Allium: Also known as flowering onion, this plant grows from a bulb or from seed,

and produces globes of purple clusters of flowers atop long stems. Plant in full
sun, in moist but well-drained soil.

Anemone: Also known as windflower, these tuberous flowers produce poppy-like blooms
in early-to-mid spring. Plant anemones in full sun or part shade.

Artemisia: This perennial plant is grown more for its silvery, white foliage than
for the small, white flowers, but makes an excellent backdrop for more showy
flowers in a perennial bed. Give Artemisia (hardy to zone 4) dry, moderately
fertile soil.

Alyssum: Classified as a perennial, this plant is grown as an annual in cold

climates. Its tiny clusters of blooms are attractive at the edge of a bed or in
pots with geraniums or other annuals.

Aster: Asters bloom in late summer to early fall, when many other perennials have
faded. They range from varieties that skim the ground, to those towering 6 feet
high. The daisy-like flowers come in many colors; the most common shades are
purple, lavender, pink, red, blue and white. Plant asters in moist, well-drained
soil in a sunny area.

Astilbe: For color in a shade garden, few perennials can beat astilbe. The plants
produce feathery, plumelike flowers and fernlike leaves. Astilbes prefer acidic,
moist soil and partial shade.

Bachelor Button: Sometimes called cornflower, this plant is more frost-hardy than
most annuals, and produce small, multi-petaled flowers. Sow seeds in the garden in
early spring in a sunny location.

Balloon Flower: Balloon flowers bring to mind cottage gardens, with their old-
fashioned bell-shaped flowers. Plant these perennials in sun or partial shade. They
prefer slightly acidic, moist soil.

Bee Balm: Plant bee balm in a perennial bed, but keep an eye on it. This plant can
become invasive. The large, bright flowers attract butterflies and hummingbirds.
Grow bee balm in sun or partial shade and a rich soil.

Bellflower: This old fashioned perennial has lovely bell-shaped flowers; most
varieties are blue, lavender, pink or white. Plant bellflower in sun and provide
moist, rich soil.

Blanketflower: Gaillardias, or blanketflowers, thrive in hot, dry locations and

produce daisy-like flowers in a variety of hues, such as red, yellow and gold. Many
are multi-colored. Plant them in sandy, well-drained soil and don’t overwater them.

Bleeding Heart: This native plant produces spectacular white, pink or red heart-
shaped blooms on long, arching stems. Plant bleeding hearts in slightly acidic,
moist soil in partial shade.

Bougainvillea: This thorny shrub or vine-like plant grows throughout the

Southwestern and Southeastern United States. Its flowers are papery and come in a
variety of shades, such as fuschia, pink, white or salmon. It loves heat, full sun
and dry conditions. Grow it as an annual in the north.

Broom: Broom is a fast-growing shrub with an open, arching habit. It is covered

with yellow flowers in spring. Plant broom in full sun. It tolerates poor, sandy
soil and drought conditions.
Butterfly Weed: Butterfly weed is related to milkweed and attracts not only
butterflies, but caterpillars. It produces bright flower clusters in early-to-mid
summer. Plant butterfly weed in full sun in light, well-drained soil.

Butterfly Bush: Not to be confused with butterfly weed, this flowering shrub can
grow 8 feet high, producing long spikes of colorful blooms. The plant is drought
tolerant and prefers full sun. In warm locations, it can become invasive.

Camellia: Camellias are only hardy south of zone 8. If you’re lucky enough to live
in a temperate region, though, make a place for them in your yard. The fragrant
flowers, which range from red to pink to white are 2 to 5 inches wide and bloom in
the winter.

Catmint: This fast-growing perennial produces lavender blooms and soft, green-gray
foliage. It grows in full sun or partial shade and is very drought tolerant. And
yes, cats adore it.

Chrysanthemum: Mums are generally grown as annuals in cold climates. These plants
may produce dime-size pompoms to huge, daisy-like blooms.

Clematis: This flowering vine produces extravagant flowers in mid-summer or late

fall, depending on the variety. Plant clematis in full sun, but keep its roots cool
with mulch or other plants.

Columbine: Columbines grow wild in woodlands throughout the United States, but
their lovely, fragile blooms complement perennial beds, as well. Grow columbines in
partial shade to full sun.

Coneflower: Daisy-like blooms and easy care make coneflower a good choice for any
perennial bed. Black-eyed Susan is a popular variety and may stand 6 inches high to
4 feet high. Purple coneflower produces large purple flowers with iridescent
centers. Coneflower prefers full sun and tolerates drought.

Coral Bells: Delicate red or pink bells dangle above wiry stems. Coral bells are
hardy to zone 3 and grow well in a shade garden. They prefer moist, fertile soil
with good drainage.

Coreopsis: These cheery yellow or orange flowers resemble daisies and grow in
almost any conditions. They are short-lived, but self-sow. Deadhead the flowers to
keep the plant looking tidy.

Cosmos: Cosmos grow easily, producing light airy flowers most of the summer. They
grow as much as 4 feet high and may require staking. Plant them in full sun or part
shade. They prefer slightly dry, infertile soil.

Crocus: This spring-blooming bulb pokes its head up long before other plants
appear. The flowers come in a variety of colors and resemble small, delicate
tulips. Plant crocus in sun or shade. If you have the room, plant them in several
locations to extend bloom time.

Cyclamen: Most people think of the exotic florists’ cyclamen that produce large,
magnolia-like blooms, but alas, they are only hardy to zone 9. If you live in a
northern climate, try hardy cyclamen, hardy to zone 5. The flowers are slightly
smaller, but just as beautiful. Plant cyclamen corms in mid-summer.

Dahlia: Once you’ve mastered spring-blooming bulbs, try your hand at summer-
blooming bulbs, such as dahlias. These flowers are planted in the spring after the
last frost for a summer display of large, multi-petaled blooms. Dig them up and
store them after the first few frosts.
Day Lily: Day lilies are a hardy plant, often found growing along ditches and in
fields, a testament to their low-maintenance style. Plant day lilies in full sun or
partial shade. Divide them every two to three years.

Delphinium: These majestic plants are a bit finicky, but earn their keep in
beautiful spikes of blooms. They prefer cool summers, rich alkaline soil and moist
conditions. Stake tall delphiniums to keep them from toppling.

Foxglove: This old-fashioned plant is a bit hard to grow and may not reliably come
back in cold climates. Plant it in partial shade. Foxglove prefers well-drained,
moist, fertile soil. Foxglove is toxic.

Gas Plant: The gas plant grows slowly, but rewards the patient gardener with pink
or white flower spikes in early spring. This plant prefers full sun to partial
shade. The plants produce a gas on humid summer nights. Lore says the gas can be
ignited by a match.

Gayfeather: These native American wildflowers produce tall stalks of delicate

flowers. Plant them in full sun. Hardy to zone 4.

blazing star gayfeather

photo by Kim Robinson
Geranium: Common geraniums are most often grown as annuals north of zone 7,
although they overwinter well in a sunny, indoor location. The flowers come in a
variety of colors and the plants have a peppery smell. Grow them in full sun.

Gladiolus: Like dahlias, gladiolus are summer-blooming corms. They produce spikes
of colorful blooms. Grow them in a sunny location and dig them up when the first
fall frost arrives.

Globeflower: These perennial flowers grow best in partial shade, producing large
round flowers in shades of yellow or orange.

Grape Hyacinth: These bulbs bloom in spring, producing clusters of tiny blue or
purple flowers that resemble grapes. Plant them in late summer in full sun or part
shade.

Hardy Geranium: These perennial plants are not related to annual geraniums. They
produce five-petaled blooms from late spring well into summer and prefer partial
shade.

Hollyhock: Hollyhocks were the mainstay of the cottage garden for many years. These
biennial plants produce papery flowers in a variety of colors on stalks that may
grow 7 feet high. Plant them in full sun in moist, rich soil.

Honeysuckle: This old-fashioned vine produces white and gold blooms and may be
quite invasive. Plant it in sun or shade and prune them back to control them.

Hosta: Hostas produce white, lavender or pink blooms, but are grown more for their
lush green or variegated foliage. Plant hostas in partial to full shade.

Hyacinth: Hyacinths are spring-blooming bulbs that produce spikes of flowers

suitable for cuttings. Their sweet scent is also welcome in an indoor arrangement.
Plant hyacinth bulbs in early fall.

Hybrid Tea Roses: Hybrid tea roses are among the most common flowers for wedding
bouquets. While they take a bit of pampering to grow, the sturdy blooms make
lovely, long-lasting flower arrangements. Plant tea roses in full sun, in moist,
well-drained soil.

Hydrangea: Think hydrangeas are just for Southern gardeners? Think again. While
mophead hydrangeas are hardy only to zone 6, several other varieties, such as
‘Annabelle’ thrive in cold regions. Give hydrangeas moist, slightly acidic soil.
Learn more.

Impatien: Choose impatiens when you want a quick burst of color in a shady spot.
Impatiens are tender annuals, and usually come in pink, red, white, purple or
salmon. Plant them after the last frost. Learn more.

Iris: Iris grow from tubers and bloom in early-to-mid spring before most perennials
appear. They spread rapidly, requiring division every three to four years.

Jupiter’s Beard: This fast-growing perennial produces bright masses of pink or red
flowers mid-to-late summer. The plant prefers full sun, but isn’t picky about soil.

Kerria: This flowering shrub grows 5 to 7 feet high and produces colorful yellow
flowers in late spring. The plant prefers partial shade and well-drained soil.

Lamium: Lamium produces lovely spikes of pink, purple or white blooms, but it is
more often grown for its variegated leaves. Lamium is a fast-growing ground cover
that thrives in shady conditions.

Lantana: These plants produce lovely clusters of tiny flowers on long, trailing
vines. A perennial, grown as an annual in northern climates, lantana work well
planted en masse, in hanging containers.

Larkspur: Larkspur are an easy-care alternative to fussy delphiniums, producing

tall stalks of airy flowers. Plant these annuals in early spring as soon as the
soil is soft. They thrive in full sun, or part shade. Mulch larkspur to keep the
roots cool. Learn more.

Lavender: Lavender is lovely growing in masses in the perennial bed, but is equally
fine in dried arrangements, wreaths or as fragrant sachets. Spanish or French
varieties are generally hardy only to zone 6. Choose English lavender in cold
regions.

Lilac: Lilac’s unique fragrance and lovely clusters of blooms last for several days
in cut arrangements. Lilac prefers full sun, but tolerates drought and poor soils.

Lily-of-the-Valley: The fragrant, white bell-like flowers of this plant are often
included in wedding bouquets, but it is also used as a ground cover. Plant it in
part to full shade.

Lobelia: The tiny clustered flowers of lobelia look lovely in hanging baskets.
Lobelia are most commonly blue although they may also be white. Give these annual
plants moist, rich soil and partial sun in hot climates.

Loosestrife: Loosestrife produces tall spikes of pink or purple flowers, making

them a good choice for the back of the garden. They provide vertical interest, but
are easier to grow than floxgove or delphinium. They do not require staking. Plant
loosestrife in full or partial shade.

Lupine: Tall spikes of flower clusters look spectacular at the back of a perennial
bed. Most varieties prefer cool, moist conditions. Plant them in sun or light
shade.

Marigold: Marigolds have a distinct, peppery smell that some people find
displeasing. The good news is that insect pests may also avoid the scent. Sow
marigold seeds in flower beds and around the vegetable garden in late spring, after
the last frost.

Mock Orange: Mock orange shrubs bear clusters of fragrant white flowers in mid-
spring to early summer. The shrub grows 3 to 6 feet high and tolerates almost any
soil type. Plant in sun or part shade.

Morning Glory: This annual vine grows quickly, providing instant color on fences,
arbors or mailboxes. The plant is slow to germinate – try soaking the seeds or
nicking them with a file –but produces lovely, round blooms all summer. It self-
sows and may become invasive.

Moon Flower: This relative of the morning glory vine produces fragrant, night-
blooming flowers. Like morning glory, it is an annual north of zone 8.

Narcissus: Whether you call them narcissus, daffodils or jonquils, these spring
blooming bulbs provide bright cheer under deciduous trees, in flower beds or
naturalized in a lawn. Daffodils are most commonly white, yellow, orange or multi-
colored. Deer consider tulips a rare delicacy, but avoid daffodils.

Nasturtium: These tender annuals produce ruffled flowers in a variety of bright

colors and round, variegated foliage. Both the flowers and leaves are edible. Plant
nasturtiums after the last frost in full sun and dry, sandy soil.

Nicotiana: Also known as flowering tobacco, nicotiana has trumpet-shaped flowers

that smell sweet at night. Plant nicotiana in full sun, in well-drained, slightly
alkaline soil.

New Guinea impatien: New Guinea impatiens have glossy, variegated foliage and
larger blooms than regular impatiens. Grow them in partial shade, in moist, cool
conditions.

Oleander: Oleander is an evergreen shrub, hardy only to zone 8 or 9. It produces

lovely, fragrant white or pink flowers. The plant is highly toxic.

Pansy: Technically a perennial, pansies are treated as frost-hardy annuals in cold

climates. Plant them in early spring for some bright color. They are suitable for
annual beds, containers and pots. Pansies don’t tolerate heat.

Passion Flower: These robust, tropical vines produce large, showy flowers and even
fruit. The maypop is hardy to zone 6 or 7; other varieties grow in warm climates
only. Grow passion flower vines in full sun and light, moist soil.

Peony: Old-fashioned peonies thrive in cold climates and don’t tolerate warm
winters, although some new varieties are warm-region adapted. They take several
years to become established and may require staking, but their beautiful, lush
blooms are worth the wait. Peonies are a popular, if fragile, choice for wedding
bouquets.

Petunias: Petunias are frost-tender annuals related to the potato. They come in
many colors and bloom profusely from early summer. Plant petunias in beds or
containers in full sun. Water them regularly during hot weather. Petunias grow
slowly from seed; most gardeners prefer to use nursery transplants.

Pinks: Dianthus, commonly known as ‘pinks,’ resemble carnations and come in a

variety of colors and sizes. Pinks prefer full sun and thrive in slightly alkaline,
well-drained soil.
Poppy: Oriental poppies produce showy flowers in late spring or summer. Plant them
in late summer or fall, in full sun, except in hot climates, where they benefit
from partial shade.

Primrose: Primrose come in a rainbow of hues and may stand 3 inches high to over 2
feet high, depending on the variety. All primroses prefer partial shade, moist soil
and cool conditions. They don’t tolerate hot climates.

Rhododendron: Rhododendron and azaleas are lovely shrubs, with glossy evergreen
leaves and brilliant clusters of blossoms. Unfortunately, they are somewhat picky
about growing conditions. They require moist, acidic soil and wind protection.

Rose of Sharon: This shrub produces papery, exotic looking flowers in late summer.
The shrub has a somewhat columnar growth and is good for hedges. It grows in full
sun or part shade and tolerates most soil types.

Salvia: Salvia spreads quickly, forming clumplike masses with stalks of blue, red
or lavender flowers. While it is treated as an annual, the plant self-sows
prolifically, so you may have volunteers throughout the garden.

Scabiosa: Sometimes called pin cushions, these plants produce lacy blue or white
flowers atop 6 inch stems. Plant a mass of them for the best effect. Scabiosa
prefers full sun and moist, slightly alkaline soil.

Scilla: These cold-hardy bulbs produce delicate bell-shaped flowers in early

spring. The blooms are most often lavender, pink or white. Plant scilla in late
fall in sun or part shade.

Sedum: Sedum produce succulent leaves and thick, padded flowers, often in the fall,
depending on the variety. Plant them in full-sun, in a rock garden or other
infertile place.

Shasta Daisy: Shasta daisies produce white flowers suitable for cut arrangements,
blooming through most of the summer. Plant them in full sun, except in hot climates
where they benefit from some shade.

Shrub Roses: Shrub roses are old-fashioned cousins of hybrid tea roses. Their
blooms are usually less complex, but more fragrant than tea roses. Plant shrub
roses in full sun. They require less maintenance than tea roses, but benefit from
yearly pruning.

Silver Lace Vine: Silver lace vine produces clusters of pink or white blooms in
late summer, when most other vines and perennials are slowing down. It tolerates
poor soil and drought conditions.

Snap Dragon: Snap dragons are perennials grown as half-hardy annuals. They produce
stalks of flowers in a variety of hues and bloom long after most annuals are killed
off by frost. Sow seeds in late spring in full sun.

Snowball bush: This viburnum grows 8 to 12 feet high and produces large, round
clusters of white flowers in mid-to-late spring. Snowball bush isn’t picky about
soil types and tolerates drought.

Snowdrops: Plant these bulbs in late summer for an early spring display. Snowdrops
are usually the first flowers to appear, brightening a dreary landscape with their
white, drooping flowers.

Sweet Pea: Sweet peas are related to garden peas and produce fragrant white, pink
or blue flowers on climbing vines. Plant them in early spring since they prefer
cool temperatures.

Trumpet Vine: This robust, climbing vine produces fragrant trumpet-shaped flowers
that attract butterflies and hummingbirds. Plant it in full sun in slightly dry
conditions. Learn more.

Tulip: A large display of spring-blooming tulips makes a stunning and welcome

statement when most other plants are dormant. Tulips come in a wide variety of
colors and sizes. Plant them in fall, choosing heavy, well-formed bulbs that show
no signs of rot. Learn more.

Vinca: Also known as periwinkle, vinca is a ground cover that produces glossy, dark
green leaves and blue or white flowers in early spring. Grow vinca anywhere you
need a fast-growing ground cover. The plant tolerates dry, poor soils and shade.

Wisteria: Wisteria is not for the faint-hearted. These exotic, long-lived vines
require a strong support (never a tree) and may become invasive in warm climates.
Their violet, white or pink clusters of blooms bloom unpredictably and are easily
killed by cold.

Yarrow: Yarrow produce clusters of yellow, white, salmon, pink or red flowers atop
long stems. Their airy, grayish green foliage is attractive, as well. Yarrow spread
quickly and tolerate drought and poor soils.

The choices may seem limitless, but for great results, choose plants adapted to
your area that require little care. Combine shrubs with perennials, bulbs and
annuals for a pleasing landscape theme.