Perennials Create Biological Diversity, Progressive Flowering

Multiple studies have shown that increased diversity of perennial plants in a garden or landscape provides a positive effect on the environment. Not only do perennials attract beneficial wildlife, but they also provide shelter, serve as a plentiful food source, and use less water, once established (preventing erosion and reducing overall garden maintenance). Further, when you add a series of progressively blooming, hardy perennial beauties to your landscape, you’ll end up reaping the benefits of ever-evolving flowering features all season long, year after year.

If it’s hummingbirds you are looking for, plant the tall, nectar-rich spikes of Kniphofia (also known as Red-Hot Poker), and Lupine. They both love the sun and drier, well-drained soil. Another wonderful hummingbird attractant is Clematis. This is not necessarily because of their flowers (although the darker red and pinks do pull them in), but because their vining habits produce wind breaks, shelter, and shady places to hide.

Perennial Hibiscus such as the Holy Grail and Berry Awesome varieties are welcome later-flowering additions to the perennial garden. Their huge flowers and central bullseye contain plentiful nectar, plus they love to grow in wetter clay soils, in rain gardens, and near a pond’s edge, which reduces run-off and erosion.

Additionally, if you have shady spaces to garden, the Coralbells, Heuchera Black Pearl, and the trumpet-shaped blooms of Hosta Autumn Frost are perfect to attract these winged friends.

Many gardeners and homeowners rush to our stores in the early spring months as they prepare to clean up the lawn & garden, plant annuals, mulch, and fertilize. By June, many are excited to take a more leisurely approach, studying areas in the garden that are longer-term opportunities and making plans for sequential or four-season displays.

The truth is, there is no shortage of high-quality, mature varieties to be discovered. And, the different types of perennial plants bloom across various points in the seasons (think early spring, spring, late spring, early summer, summer, late summer, and fall).

Not sure what blooms when? Follow our favorite gardening life hack: Anytime you feel your outdoor environment is lacking in blooms, simply visit the garden center and select from the array of perennial plants that are presently displaying in bloom as potted on the tables. It’s the best way to curate a progressively flowering perennial garden for all seasons in Northeast Ohio.

And remember, perennials make a more compelling display when planted in quantities or groupings of three or more!