Unheralded Garden Blooms - 8 Suggestions from Experts for Planting Options in Your Yard That Deserve More Recognition
In the world of gardening, some plants are often overshadowed by their more popular counterparts. However, these unsung heroes bring prolonged blooms, pollinator benefits, and structural or color interest to garden beds. Here are five such plants that are worth considering for your garden.
First up is Astilbe, a hardy perennial that thrives in shade. Offering feathery, colorful blooms from early to late summer, Astilbe requires minimal maintenance once established. Ranging in height from 1-4 feet, these plants have fern-like foliage and are deer-resistant. They are adaptable to a variety of soil conditions and can brighten up difficult, shady spots where many other plants struggle. Astilbe is one of the best full-shade perennials.
Creeping thyme, part of the mint family, is another versatile choice. It flowers in shades of lavender, pink, white, and even red, and attracts pollinators. Soft to walk on, non-toxic to pets, and thriving in zones 4-9, creeping thyme is an ideal addition to your garden. Plus, it fits into the current edimentals trend of ornamental plants that also happen to be edible. It can be used in cooking as it has a slightly milder taste than regular thyme.
For those seeking sun-loving bloomers, look no further than 'Lantana 'Summer Popsicle'. This vibrant plant boasts rose and mauve flowers that shift to yellow-orange in fall, paired with sculpted deep green foliage. It's drought-tolerant and a great choice for xeriscaping.
Salvia 'Rose Marvel' is a compact perennial with rose pink blooms that flowers from May to October. Attracting bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, this cold-hardy, reblooming perennial thrives in zone 4 and up, tolerates drought, and grows to around 12 inches tall. It's effortless to grow, thriving in sunny, well-drained locations.
Water hyssop, a stunning perennial that thrives in zones 8-11 and is perfect for wet climates, is another standout choice. With delicate white blooms and lush green leaves, it makes for a great ground cover plant. In warmer climates, it blooms from spring right round to fall. The pretty pinkish-white flowers of water hyssop are bell-shaped with a violet center. It's related to lemon bacopa (Bacopa caroliniana), and they look very similar. The way to tell them apart is to crush a leaf and see if it smells of lemon or not.
These plants not only add beauty to your garden but also contribute to a healthy ecosystem by attracting pollinators. Culver’s Root, Sweet Alyssum, Calendula, Phlox, and Astilbe are other underrated plants that offer long-lasting color and interest in garden bedding. Each plant has its unique requirements, but all thrive with appropriate moisture and periodic maintenance like deadheading or dividing for longevity.
In conclusion, incorporating these plants into your garden can bring a riot of colors, attract pollinators, and create a thriving ecosystem. Whether you prefer shade-loving Astilbe or sun-loving Water hyssop, there's a plant for every gardener out there. Happy planting!
[1] Astilbe: https://www.gardenersyard.com/ [2] Calendula, Phlox: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ [3] Culver’s Root, Sweet Alyssum: https://www.almanac.com/ [4] Lantana 'Summer Popsicle', Salvia 'Rose Marvel', Water hyssop: https://www.waysidegardens.com/ [5] Creeping thyme: https://www.parkseed.com/
- In the world of landscaping, some plants, like Astilbe, often go unnoticed due to their more popular counterparts, yet they bring extended blooms, attract pollinators, and offer structural or color interest to flower beds.
- Creeping thyme, a versatile plant from the mint family, not only adds elegance to any garden with its lavender, pink, or red flowers, but it also fits into the current trend of fashion-and-beauty, being both ornamental and edible.
- For those who appreciate sun-loving bloomers, 'Lantana 'Summer Popsicle' is an ideal choice, with its vibrant rose and mauve flowers that shift to yellow-orange in fall, offering a stunning display.
- Salvia 'Rose Marvel', a compact perennial, is a vibrant addition to any garden, boasting rose pink blooms that attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, making it a great choice for personal growth and career development.
- Water hyssop, a striking perennial, is perfect for those living in zones 8-11 or in wet climates, adding a touch of personal-growth and self-development to home-and-garden spaces.
- In the realm of education-and-self-development, learning about these unsung heroes can lead to increased love for gardening, as well as a deeper understanding of relationships with pollinators.
- Whether traveling the world or staying at home, embracing these plants can bring a sense of travel and adventure to your lifestyle, as each variety offers a unique beauty and story to tell.
