Annuals are nice, but perennials form the basis for most flower gardens. These plants are long-lived and often tolerate drought, poor soil and fail. Unlike annuals, that have a lengthy bloom-time, most perennials only bloom for a few weeks each year. Bloom times vary, depending upon your climate and even the growing conditions in your yard. Perennials planted in a sunny, sheltered location close to the home bloom earlier than those in an exposed region. Plant a couple of distinct varieties to ensure a vibrant display throughout the summer.
Perennials for Sunny Locations
For a sunny, warm flower bed, then strive flowers with daisy-like petals, such as golden marguerite (Anthemis tinctoria), a cultivar that reaches 3 feet high. Additional summer-flowering perennials for your sunny garden comprise coneflower (Echinacea), blanket flower (Gaillardia x grandiflora) and Gloriosa daisy (Rudbeckia hirta). Depending on the number, day lilies (Hemerocallis) bloom from early June to July. Catmint (Nepata x faassenii), also a low-maintenance plant that tolerates poor soils and droughts, spreads rapidly and produces purple spikes of flowers from June through July. Shear the plant back for a late summer show. The above mentioned summer-blooming perennials are hardy in USDA plant hardiness zones 4 through 9.
Perennials for Shade
Most shade-loving perennials are native to woodland areas and bloom in spring. A few have after bloom times. Another option in mild climates would be to plant perennials that prefer full sun, but tolerate partial shade. These plants normally have later and longer bloom periods. Strive balloon flower (Platycoden grandiflorus), astilbe (Astilbe x arendsii), scabiosa (Scabiosa caucasica) or delphinium (Delphinium), all hardy in zones 4 through 8 or 9, depending on the variety. Most bellflowers (Campanula) bloom in spring, but a few low-lying varieties bloom all summer. Try “C. carpatica” or “Olympica,” hardy in zones 4 through 9.
Herbs
Herbs are generally developed for their culinary value, but they also create a beautiful floral accession to the lawn. Most herbs have small, fragrant flowersthat attract bees and other beneficial insects. When the plants move to blossom, the leaves become bitter; pinch them back to extend their culinary life, or like their attractiveness. A couple summer-blooming herbs to strive include rosemary (Rosemarinus officinalis) or sage (Salvia officinalis), hardy in zones 8 through 10. Try French lavender (Lavandula stoechas), that is hardy in zones 9 and 10.
Roses
Roses (Rosa) are perennials, even though they’re typically classified separately. These plants thrive in full sun and moist, rich soil. Hybrid tea roses bloom just about all summer long in the event that you deadhead the plants, while shrub roses bloom in early summer. Grow disease resistant varieties, such as “Crimson Bouquet” (Rosa “Korbeteilich”) or “Honey Perfume” (Rosa “FRYxotic”). Both are hardy in zones 7 through 9.