Spring has sprung in the region and with planting season right around the corner you may be considering what plants and flowers you’ll be adding to your garden this year. If you’re a novice gardener like myself, perennials are a smart investment. You won’t need to spend too much time planting and seeding, and they tend to live between 3 – 5 years. While perennials don’t bloom all year long, your goal should be to purchase a variety that will bloom at different periods, this will ensure your garden always looks lush and vibrant.
Here are some beauties that add colour and depth but require little to minimal effort.
1. Stella De Oro Day Lilies
Stella de Oro’ is a compact plant (9 to 12 inches tall) known for its exceptionally long bloom period (May through July), although individual blooms last for only one day. ‘Stella de Oro’ needs little care, but it can be divided whenever wanted to propagate new plants. A related cultivar, ‘Black-Eyed Stella’, is similar in colour but is slightly taller with a burgundy center in the blooms.
• Colour Varieties: Yellow, gold, bi-colours
• Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
• Soil Needs: Medium-moisture, well-drained soil
• Bloom Period: May – July
2. English Lavender
Oh, Lavender so classy, so elegant! Growing 2 – 3 feet in height Lavender adds a nice touch to your garden and even if you aren’t planning to dry it and use it for its plethora of alternative uses later, Lavender will continue to look gorgeous in your garden for a long time.
• Colour Varieties: Purple and blue
• Sun Exposure: Full sun
• Soil Needs: Dry to medium-moisture, well-drained soil; moist soil may cause root rot
• Bloom Period: June – August
3. Black Eyed Susans
Black-Eyed Susans are a classic, while some may dismiss them, these low maintenance flowers are super easy to grow and add a nice pop of color. Black-Eyed Susans are drought resistant and tend to thrive so take note, as these can potentially overtake an area if you’re not careful.
• Colour Varieties: Most found in yellow, orange and occasionally red
• Sun Exposure: Full sun
• Soil Needs: Dry to medium-moisture, well-drained soil
• Bloom Period: June – September
4. Dalmatian Bellflowers
This is a low, mat-forming plant that is great for edging, and ground cover, or for trailing over walls. Under ideal conditions, Dalmatian Bellflowers can spread readily, but it is not too hard to control. Divide plants every three to four years to keep clumps vigorous.
• Colour Varieties: Purple and blue
• Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
• Soil Needs: Medium-moisture, well-drained soil
• Bloom Period: July to September
5. Blue False Indigo
This gorgeous low-maintenance perennial is drought-resistant and can even tolerate less-than-ideal soils. However, with its wide-spreading roots you will need to be mindful of where you plant it, as it can take over a garden quickly.
Its soft and delicate blooms, and light green stems give them height and a showy quality. They will be one of the easiest plants in your garden to grow and care for.
• Colour Varieties: Purples and Yellows
• Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
• Soil Needs: Medium-moisture, well-drained soil
• Bloom Period: June – August
6. Bleeding Hearts
The heart-shaped and closed petals that dangle from its arched stems, make these a gorgeous accent to your garden. They also really make it look like you know what you’re doing.
Bleeding Hearts will bloom through spring to early summer, but don’t worry their stems remain a punchy green throughout the summer months.
Note: you’re going to want to put this somewhere,
it will be protected from heavy wind.
• Color Varieties: Pink, red and white
• Sun Exposure: Prefers shade
• Soil Needs: Moist, well-drained soil
• Bloom Period: May – July
7. Hostas
A personal favorite, if you crave mounds of heart-shaped foliage for your garden or container, then Hostas, with their lily-like blooms, are an excellent choice!
This drought-tolerant ground cover is a perfect garden filler and is an excellent way to add texture and depth to your garden.
Combine Hostas with other shade perennials, for striking contrast and a lush, full garden!
• Color Varieties: Blue, green, gold, white and even red!
• Sun Exposure: Prefers morning sun and afternoon shade
• Soil Needs: Moist and nutrient rich, well-drained soil
• Bloom Period: June – August
