Gardeners have a tendency of going for lots of big, bold flowers that bloom as long as possible and may not consider foliage texture, colour and attractivness. Some of the best perennials for their foliage are Lupin and Stonecrop. These perennials add foliage interest to any garden.
Lupin, Lupinus x hybrida
Lupins have dark green, palmate leaves.
This creative perennial dislikes acidic soils. If your having trouble growing Lupins in your garden it is suggest that a soil test is preformed. Dolomitic lime may be used to slowly correct the soil.
Lupins can grow 38-90 cm tall and spread 60 cm.
They bloom late spring to midsummer.
DEER PROOF!!! For anyone who has to deal with these pesky pests Lupins could be your answer!
They grow best in mixed flower beds, mass plantings and looks best in the middle or back of the border.
This perennial should not be divide, because it has a long tap root. It should also be noted they do not need to be moved because they are a short lived perennial. They only live 3-4 years and should be replaced when they are finished.
This fun perennial comes in a wide variety of colours. It can be blue, purple, red, pink, yellow, white and can even be solid in colour or bicolour.
Lupins prefer well draining soil. It is best to plant them were puddles don't form from rainfall or melting snowfall.
This flower is a self seeder, but the self seeded plants have a tendency of reverting back to blue or white.
To extend the blooming period deadhead.
Lupins are a great cut flower. Cut them when the spike has begun to open and the flower will last 7-10 days.
Showy Stonecrop, Sedum spectabile 'Brilliant'
The foliage of Brilliant is a light green. It is an attractive thicker leaf that you just can't help, but reach out and touch it!
Brilliant grows 45 cm tall and wide. Its flower is large and is raspberry-carmine in colour.
It prefers hot, dry sunny locations and should only be watered when dry.
It is suggest that the flower heads are left on through the winter to add interest.
This stonecrop looks great in the middle of the border to the front of the border.
Show Stonecrop should be divided every 3-5 years.
If you are looking for plant material for pots stonecrop may not be your best option. It usually does best only in garden beds and may look floppy at the store, but will perk up after it is transplanted.
This perennial is also a great cut flower. Cut when the clusters have begun to open. The cuttings will last 2 weeks.
WATCH OUT!!!
This perennial has its ups and downs. It has bright, green ivy shaped leaves that are edged with a creamy, white border. This touch of colour adds interest and a full feeling in the landscpe. But the big WATCH OUT for this plant is its intense spreading nature. It has been considered a nightmare in many gardens were it couldn't be kept under control.
Variegated Goutweed, Aegopodium podagraria 'Variegatum'
This perennial is quick growing and is used as a ground cover.
Goutweed is 25-30 cm tall and you can guess the spread!!!
To control Goutweed, plant a barrer around it that is 45 cm deep. If left unchecked this perennial will take over other plants and spread into the lawn. Even weed killer has little effect on managing it.
It can grow in any soil and in any condition.
It grows best with plants that don't need to be divided such as peonies and clematis.
It blooms white flowers in midsummer. The bloom resembles Queens's lace and can be used as a cut flower.
Another hit! I love your examples as usual and always find this blog informative on the various options for plants in the landscape. In industry I have always tried to push people to consider foliage and to have a blog done on it was a breath of fresh air. Lupins are truly beautiful with their palm like leaves and Sedum have such a fascinating variety of textures. Gout weed is a great idea for the watch out section also, it truly is a lovely plant if kept constrained and well managed. A small addition I would make is to add in any links to places where people can find out more about the possible options and what to look for from the texture of plant foliage. Great work!
ReplyDeleteI like how you put in the bit about amending your soiul if the person is finding it hard to grow the plant. Height and spread of these plants is a good idea, I also like how you added what part of the gardent ehy are best in (middle and back).
ReplyDeleteI like the watchout about Goutweed, if planted in the wrong manor it can take over. Im glad you put in way to stop that from happening. Its also cool to see that you added it can grow ANYWHERE.