The Best Perennials for Area Gardens by Les Parks

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The Best Perennials for Area Gardens
(listed by bloom time, January through December)

Qualifications

must be well adapted to our climate and able to:
- withstand our summer heat and humidity
- survive our winter temperatures, as well as potentially winter-wet soil
- tolerate the occasional drought, or flood
must not be especially prone to diseases or insects
must not be invasive (“vigorous” is OK)
must be easy to grow, low maintenance, and have good success for most gardeners
should either have a long bloom time (or be spectacular when it does bloom), have attractive foliage, or have multi-season interest

The Plants

Helleborus species and hybrids – Hellebore

many different species, most of which are Eurasian in origin; my favorite is orientalis (Lenten Rose) and its hybrids.
many different color choices; blooms in winter; evergreen foliage
prefers partial to near full shade in any soil but wet soil
12-15” tall and wide; resistant to deer, insects, disease, and drought
foetidus (Reeking or Bear’s Foot Hellebore) is a great naturalizer; many exciting new hybrids are available as well

Veronica umbrosa ‘Georgia Blue’ – Georgia Blue Speedwell

native to the Republic of Georgia; pure blue flowers in late winter; evergreen foliage reddens in winter
1” tall; spreading groundcover
full sun in moist well-drained soil; deer and rabbit resistant

Sedum rupestre ‘Angelina’ – Angelina Stonecrop

there are many, many sedums available to the gardening public; most are non-native; there are upright and spreading varieties; evergreen or deciduous; if I had to pick one it would be ‘Angelina’
evergreen foliage is bright yellow/lime green in summer and turns orangey gold in the late fall and winter
3-4” tall with a spreading habit
full sun in well-drained soil; drought tolerant; mammal resistant

Epimedium species and hybrids – Barrenwort

this is a large group of garden-worthy Asian plants that have several things in common; delicate and unusual early spring flowers, groundcover-like attractive foliage, and the ability to tolerate dry shade
low growing to 6-12” tall depending on variety with a spreading habit
part to full shade in moist well-drained soil; drought tolerant

Phlox subulata – Creeping Phlox, Moss Pink

Virginia native; early spring blooms are pink, white, red, or blue; evergreen foliage
2-6” tall, low mat forming groundcover or edger
full sun in well-drained soil; drought tolerant

Iris germanica and hybrids – Bearded Iris

probably the most popular of irises, and with the widest variety of cultivars available; typically spring blooming, but there are several the reliably re-bloom in fall; although bloom time is not long, attractive foliage is an asset
size varies by selection
full sun in normal well-drained to dry soil; deer resistant

Iris x louisiana – Louisiana Iris

a hybrid group developed from several U.S. natives; very showy flowers in multiple colors; blooms in spring
prefers consistently moist to wet soils in full sun; summer dormant foliage is more attractive in wet soils; not drought tolerant; deer resistant

Iris siberica – Siberian Iris

spring blooming Eurasian iris; multiple colors available
very attractive grass-like foliage lends landscape interest through fall
full sun in well-drained soil; keep moist during establishment phase, thereafter drought tolerant; deer resistant

Polygonatum odoratum ‘Variegatum’ – Variegated Solomon’s Seal

Asian native; grown primarily for its fantastic green and white foliage; small white flowers in spring
18-24” tall; spreads moderately; long-lived
full to partial shade in moist well-drained soil

Baptisia australis and hybrids – False Indigo

this member of the legume family is one of our toughest native perennials, and as an old boss of mine frequently said “a no-brainer”
large clusters of pea-like flowers rise above attractive blue-green foliage in May; flower colors are typically in the blue to purple range, but yellow, white, pink, and burgundy selections are available; attractive to butterflies and hummingbirds; handsome charcoal gray seed pods
full sun in soil with good drainage, drought resistant, mammal resistant, resents being moved
grows slowly to 3’ tall and wide
numerous cultivars available

Bletilla striata – Chinese Ground Orchid

terrestrial orchid with exotic pink flowers in spring; several cultivars available, some with other flower colors; attractive pleated sword-like foliage
prefers light shade in moist well-drained soil, too much shade and flowers will be sparse
5’ tall by slightly less in width; slow; if happy it will naturalize

Amorphophallus konjac – Konjac Voodoo Lily

this is one to make the neighbors talk
on established plants the flower stalk emerges in late April/early May before the foliage, and can reach 3-4’ tall; a spikey dark burgundy and ivory spadix is surrounded by dark burgundy spathe; this plant is pollinated by flies, and to lure them in, the whole thing smells (and looks like) rotting meat
the flower only lasts a couple of weeks, then collapses and disappears; 1-2 months later the non-fragrant foliage appears and will last until early fall, reaching 2-2.5’; lends an exotic look to the garden, and the stalk is a variegated fleshy pink and green
the corm from which this grows is used in weight loss products and the plant has a long medicinal history in its native Asia
prefers light shade with even moisture, but can take the occasional drought

Kniphofia species and hybrids – Red Hot Poker

native to South Africa; dramatic poker-like flower stalks, usually has flowers in the orange, red, and yellow ranges; older varieties bloom in mid-spring to early summer; several new varieties rebloom throughout the summer (Eco and Popsicle series); attracts hummingbirds; attractive grass-like foliage
can get up to 4-5’ tall, but dwarf selections are available
full sun in well-drained soil; drought tolerant once established
seek out sarmentosa for unusual late fall flowers

Begonia grandis – Hardy Begonia

this Asian native has attractive foliage reminiscent of angel or dragon wing begonias, only this species is hardy in Tidewater
pink flowers bloom from early summer until fall
18-24” tall and wide
prefers partial shade in moist well drained soil; if happy, naturalizes by bulblets

Stokesia laevis – Stokes’ Aster

southeastern native; showy pale blue flowers in late spring to early summer; other colors available; attracts butterflies; semi-evergreen foliage
grows 1-2 tall and wide
full sun in moist well-drained soil; drought tolerant; not tolerant of winter wet; rabbit resistant
two good cultivars are ‘Peachies’s Pick’ and ‘Colorwheel’

Delosperma cooperi – Ice Plant

this South African native has attractive, fleshy, succulent foliage and brilliant fuchsia-purple flowers; blooms off and on early summer to early fall; attractive to butterflies
only grows 2-4” tall by 2’ wide, like a throw rug
full sun in dry well-drained soil; very drought tolerant; deer resistant
many ice plants are on the market, but I have found this to be the most reliable bloomer

Hemerocallis – Daylily

what’s not to love
numerous colors; easy to grow; divides easily
full to partial sun; adaptable to adverse conditions, but responds well to TLC
size varies by cultivar

Coreopsis verticillata ‘Zagreb’ – Zagreb Coreopsis/Tickseed

probably the best cultivar of a Virginia native; blooms in early summer through early fall with bright yellow daisy-like flowers; better if kept deadheaded or shear after first flowering; attracts butterflies; attractive fern-like foliage
12-18” tall and wide
prefers full to partial sun in well-drained soil; somewhat drought tolerant
there are numerous Coreopsis cultivars, but not all of them are long-lived; ‘Zagreb’ was in the top, but ‘Summer Sunshine’ was the best from the Mt. Cuba trials

Leucanthemum × superbum ‘Becky’ – Becky Daisy

of all the daisies available this is probably the best; large white flowers surround golden centers; blooms early summer to fall, especially if deadheaded; attracts butterflies
at 3-4’ tall it is one of the larger daisies, but does not need staking
full to part sun in well-drained soil; drought tolerant once established; deer and rabbit resistant

Salvia guaranitica ‘Black and Blue’ – Black and Blue Anise-scented Sage

South American native with deep blue flowers and black calyces; blooms from June to frost; attractive to bees and hummingbirds
grows 2-5’ tall and wide with a spreading habit
full to partial sun in moist well-drained soil; drought tolerant once established; deer resistant

Salvia uliginosa – Bog Sage

South American native with bright, sky-blue and white flowers; blooms June through fall; attractive to bees, butterflies, hummingbirds
can get 4-5’ tall and wide with a spreading wispy habit
does best in light shade, but can tolerate sun with adequate moisture; prefers evenly moist soil, but can take wet or dry as well

Eucomis species and hybrids – Pineapple Lily

native to South Africa, these plants have found their way into local gardens
they get their common name from the flower, which does indeed resemble a pineapple; blooms in summer
strap-like foliage is just as attractive as the flowers; several selections have striking red to burgundy coloration
full sun to light shade in moist well drained soil
size varies by cultivar, but can be anywhere from 12-30” tall and wide

Zephyranthes species and hybrids – Rain Lily

multiple species native to the warmer parts of North and South America; lily-like flowers are typically in the white, pink, or yellow range; blooms from June to September, especially after periods of rain; attracts butterflies; grass-like foliage
6-12” tall depending on selection
full to partial sun; spreads easily by bulbs

Echinacea purpurea – Purple Coneflower

common North American native; despite its name the flowers are typically pink with a prominent central cone; attractive to butterflies
blooms from June until early fall, more so if deadheaded, but leaving spent blossoms provides food for birds, and will help it naturalize
species can grow 2-4’ tall, but size varies among cultivars
prefers full to part sun in well-drained soil; drought tolerant, and deer resistant
seems to be a never ending conveyor belt of new cultivars, but I have found the straight species, ‘Magnus’, ‘Kim’s Knee High’, and ‘White Swan’ to be the most reliable

Crinum hybrids – Crinum Lily

a long-lived Southern favorite with handsome strap-like foliage; gorgeous fragrant flowers bloom off and on through the summer; remove spent flower stalk to encourage rebloom; flowers can be white, pink, red, or combinations; native to tropics and subtropics worldwide; check zone prior to purchase
large underground bulbs
full sun to partial shade, tolerant of a wide range of soil types
size varies by selection, and there are many species and hybrids to choose from

Rudbeckia fulgida var. sullivantii ‘Goldsturm’ –

Goldsturm Black-eyed Susan

Rudbeckia is one of North America’s most prolific wildflowers; several species native to Virginia; ‘Goldstrum’ is one of the best cultivars for both home and commercial landscapes
blooms all summer with golden yellow flowers and black eyes; attractive to butterflies; deadheading promotes more blooms, but the seedheads are a source of food for birds
full sun in well-drained soil; drought tolerant once established; deer resistant; easy to grow, and can spread vigorously

Rudbeckia maxima – Large Coneflower, Cabbage Leaf Coneflower

very tall golden yellow flowers with dark brown cones on 5-7’ stalks; blooms in early to mid-summer; attracts butterflies; very attractive blue-green basal foliage, 2-3’ tall and wide
prefers full sun in moist soil, but can be drought tolerant once established; deer and rabbit resistant
other worthy species include lacinata, R. nitida, R. triloba (reseeding biennial)

Lantana camara ‘Miss Huff’ – Miss Huff Lantana

one of my favorite perennials; native to the tropics, but this is the most reliable and the easiest to find of all the purportedly hardy lantanas
covered in orange/yellow flowers from June until mid-fall; attracts butterflies
grows large at 4-5’ tall and wide, or more
full sun in well-drained soil; drought tolerant
montevidensis has been hardy at NBG for years; purple flowers with low spreading habit

Phlox paniculata – Garden Phlox

Virginia native; several color selections; blooms mid-summer into fall; attractive to butterflies and hummingbirds
grows 2-4’ tall, but smaller selections are available
full to partial sun in moist well drained soil; not drought tolerant; needs good air circulation
only plant mildew resistant varieties such as ‘Blue Paradise’, ‘David’, ‘Robert Poore’, ‘Shortwood’, and several others

Chelone lyonii – Turtlehead

Virginia native with pink flowers blooming summer into fall
prefers partial shade in moist to wet soil
5-2’ tall by slightly less in width, can spread if happy
‘Hot Lips’ is the most commonly available cultivar; glabra is a white flowering species

Musa basjoo – Hardy Fiber Banana

Chinese native grown primarily for its foliage which lends a tropical look to the garden; rarely flowers and no fruits in this climate; the hardiest banana, no winter protection needed
can get reach 10’ tall or more
full sun to partial shade; does best in consistently moist soil

Tradescantia pallida ‘Purpurea’ – Purple Heart

surprisingly hardy Mexican native is often sold as an annual; grown primarily for its handsome purple foliage; pale pink flowers in late summer-fall
8-10” tall by 1.5-2’ wide with a groundcover-like habit
full to partial sun in moist well-drained soil; moderately drought tolerant

Agastache ‘Blue Fortune’ – Blue Fortune Anise Hyssop

many different Agastache species, but this hybrid between a U.S. and a Korean species is one of the best
4” lavender-blue, bottlebrush flowers bloom for several months beginning in early July on top of 3’ tall stems
aromatic foliage and flowers have a pleasant licorice scent
extremely attractive to butterflies, bees, and other pollinators, but not to mammals, including deer
2-3’ tall by 1.5-2’ wide
full sun, drought tolerant, will not tolerate poorly drained soil

Ruellia brittoniana – Mexican Petunia

numerous purple flowers mid-summer to fall; attractive dark foliage has a blue cast when grown in full sun
grows 3-4’ tall; skinny but easily forms large colonies; may need to be kept in check; invasive in Florida
full sun to light shade; thrives in moist to wet soil, but is drought tolerant as well

Tulbaghia violacea – Society Garlic

South African native that gets it common name from the pungent garlic-like fragrance of its foliage; flower stalks rise above foliage and hold clusters of small lilac colored blossoms; blooms mid-summer to early fall
1-2 tall; spreads by tuberous roots
full to partial sun in moist well drained soil; drought tolerant; deer and rabbit resistant

Pycnanthemum muticum – Short-toothed Mountain Mint

Virginia native with pale pink flower clusters July – September; attractive silver foliage; a pollinator magnet.
Grows 1-3’ tall with a vigorous spreading habit; may need to be managed unless you want it to naturalize
full sun to part shade in moist well-drained soil; drought tolerant;

Hibiscus moscheutos and hybrids – Hardy Hibiscus

moscheutos is a Va. native, and the other species used in hybridization are U.S. natives
enormous blooms, mid to late summer, can be red, white, pink, or combinations; attractive to butterflies; some newer varieties have attractive burgundy colored foliage
size varies by species and cultivar, but many are large, some are compact
full sun in medium to wet soils; not drought tolerant; some localized insect issues

Lobelia cardinalis – Cardinal Flower

one of Virginia’s prettiest native perennials with bright red flowers in mid to late summer; attracts hummingbirds and butterflies
2-4’ tall with an upright habit
full to partial sun in consistently moist soil; plants in more sun need more water; not drought tolerant; not long-lived but reseeds

Eutrochium species – Joe Pye Weed

these tall, robust, Virginia natives have huge mauve flowerheads that are an important food source for butterflies and other pollinators; blooms in late summer
fistulosum and E. purpureum both grow very tall at 5-7’, while E. dubium and several dwarf cultivars are smaller at 3-4’
prefers full sun to part shade in moist to wet soils; spreads quickly and shouldn’t be ignored

Kalimeris pinnatifida – Japanese Aster

profuse billowy clouds of chrysanthemum-like flowers; double white blooms with pale yellow centers bloom July to September; attracts butterflies; not really an aster
grows 2-3’ with a slow spreading habit
full to partial sun in moist well-drained soil; easy perennial for beginners

Hedychium species – Hardy Ginger

native to tropical Asia, the most commonly available species of this plant is coronarium, or butterfly ginger; it has intensely fragrant white flowers in late summer; other varieties offer different colors, usually in the yellow to orange range with equal to no fragrance depending on the selection; all have attractive tropical foliage, and some can produce attractive seed pods
prefers full to part sun in moist soil
typically a large plant reaching 4-6’ tall depending on variety, can get wide too

Ceratostigma plumbaginoides – Hardy Plumbago, Blue Leadwort

this Asian native is a low groundcover-like plant that can be used at the front of beds or under shrubs
true-blue flowers bloom in late summer; attractive foliage with new growth emerging bronze-red, entire plant reddens in fall, semi-evergreen
8-12” tall and spreading in full to partial sun
if you would like something taller willmottianum also does well in area gardens

Lycoris radiata – Spider Lily, Hurricane Lily

2’ tall naked flower stalks emerge from the ground in late summer; unusual bright red flowers; native to Japan
strap-like foliage emerges in the fall and persists through winter into spring when it goes dormant
does best in light shade in moist well drained soil; frequently forms colonies
other Lycoris species offer different colored flowers

Solidago species – Goldenrod

many U.S. and Virginia native species; golden yellow flowers in late summer to early fall; very pollinator friendly
size varies by selection, but most are in the 2-3’ range
full to partial sun; most are very drought tolerant, but there are species that tolerate wet soils too; look for cultivars that form clumps if you do not want a spreader

Anemone x hybrida – Japanese Anemone

late summer/early fall pink or white flowers are held on tall stems
does best in light or bright shade, evenly moist, rich soil
grows 2-3’ tall or more and spreads easily if happy
several good cultivars available including ‘Honerine Jobert’, the 2016 Perennial Plant of the Year as chosen by the Perennial Plant Association (PPA)

Tricyrtis hirta – Japanese Toad Lily

unusually orchid-like fall blooms; white with pink to purple spots
2-2.5’ tall and wide
partial to full shade in moist well drained soil; tolerant of occasional drought

Chrysanthemum hybrids – Hardy Chrysanthemum

this is a large group of plants that differ from “florists mums” commonly available in the fall; they are hardier and need no special care to bloom; attractive to butterflies
sizes vary by selection, but all prefer full sun in soil with good drainage; forgiving; deer resistant
many cultivars available with the most common being ‘Sheffield Pink’, but ‘Cambodian Queen’, ‘Ryan’s Pink’, and ‘Bolero’ are very nice as well

Farfugium japonicum – Leopard Plant

an Asian native grown more for its mostly evergreen foliage than for its bright yellow, fall-blooming flowers
the foliage is striking and glossy with the most common variety spotted with yellow (hence the leopard), but others are variegated with white, or have unusually large, or crinkled foliage
prefers partial to full shade in moist well drained soil
1-2’ tall depending on cultivar

Amsonia hubrichtii – Arkansas Blue Star

rare in its native Arkansas, but thankfully found at nurseries; it is one of my favorite perennials
primarily grown for its fine fern-like foliage which adds great texture to the garden and turns a spectacular golden yellow in the fall
pale, skim milk blue flowers in spring
3’ tall and wide, but I’ve seen it larger
full sun is best, but will tolerate light shade; tolerant of a wide range of soils including dry soil; deer resistant

Iris unguicularis – Algerian Iris

native to North Africa; pale blue flowers blooms sporadically beginning in November and continue with no particular schedule until March; attractive evergreen foliage
full sun in well-drained soil; very drought and heat tolerant

Ajania pacifica – Silver and Gold Chrysanthemum

in my garden this Japanese perennial is the last to bloom before winter hits, usually it peaks in late November into early December with golden yellow button-like flowers
beautiful foliage is edged in silver, makes a great groundcover, persists well into winter
6-8” tall, spreads vigorously
full sun, good drainage, drought tolerant

Arum italicum – Italian Arum

this plant is grown primarily for its foliage which emerges in fall, persisting through the winter and into mid-spring, after which it goes dormant; arrowhead glossy dark green leaves are mottled with pale green to white; very handsome
white spathe and spadix flowers appear in late spring; attractive orange fruits ripen in late summer
part to full shade, not fussy about soil
grows 12-15” tall; especially toxic; deer resistant
can be vigorous and has been reported as invasive in other areas, but not on the DCR list; buyer beware!

Les Parks
Norfolk Botanical Garden
6700 Azalea Garden Rd.
Norfolk, Virginia 23518
757.441.5830 ext. 452
les.parks@nbgs.org