, light, well-drained soilOverly fertile soil causes floppy growthOverly fertile soil causes floppy growthDeadhead daily to keep constant bloomShear plants by one-half in late spring for compact growthBlooms early to late summer

Every 1 or 2 years to maintain vigor. Spring or fall. Spreading root division. Discard weak center.

Echinacea spp. = Coneflower

Three species of perennial herbs closely related to Rudbeckia“Echinos” meaning “hedgehog”Echinos meaning hedgehog referring to the sharply pointed receptacle bractsNative to fields and open woods in central United States

Echinacea purpureaConeflower

‘Magnus’

‘Sunrise’

‘After Midnight’ ‘Pink Parasol’

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Echinacea spp.Thrives in sunny, windy sitesTolerates light shadeWarm rich loamy soil that is wellWarm, rich, loamy, soil that is well drained in winter, wet soils lessen winter hardinessBalanced fertilizer in early springDivide every third spring

Every 4 years. Spring or fall. Spreading root division.

Iris spp.200 species of monocots native to Northern Temperate regionGreek mythology – Iris was Juno’s messenger who traveled the rainbow between heavenwho traveled the rainbow between heaven and earthBotanically divided into bulbous species and rhizomatous species12 Classes include: Tall Bearded, Dwarf Bearded, Intermediate; Japanese; Siberian; Bulbous; Beardless; and Crested

Bearded Iris

‘Paul Black’ ‘Beverly Sills’Paul Black y

‘Golden Panther’ ‘Crowned Heads’

Bearded Iris

Full sun promotes erect stalksAverage well drained soil, using lime if too acidtoo acidTransplant rhizomes in July/August, 1 inch deepTrim foliage back to 4-6 inches Every 3 to 4 years. After flowering up to

September. Rhizome root division.

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Iris ensataJapanese Iris

Japanese Iris

Rich, acid soil that retains moisture throughout growing seasonLime is fatalLime is fatalPlant in spring or late summer, 1 inch deepYellow foliage may result from planting too deeply and/or insufficiently acid soil

Siberian Iris

‘King of Kings’

‘Shall We Dance’

‘Silver Edge’

Siberian Iris

Tolerant of poor soilsDoes best in rich, moist, slightly acid soilsoilRhizomes are small, tough and fibrousPlants vigorous and relatively pest free

Oenothera spp. = Sundrops

~ 80 species widely distributed throughout Western HemisphereGreek “oinos” means wine, “thera” means taste”Legend - roots of certain species induce a thirst for wineYoung roots can be eaten, shoots used in saladInfusion prepared from plant has astringent and sedative properties

Oenothera spp.Sun Drops

‘Glowing Magenta

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Oenothera spp.Prefers full sun, tolerates light shadeRich, deep, well-drained soilPoor drainage in winter will winter killPoor drainage in winter – will winter killBalanced fertilizer in springRemove flowers to prolong floweringLight winter mulch in north

Phlox spp. = Phlox

~ 60 species of annual and perennial herbsGreek “phlego” means “flame”Greek phlego means flameNative primarily to North AmericaOne of North America’s finest native plants

Phlox

‘Star Fire’

‘Shortwood Pink’

‘Laura’ ‘David’

Phlox spp.Full sun although bluish flowered forms deteriorate under hot sunDeep, well-drained, fertile soil with ample organic mattermatterSuper phosphate encourages deep rootingThin clumps when 4-6 inches high to encourage large flower clustersCut off faded flowers to promote lateral branchingDivide every 4-5 years

Rudbeckia spp. = Black-eyed Susan

~ 25 species of herbs Native to North AmericaGenus name honors Olof Rudbeck andGenus name honors Olof Rudbeck and Son, Swedish botanistsAn abundance on rangelands indicates good health

Rudbeckia spp.Black-Eyed Susan

R. nitida

R. fulgida

R. hirta

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Rudbeckia spp.Full sun, although tolerate light shadeWell drained soil, average fertilityTolerate dry conditionsTolerate dry conditionsBalanced fertilizer each springDivide every three years

Every 3 to 4 years. Early spring or fall. Spreading root division.

Sedum spp. = Stonecrops

600+ species of succulent, mostly hardy perennial herbsNative to China and KoreaNative to China and KoreaLatin “sedo” means “to it”“Stonecrop” refers to living on or around rocks and stony ledges

SedumStonecrop

Sedum kamchaticum

‘Autumn Joy’

‘Frosty Morn’

Sedum spp.Species differ in their requirementsFull sun, tolerate partial shadeAverage fertility very well drained andAverage fertility, very well drained and neutral to alkaline soilDivide in spring when neededPrune back ‘Autumn Joy’ by one-half, insert parts into soft soilLow growers made good groundcovers

For plant increase. Spring. Clump divisions.

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Lambs-ear (Stachys byzantina) Divide every 2 to 3 years. Spring or early fall. Spreading divisions. Discard weak centers.

Perennials for Shade

Dicentra spp. = Bleeding Heart

~ 300 speciesNative to North America and AsiaGreek dis means “two” and kentronGreek dis means “two” and kentronmeans “spur” because corolla is spurredBleeding Heart – shape of pink flower with drop

DicentraBleeding Heart

Dicentra formosa‘Luxuriant’

‘Alba’

‘Candy Heart’

Dutchman’s Breeches

Dicentra spp.Partial shade or full sun. If full sun, needs adequate moisture during growing seasongrowing seasonRich, light, moist, well-drained soilMulch with organic material in spring Apply balanced fertilizer in early springDivide in early spring. Sow seeds in August and September

Rarely needs division. Early spring. Fleshy root division. Be gentle with brittle roots.

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Geranium spp. = Cranesbill

Over 300 species of annual and perennial herbsNative to Turkestan India and TibetNative to Turkestan, India and TibetGreek geranos meaning “crane” – the beaked fruit’s resemblance of a crane’s bill

Geranium ‘Rozanne’2008 Perennial Plant Association Plant of

the Year

Geranium spp.Cranesbill

G pratense ‘Midnight Reiter’

‘Johnson’s Blue’

G sanguineum

Geranium spp.Full sun, partial to light shadeDislike hot weatherAverage fertility with good drainageAverage fertility with good drainageDivide in springShear after blooming for second set of flowersCultivars will not seed trueBorders, shrub plantings, rock gardens

Every 2 to 4 years. Spring or fall. Spreading root division.

Hemerocallis spp. = Daylily15 species of clump forming, monocot perennial herbsNative to Central Europe, China and Japan

k “d ” d k llGreek Hemera means “day” and kallos means “beauty”Named by LinnaeusKnown since Chinese advocated eating petals to ease painIntegral part of Chinese diet

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Hemerocallis spp.Daylily

Hemerocallis spp.Any light from full sun to full shade, although fewer flowers in shadeFertile moist well drained soilFertile, moist, well drained soilFeed in spring and mid-summer for best bloomsDivide every 2 to 3 yearsEvery color except blue and pure white – although close

Every 3 to 6 years or as desired to increase stock. Spring, summer or fall. Ideal time is after bloom is finished. Divide fleshy roots into segments with roots. Divisions with three or more shoots will bloom sooner.

Hosta spp. = Hosta or Funkia

40 species of monocot perennial herbsNative to JapanNamed after Nicolaus Thomas Host aNamed after Nicolaus Thomas Host, a 19th century Austrian physician

Hosta

‘Christmas Cookies’

Hosta spp.Light to partial shade but will grow in full shadeFertile, moist, well drained soil – mulch , ,will helpDivision can be done every few years in spring or summerLook good planted by themselves and in groupingsIn groups vary leaf size and color

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Rarely need division and will reach their best form if not divided too often. They can be divided as needed for plant increase. Early spring or early fall. Fleshy root division. Divide into clumps with one to three eyes. A wedge can be taken from an established plant, which will soon fill back in.

Lamium spp. = Dead nettle

40-50 flowering plantsNative to Europe, Asia and north AfricaCommon name (dead nettle) comesCommon name (dead nettle) comes from slight resemblance to stinging nettlesFrost hardy, grow in most soils

Lamium spp.Dead Nettle

‘Ghost’

‘Beacon Silver’

‘White Nancy’

‘Purple Dragon’

Monarda spp. = Bee Balm~ 12 species of annual and perennial aromatic herbsNative to North America and Mexico

d f l d hNamed for Nicolas Monardes, Spanish physician and botanist of the 16th century“Oswego Tea” from John Bartram who discovered that early settlers steeped leaves to brew tea near Oswego, New YorkIndians “O-gee-cheer” meaning “fiery flower”

Mondarda didymaBee Balm

‘Pink Lace’

‘Garden View Scarlet’

Monarda spp.Shaded, moist, well-drained siteWill grow in full sun if adequate moisturemoistureApply balanced fertilizer regularlyRemove faded flowers to prolong floweringDivide in spring Seeds will vary in flower color

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Every 3 years to control rampant growth. Spring or fall. Spreading root division.