|
Cass
County Extension |
|
| Common Name |
Height (in) |
Space (ft) |
Flower Colors |
Flowering |
| Coral Bells (Alumroot) |
12-24 |
1 |
Pink, Red, White |
May-August |
Heuchera
plants are compact, bushy and grow in tufts; basal rosettes of evergreen to semi-evergreen
metalic heart-shaped green or purple-bronze leaves that look nice all season. Wiry stems
of very small, pendant, bell-shaped flowers borne
on graceful panicles; 6 weeks of bloom. Dead head to extend bloom; good cut flower. Green leafed forms prefer full sun; purple leafed do better in semi to full shade. Sun
to shade; reduced flowering in partial shade. Drought tolerant but likes to be
watered. Prefers alkaline soil with good drainage; high in organic matter. Heavy wet clay
soil can be a problem. Use a winter mulch to prevent soil heaving. Tends to weaken with
age. Most effective when planted in mass.
| Common Name |
Height (in) |
Space (ft) |
Flower Colors |
Flowering |
| Coreopsis |
10-24 |
1 |
Yellow |
June-August |
Has flowers borne on strong, wiry,
graceful stems; single or double daisy-like flowers. Dead head to extend bloom; late to
emerge in spring. Prefers full sun and well drained soil; drought tolerant once
established. Slight winter protection is recommended. Best in groups of 3 or more. `Moonbeam' and `Zagreb'
are good cultivars.
| Common Name |
Height (in) |
Space (in) |
Flower Colors |
Flowering |
| Crocus |
4-8 |
3-4 |
Various |
April |
Plant in large groups for best color
effect; first to bloom in spring. Foliage dies back by mid summer. Winter protection is
helpful. Prefers sun to partial shade; don't like heavy poorly drained soil. May be kept
in same spot for years.
| Common Name |
Height (in) |
Space (ft) |
Flower Colors |
Flowering |
| Cushion Spurge |
15-18 |
1.5 |
Green |
May-June |
Euphorbia epithymoides
has chartreuse-yellow flower bracts that last for weeks; pale green foliage
turns reddish in the fall. Milky sap can cause skin irritation. Full sun; tolerates dry,
somewhat lean soil once established. Self seeds but not weedy.
| Common Name |
Height (in) |
Space (in) |
Flower Colors |
Flowering |
| Daffodil |
6-18 |
4-8 |
Orange, White,
Yellow |
April-May |
Plants can be single, double or multi-flowered.
Double nosed bulbs produce two flowers. Foliage
dies back by mid-late summer; bulbs will rot if too wet. Winter mulching is
beneficial. Prefers moist well drained organic soil; fertilize sparingly. Needs full sun
to partial shade. Plant in September; need 6 weeks to root. Very attractive when planted
in mass; all at the same depth.
| Common Name |
Height (in) |
Space (ft) |
Flower Colors |
Flowering |
| Daylily |
12-48 |
1.5-2 |
Various |
June-August |
Hemerocallus sp.
has long narrow grass-like
leaves with flower stems extending up above the leaves. Great diversity in plant size and
flower form; single or double. Each flower lasts only one day but many flower stalks per plant; bloom for 3-4 weeks. Some
cultivars bloom at night. Random bloomers; don't start at either the top or bottom of
flower stalk. Remove spent blooms; don't allow seed to set. Prefer sun to partial shade
and medium rich, moist soil high in organic matter; avoid soggy wet areas. Provide extra
water during dry periods. Newer varieties form clumps; old
fashion types are more spreading and almost weedy. Good planted in mass or as
individuals. One of the lowest maintenance perennials.`Stella
d'Oro' is short, has bright yellow flowers and
blooms on and off throughout the summer. `Mary Todd' is one of the best; 2-2.5' tall with
sturdy stems and wide flower petals.
| Common Name |
Height (in) |
Space (ft) |
Flower Colors |
Flowering |
| Delphinium |
12-60 |
1-2 |
Various |
June & Sept |
Very showy flowers on
open branched long spikes above clumps of divided or deeply lobed leaves. Stems tend to be
hollow and brittle; may require staking if in wind. For rebloom, cut back just below spent
flowers and fertilize plant. When new growth is 6" high, remove old foliage. Prefer
sun to partial shade and well drained soil; high in organic matter. Tend to rot in heavy
wet soil. Needs regular feeding and ample water. Mulch in summer to keep roots cool.
Slugs, mites and mildew can be a problem. Plants lose their vigor after 2-3 years. Plant
with crown 1-2" below soil level.
| Common Name |
Height (in) |
Space (ft) |
Flower Colors |
Flowering |
| Echinacea |
24-30 |
1-1.5 |
Pink, Purple, White |
July-August |
Purple Coneflower has daisy-like blooms and dark
green lance-shared leaves. Flowers well in summer heat; deadhead to prolong bloom.
Attractive to butterflies. Seed heads attract goldfinches; add to the winter scene. One of
the best August flowering perennials. Prefers full to partial shade and well drained soil,
especially in earl spring. Tolerates heat, drought and wind. Roots are used as a medicinal
herb to stimulate the immune system and treat colds.
| Common Name |
Height (in) |
Space (ft) |
Flower Colors |
Flowering |
| Erigeron (Fleabane) |
20-30 |
1 |
Various |
June-July |
Flowers are similar in
appearance to fall blooming asters. Clumps of basal foliage and 1-1 1/2 inch daisy-like flowers with yellow centers; good cut flower. Prefer
full sun to patial shade and somewhat lean soil; partial shade will prolong bloom. Shear
back to encourage rebloom; taller plants may need staking. Prefer cool summers. Good
drainage is important for winter survival.
| Common Name |
Height (in) |
Space (ft) |
Flower Colors |
Flowering |
| Eryngium (Sea-holly) |
18-24 |
1-1.5 |
Blue |
July-August |
Globose heads of small tightly packed flowers surrounded by a collar of stiff bracts.
Lobed or deeply cut foliage is rigid, spiny and silvery in color; thistle-like. Used in
fresh and dry arrangements. Prefers full sun. Tolerates poor dry soil and high salt
levels; will not tolerate poor winter drainage.
| Common Name |
Height (in) |
Space (ft) |
Flower Colors |
Flowering |
| Feverfew |
12-24 |
1 |
White, Yellow |
June-August |
Tanacetum parthenium
has mum-like foliage;
strongly aromatic. Very small daisy-like flowers;
single or double. For compact growth, shear when 1' tall. Best in full sun to partial
shadeand moist fertile soil. Short lived; self seeds.
| Common Name |
Height (in) |
Space (ft) |
Flower Colors |
Flowering |
| Flax |
10-18 |
1-1.5 |
Blue, White, Yellow |
May- July |
Linum sp.
has feathery bluish green foliage
and wiry flower stems; blooms for about 6 weeks. Each flower
only lasts one day; flowers remain closed on cloudy days. Prune back after flowering to
maintain plant form. Prefers full sun and lean to medium fertile soil. Drought tolerant
once established; doesn't like cold wet soil in spring. Mulch lightly for winter. Short
lived; may self seed.
| Common Name |
Height (in) |
Space (ft) |
Flower Colors |
Flowering |
| Flowering Onion |
6-30 |
.5 |
Various |
May- August |
Alliums
have a clump forming habit and flower head made up of many small flowers with
membranous bracts around flower clusters. Deadhead before seed is released; self seeding
can be a nuisance. Damaged foliage gives off an odor. Plant in groups; planting depth 3
times bulb diameter. Needs full sun and well drained soil; high in organic matter. Plant
bulbs in the fall. Lily Leeks have 10-15" flower stalks, golden yellow blooms
in June, and large flat leaves. Garlic Chives
reach 20" in height, have white blooms in August and are good for cutting.
| Common Name |
Height (in) |
Space (ft) |
Flower Colors |
Flowering |
| Gas Plant |
30 |
2-3 |
Pink, White |
May |
Dictamnus albus
has glossy, leathery dark
green leaves which remain attractive through the year; flowers on 2-3 foot spikes. Flowers give off a gas (gas plant). Leaves, flowers
and seeds emit a lemon fragrance. Ripe seed pods will shoot seeds out to 10'. Prefers
moist well drained soil high in organic matter. Plants don't like to be disturbed. Three
to five years from seed to bloom.
| Common Name |
Height (in) |
Space (ft) |
Flower Colors |
Flowering |
| Geranium (Crane's Bill) |
6-20 |
1 |
Various |
May-August |
Plants vary greatly in stature and growth habit; have thick spreading rhizomes.
Dark grayish-green palmate-shaped leaves and
1-2" mostly single flowers. Dead head to extend
bloom. Fruit shaped like a cranes beak or bill. Some have scented foliage; some have
red-orange fall color. Prefers full sun to partial shade and lean to medium fertile well
drained soil; high in organic matter. Tolerates drought; doesn't like to be disturbed. G. sanguineum is very attractive.
| Common Name |
Height (in) |
Space (ft) |
Flower Colors |
Flowering |
| Globe Thistle |
18-42 |
2-3 |
Blue, Red |
July |
Echinops sp.
has silvery white, thistle-like foliage; globular thistle-like flowers. Don't allow to seed; can be a real nuisance.
If foliage deteriorates after flowering, cut back to ground level. Tolerates heat and
drought; doesn't like wet soil. Prefers full sun and lean soil. In rich soil may
need staking; can be left undisturbed for years.
| Common Name |
Height (in) |
Space (ft) |
Flower Colors |
Flowering |
| Goat's Beard |
36-48 |
2-3 |
White |
June |
Aruncus sp has small white flowers on long open
plumes; male and female flowers are on different
plants. Compound feathery dark green 24-36" long leaves; flowers and foliage resemble
the astilbe. Leaves turn bronze in the fall; bronze seed pods are used in dried
arrangements. Prefers fertile soil and fairly moist conditions. Best in partial shade;
will withstand full sun if kept moist.
| Common Name |
Height (in) |
Space (ft) |
Flower Colors |
Flowering |
| Golden Marguerite |
18-30 |
1-1.5 |
Orange, Yellow |
June-July |
Anthemis tinctoria
has greyish green feathery
foliage with daisy-like flowers; slightly aromatic.
Older flowering stems can be cut down to encourage new basal growth. Prefers full sun and
lean soil. Tolerates heat, drought and poor soil; may winter kill in wet soil. Self seeds;
can get weedy.
| Common Name |
Height (in) |
Space (ft) |
Flower Colors |
Flowering |
| Goldenrod |
12-60 |
1.5 |
White, Yellow |
August-Sept |
Solidago sp.
forms clumps with somewhat arching stems; individual flowers
are very small and borne in clusters. Prefer moist
well drained soil; drought tolerant. Fertile soils may promote rapid growth, weediness,
and flopping stems. Self seeds; may become invasive. Goldenrod has a reputation for
causing hayfever but it is not the culprit.
| Common Name |
Height (in) |
Space (in) |
Flower Colors |
Flowering |
| Grape Hyacinth |
6-10 |
3-4 |
Blue, White |
April-May |
Muscari sp.
is very effective when used with
daffodils. Tiny bell-shaped flowers look like an upside down bunches of grapes. Bloom just
after the crocus. Multiples to form large beds; plant in late September or early October.
Sun to partial shade and medium fertile soil.
| Common Name |
Height (in) |
Space (ft) |
Flower Colors |
Flowering |
| Heliopsis |
36-48 |
2-3 |
Yellow |
July- August |
Single, semi-double or double daisy-like flowers;
deadhead to extend bloom period. Leaves are 4-5" long, dark green, and rough to the
touch; taller cultivars may require support. Grows well in sun to partial shade and moist
well drained or dry soil; dislikes long dry periods. Tends to flop in rich soil. Self
seeds.
This page was last updated March 2003
Go to Perennial Flowers
Go to Horticulture Page
Heuchera
plants are compact, bushy and grow in tufts; basal rosettes of evergreen to semi-evergreen
metalic heart-shaped green or purple-bronze leaves that look nice all season. Wiry stems
of very small, pendant, bell-shaped flowers borne
on graceful panicles; 6 weeks of bloom. Dead head to extend bloom; good cut flower. Green leafed forms prefer full sun; purple leafed do better in semi to full shade. Sun
to shade; reduced flowering in partial shade. Drought tolerant but likes to be
watered. Prefers alkaline soil with good drainage; high in organic matter. Heavy wet clay
soil can be a problem. Use a winter mulch to prevent soil heaving. Tends to weaken with
age. Most effective when planted in mass.
Has flowers borne on strong, wiry,
graceful stems; single or double daisy-like flowers. Dead head to extend bloom; late to
emerge in spring. Prefers full sun and well drained soil; drought tolerant once
established. Slight winter protection is recommended. Best in groups of 3 or more. `Moonbeam' and `Zagreb'
are good cultivars. 
Plant in large groups for best color
effect; first to bloom in spring. Foliage dies back by mid summer. Winter protection is
helpful. Prefers sun to partial shade; don't like heavy poorly drained soil. May be kept
in same spot for years.
Euphorbia epithymoides
Plants can be single, double or multi-flowered.
Double nosed bulbs produce two flowers. Foliage
dies back by mid-late summer; bulbs will rot if too wet. Winter mulching is
beneficial. Prefers moist well drained organic soil; fertilize sparingly. Needs full sun
to partial shade. Plant in September; need 6 weeks to root. Very attractive when planted
in mass; all at the same depth.
Hemerocallus sp.
Very showy flowers on
open branched long spikes above clumps of divided or deeply lobed leaves. Stems tend to be
hollow and brittle; may require staking if in wind. For rebloom, cut back just below spent
flowers and fertilize plant. When new growth is 6" high, remove old foliage. Prefer
sun to partial shade and well drained soil; high in organic matter. Tend to rot in heavy
wet soil. Needs regular feeding and ample water. Mulch in summer to keep roots cool.
Slugs, mites and mildew can be a problem. Plants lose their vigor after 2-3 years. Plant
with crown 1-2" below soil level. 
Purple Coneflower has daisy-like blooms and dark
green lance-shared leaves. Flowers well in summer heat; deadhead to prolong bloom.
Attractive to butterflies. Seed heads attract goldfinches; add to the winter scene. One of
the best August flowering perennials. Prefers full to partial shade and well drained soil,
especially in earl spring. Tolerates heat, drought and wind. Roots are used as a medicinal
herb to stimulate the immune system and treat colds. 
Flowers are similar in
appearance to fall blooming asters. Clumps of basal foliage and 1-1 1/2 inch daisy-like flowers with yellow centers; good cut flower. Prefer
full sun to patial shade and somewhat lean soil; partial shade will prolong bloom. Shear
back to encourage rebloom; taller plants may need staking. Prefer cool summers. Good
drainage is important for winter survival.
Tanacetum parthenium
Linum sp.
Alliums
Dictamnus albus
Plants vary greatly in stature and growth habit; have thick spreading rhizomes.
Dark grayish-green palmate-shaped leaves and
1-2" mostly single flowers. Dead head to extend
bloom. Fruit shaped like a cranes beak or bill. Some have scented foliage; some have
red-orange fall color. Prefers full sun to partial shade and lean to medium fertile well
drained soil; high in organic matter. Tolerates drought; doesn't like to be disturbed. G. sanguineum is very attractive.
Echinops sp.
Aruncus sp has small white flowers on long open
plumes; male and female flowers are on different
plants. Compound feathery dark green 24-36" long leaves; flowers and foliage resemble
the astilbe. Leaves turn bronze in the fall; bronze seed pods are used in dried
arrangements. Prefers fertile soil and fairly moist conditions. Best in partial shade;
will withstand full sun if kept moist. 
Anthemis tinctoria
Solidago sp.
Muscari sp.
Single, semi-double or double daisy-like flowers;
deadhead to extend bloom period. Leaves are 4-5" long, dark green, and rough to the
touch; taller cultivars may require support. Grows well in sun to partial shade and moist
well drained or dry soil; dislikes long dry periods. Tends to flop in rich soil. Self
seeds.
