PERENNIALS

Here are a few of my favorite perennials. They are hardy, they do very well in southern climates, and most of them have a long blooming period.

BALLOONFLOWER

BLANKET FLOWER(Gaillardia)

CANNA-4-6 foot tall with very big flower stalks in shades of red, yellow, and orange. Blooms for a long period of time in summer. Leaves are large. Watch for leaf rollers.

CHINESE LANTERN- very pretty with lantana. Round, orange flowers in summer.

CLIMBING ROSES- "Don Juan" does excellent in high humidity. No spraying needed and blooms continuously in the spring, summer, and fall.

COREOPSIS- forms a full clump of yellow, daisylike flowers in summer.Plenty of blooms.

DAYLILY- great for an edging along a fence. "Stella de Oro" is continuous blooming.

GLADIOLUS- short blooming period, but worth the effort. Plant with other longer blooming plants. Full range of colors. Lasts long as a cut flower.

HOSTA- shade plant, good under trees. Insignificant flowers. Large leaves. Snails love the leaves, so watch out for them.

IRIS- makes a big show. Needs its own area in the garden, multiplies. "Louisiana Iris" tolerates wet conditions, and is great next to a pond or lake.

LANTANA- my absolute favorite. Blooms continuously in summer. Clusters of small yellow and pink or red and orange flowers. Attracts butterflies and hummingbirds.

MEXICAN HEATHER- blooms in summer. Delicate small flowers.

PANSIES- short, compact plant with showy flowers in cool weather. Does very well in the fall and winter months. It will bloom right through a light frost.

PURPLE CONEFLOWER- big purple pink, daisy shaped blooms. Long blooming period. You'll love this plant!

SPIDERWORT- tall, grassy leaves. Three petaled blue flowers. Hardy.

STOKESIA- a great plant paired with coreopsis. Blue pincushion type flowers in summer.