The use of perennials is a great way to easily keep spring planting work to a minimum. Every year I look forward to my perennials emerging from underground to see what my garden will look like this year. I have five favorite plants that have sparked many conversations when my friends and neighbors stop by for a visit.
1. Crazy Daisy — These flowers are frilly, and look beautifully soft. They were originally bred in Germany and are based on the coloring of a Shasta Daisy, growing large, white flowers whose petals are feathery looking. They bloom for several weeks during the summer, and grow about 26 inches tall. They are resistant to deer, and prefer full sun to partial shade.
2. Songbird Columbine (see photo) — I grew these originally from seed, but many sites offer plants for purchase as well. These are long-lasting, pastel flowers in various colors. They bloom from late spring to early summer. Many times I have sat on the front porch watching the hummingbirds come up to them to feed. These are also one of my favorite plants to photograph because they look so elegant. They are hardy, and grow in sun to partial shade. They grow approximately 30 to 40 inches tall. Better yet, deer tend to avoid eating these plants.
3. Various Coneflowers — Otherwise known as Echinacea, I incorporate some hybrid varieties such as “Sundown Coneflower” and “Sunrise Coneflower.” Not only did I find the names unique, but their names are indicative of their associated coloring. The Sundown Coneflower has rich orange flowers, reminding me of a sunset. The cone center also contains a hint of orange that grows to a deep brown as it ages. The Sunrise Coneflower displays soft yellow petals as its green cone gradually turns golden. These bloom from early to late summer and grow about 34 inches tall. They are deer resistant and prefer sun to partial shady areas of the garden.
4. Red Coral Bells (also in photo) — I grew up calling these “Ruby Bells. I love their delicate look and how they also attract hummingbirds. They add beauty in flower arrangements as well. They have miniature, bell-shaped blooms, growing in spikes about 17 inches tall. The flowers rise above soft green foliage that is about a foot wide. These plants are deer resistant, grow in zones 3 – 8, and enjoy partial shade to full shade.
5. Gay Butterflies Butterfly Plant — These plants grow tiny bursts of blossoms in shades of pink, orange, red, or yellow, attracting butterflies to my garden. They are easy to grow, and look beautiful in cut flower arrangements as well as in your garden. They are very bright and colorful, and grow about two feet tall and wide, like a little bush. They like to grow in full sun, preferably in zones 4 -9. Deer tend to avoid these plants.
Overall, I have found all of these plants to be long lasting and wonderful to photograph. I love reading a book or relaxing near the garden and watching the hummingbirds and butterflies feast. Since these are perennials, they take very little care from year to year and multiply on their own. I live in Southern Michigan, and have had these flowers return year after year.
