want to see wings? here’s 25 perennials sure to … and hummingbirds. these pollinators will give...

WANT TO SEE WINGS? HERE’S 25 PERENNIALS SURE TO DRAW BEES, BUTTERFLIES, AND HUMMINGBIRDS TO YOUR GARDEN

WANT TO SEE WINGS? HERE’S 25 PERENNIALS SURE TO DRAW BEES, BUTTERFLIES, AND

One of the easiest signs of a healthy garden is the appearance of bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. These Pollinators will give your garden a

lively feel and showcase your growing talents.

Look for these symbols to tell you which pollinators these perennials will attract!

Walters Gardens, Inc. Proud Supplier of Proven Winners® Perennials

P.O. Box 137 • Zeeland, MI. 49464 Phone: 888-925-8377 • Fax: 800-752-1879

Email: [email protected]

One of the easiest signs of a healthy garden is the appearance of bees,




Achillea (YARROW)

Yarrow is one of the easiest perennials to grow and is a good choice for beginners. All it needs is full sun and well-drained soil. It thrives in average to poor soil and is drought tolerant once established. Plants grown in rich soil tend to be tall and floppy. After the flowers have faded, cut the plant back by half. This will likely stimulate a second flush of blooms in late summer. Do not let plants go to seed. Most varieties do not come true from seed. Divide every few years to keep plants to a manageable size.




Agastache (ANISE HYSSOP)

This is a great plant for hot, dry, sunny climates. Well-drained soil is a must, especially in the winter. This plant will not tolerate heavy clay soil but grows well in average to light soil with low to medium moisture levels. In the sandy soil of our zone 5b trial garden, this variety has overwintered with flying colors for the past two years. Even so, it's officially listed as a zone 6 perennial so some winter protection might be required in your zone. No serious pest or disease problems have been reported with this plant.




Alstroemeria (PERUVIAN LILY)

Alstromeria prefers to be grown in evenly moist, well-drained, rich humus, but it will tolerate drier soils. Choose a sheltered site in either full sun or partial shade, preferably at the base of a south or west-facing wall. Don't worry if it comes up later in spring than your other perennials. This is normal for Alstroemeria. It grows quickly once it emerges to make up for its late start.




Asclepias (BUTTERFLY WEED)

Once established, Butterfly Weed is drought-tolerant and requires little care. Though it is perfectly cold-hardy in the north, mulching plants in winter will help prevent frost-heaving. In spring, trim back last year's growth and await the beautiful new foliage which will appear quite a bit later than other perennials. It's a good idea to grow this perennial from seed; division, though seldomly needed, is difficult because of the plant's long tap root.




Aster (ASTER)

Asters perform best in rich, evenly moist soil and full sun. Give them lots of room to grow; good air circulation will help to prevent powdery mildew. To maintain their health and vigor, divide plants every couple of years in the spring.




Baptisia (FALSE INDIGO)

Baptisia grows best in full sun, though it tolerates light shade. If grown in too much shade, plants may require staking. Baptisia is easily grown in poor to average soil that is well-drained. Once established, it is moderately drought tolerant because of its tough, deep taproot. This perennial native may take a couple of seasons to become established, but is very long-lived once mature. Avoid disturbing established clumps.




Budddleia (BUTTERFLY BUSH)

Buddleias should be planted in a full sun location with fertile, moist, well-drained soil. Studies have shown that adding lime to the soil will result in increased growth and better floral quality. They are also moderately drought tolerant once established.




Delphinium (DELPHINIUM)

Delphiniums thrive in the cooler climates of the north country, though they will grow as far south as zone 7. They grow best in rich, well-drained soil with a basic pH. If your soil is naturally acidic, adding lime will help to provide these conditions. They are also heavy feeders. The addition of compost or manure to the soil as well the use of granular fertilizer will result in healthier, stronger plants.




Digitalis (FOXGLOVE)

Foxglove prefers acidic, moist, well-drained soil that is enriched with humus. Keeping this plant watered will result in better flowering and healthier foliage. In most climates, partial shade is best, though it will grow in full sun in northern regions.




Echinacea (CONEFLOWER)

Coneflowers like it sunny and hot. Though they will tolerate light shade, fewer flowers will be produced and the plants will be weakened. Light, loamy soils are best but coneflowers will grow in any well-drained soil. Once established, they are quite drought tolerant. If properly cared for, they will form attractive colonies and will live for many years.




Gaillardia (BLANKET FLOWER)

Gaillardia requires full sun and well-drained soil in order to prosper. Given too much shade, the plants tend to flop over. Though they will perform best in moist soils, they are highly drought tolerant. Do not enrich the soil with compost or other rich ingrediants when planting this perennial. It does best in poor, loose soils and does not tolerate heavy clay.




Hemerocallis (DAYLILY)

Daylilies are some of the easiest perennials to grow and are a good choice for any gardener, from the beginner to the professional. These are tough, adaptable plants that will grow in any soil, from normal to slightly wet to dry. Older varieties are able to bloom if planted in partial shade, but most of the newer introductions need full sun for best performance. Likewise, older varieties tend to spread more rapidly than the newer hybrids.




Kniphofia (RED HOT POKER)

Kniphofia is a sun lover that likes it hot and dry, though a good supply of water is appreciated when blooming. It can be grown in any well-drained soil.

Kniphofia is evergreen in mild regions and herbaceous in cooler zones. In both areas, it will benefit by having its leaf tips trimmed in the spring to stimulate healthy, new growth. In zones 4-6, the foliage can be tied up over the crown of the plant in the fall to exclude water from settling there and freezing, which would be deadly.




Lagerstroemia (CRAPEMYRTLE)

Crapemyrtles have long been a popular flowering shrub in the south and are making their way northward. A long flowering, shrub-like perennial, Crapemyrtles fit into even the most eclectic of gardens. Fond of fertile soil and full sun, these plants do not require large amounts of water.




Lavandula (LAVENDER)

Lavender must be grown in full sun to be able to produce flowers, so do not hesitate to plant them in those hot, dry areas where nothing else seems to grow. They will actually grow better in poor, gravelly soil than in rich humus; don't be tempted to enrich the soil when you plant it. Sharp drainage, especially in winter, is essential for preventing crown rot. Other than that, Lavender is known to have few problems with pests and diseases. Shearing back the evergreen foliage in early spring will rejuvenate plants and stimulate new growth.




Leucanthemum (SHASTA DAISY)

Leucanthemums require full sun and well-drained soil to be at their best. Winter drainage is especially important; planting in raised beds will help to provide these conditions. Shastasmake good perennials for Southern gardens, though partial shade is recommended in the warmest zones.




Lobelia (CARDINAL FLOWER)

The perfect plant for damp locations such as near ponds or low-lying areas, Lobelia will easily adapt to 'wet feet' but can also tolerate well-drained soils. If enough moisture is available, it will thrive in the sun. In drier soils, it should be planted in part shade. It's a good idea to cut this plant back in the spring instead of the fall, since the foliage will help protect the root zone in the winter. Mulch is also recommended.




Lupinus (LUPINE)

Grow Lupines in full sun or light shade. They require rich organic soil with slight acidity and good drainage. They thrive in cool climates, and find it difficult to survive in areas with extremely hot summers. Applying mulch around the root zone will help to keep the roots cool and will protect them over the winter. Deadheading spent flowers will prolong the bloom time, as well as rejuvenate the plants in cool areas. These plants tend to attract aphids, but this can be avoided by cutting them back periodically, or spraying for the pests before they become a problem.




Monarda (BEE BALM)

Monarda can be found naturally along riverbanks and enjoys this rich, organic, moist soil. However, it will grow in average soil as well. Full sun is best, but light shade is tolerated. Plants tend to spread more quickly in the shade, however.

Most monardas multiply rapidly either by underground stems or self-sowing. Deadheading spent blooms will prolong the bloom time.




Nepeta (Catmint)

Nepetas are easy to grow perennials that provide a beautiful show of color all summer long. They prefer to be planted in full sun and ordinary, well-drained soil. Shearing the plant back in the springtime will promote more compact growth. In addition, cutting plants back by half after their first bloom tends to stimulate a second bloom cycle.




Papaver (POPPY)

Poppies are popular and undemanding plants that have been grown for generations. When in bloom, they are the stars of the flower border, oozing vivid colors of every shade except blue. They will perform best in rich, well-drained soils in full sun.

Poppies are prized cut flowers. They should be cut just when buds start to break and their ends should be seared to prevent sap leakage from their stems.




Perovskia (RUSSIAN SAGE)

The ideal plant for hot, dry climates! Russian Sage is classified as a subshrub or woody perennial. It performs very well in full sun and any well-drained soil. Average to dry moisture levels are ideal, and few pests bother this plant. If pruning is necessary, do so in Spring when new growth appears. Prune back to just above the lowest bud.




Phlox (TALL GARDEN PHLOX)

Phlox grows best in rich, moist soil in full sun. It will thrive with bi-monthly fertilizing and consistant moisture levels. Overhead watering should be avoided since some varieties of phlox are susceptible to powdery mildew. This can be avoided or diminished by providing ample air circulation around the plants and by thinning them out periodically. Deadheading will prolong bloom time and prevent self-seeding.




Salvia (PERENNIAL SALVIA)

Salvia is easy to grow in almost any climate. Though it is drought tolerant, it will bloom better with regular watering. Deadheading encourages a longer bloom time. If plants get leggy during the season, cut them all the way back to the newly developed foliage. If cut back, plants may rebloom in fall but often the flowers are fewer and smaller.




Veronica (SPIKE SPEEDWELL)

This perennial is tolerant of a wide range of well-drained soil types. Amending soils, especially very heavy and light types, with generous amounts of organic matter will result in improved performance. Although tolerant of partial shade, it will flower better in full sun. Deadheading will promote additional blooms. Shear back the foliage if it becomes worn-looking after flowering.

want to see wings? here’s 25 perennials sure to … and hummingbirds. these pollinators will give...

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