Master Gardener presentation on perennial care and maintenence

1. The Long Distance Runners Amy Aldenderfer County Extension Agent for Horticulture

2. Brought to you by:

3. What is a Perennial? A plant that lives for three or more years Usually herbaceous Flower for a shorter period than annuals Whether it’s a perennial, wildflower or weed depends on us Tops generally die back Average a three week bloom

4. Perennials v. Annuals Pros Variety of plants, blooms and foliage Don’t plant every year= less expensive Ability to specialize in plant groups More challenging to combine well Cons Divide every 3-5 years Short bloom period Less striking blooms Too many choices=design over time

5. Things to think about when choosing perennials: Soils Light Spacing Hardiness

6. slopes borders under trees groundcovers containers Locations

7. wildlife herbal edible aesthetic scent Functions

8. historic night/evening children model train plant type water Themes

9. open rocky seashore shade xeriscape meadow dry damp woodland Plant Habitats

10. Now that the plants are home, then what? Planting Fertilizing Irrigation Mulching Weeding Pinching Staking Dividing Pest management

11. Examples of Perennial Flowers Part 1. Sunny Locations

12. Achilleafilipendula- Yarrow Many colors, flower in late spring to summer 2-3 feet tall Few pests Borders, cut flowers, dried Cuttings or division in spring or fall, some by seed

13. Achilleamillifolium- yarrow Wider range of colors than previous species Spreads faster, can become aggressive Performs well in dry areas

14. Alcearosea- hollyhock Technically a biennial, often behaves as a short-lived perennial Numerous pest problems Easily grown, great for vertical interest

15. Amsoniatabernaemontana- bluestar Native perennial Easily grown in average soils Has beautiful fall color Few pest problems

16. Amsoniahubrictii- bluestar Similar to previous species Primary distiction lies in very finely texture foliage Same excellent golden fall color

17. Anemone x hybrida – Japanese Anemone Flowers white, pink, violet, in late summer and fall 3-4 feet tall Few pests Used in borders Division or root cuttings made in spring, seed

18. Anthemistinctoria- marguerite Tends to be short lived Often re-seeds in good conditions Cut back after flowering to improve appearance and encourage repeat bloom

19. Aquilegia x hybrida- Hybrid Columbine Flower colors, many and bicolors, in spring and early summer 1½ to 3 feet tall Leaf miners may make foliage unattractive Used in borders, will also do well in part shade Division in late summer, seed

20. Armeriamaritima- sea pinks Needs well drained soils Great for rock gardens, raised beds Looks best planted in large groups

21. Artemisia schmidtiana ‘Silver Mound’- Silver Mound Artemisia Yellow flowers in summer that are not noteworthy. Grown for gray-green foliage. 6-8 inches tall, keep compact by shearing Few pests Used in borders and rock gardens Propagate by cutting

22. Artemesialudoviciana- spreading forms Considered invasive in good soils Makes a nice filler for dried arrangements Tolerates poor, dry soils

23. Artemesia- powis castle Forms a large woody sub-shrub Do not prune in fall or winter Looks best when pruned in late spring to maintain shape Tolerant of poor soils

24. Asclepiastuberosa– Butterfly weed Flowers orange in summer 1-2 feet tall Major pest – aphids Used as a border plant and for cut flowers, attractive to butterflies. Propagate by seed or root cuttings, does not transplant well.

25. Aster spp. - Asters Flowers in blues, violets, whites in summer and fall 1-6 feet tall, taller varieties must be staked Powdery mildew is the major pest Used for borders and cut flowers Propagate by division in spring

26. Baptisiaaustralis– False indigo Blue flowers in late spring 3-5 feet tall Few pests Used in borders, dried seed pods Division in late fall or early spring, seed

27. Belamcandachinensis– Blackberry lily Yellow, orange flowers in summer, seed heads look like blackberries 3-4 feet tall Iris borer is a major pest Used in borders Propagate by seed or division

28. Bergeniacordifolia- pigsqueak Evergreen foliage turns maroon in fall Best in good soils Flowers in very early spring Tolerates some shade

29. Boltoniaasteroides- boltonia Very tall fall blooming perennial Cut back in summer to shorten and promote branching Grows vigorously, may require staking

30. Campanula- bellflower Many different species with varying plant habits Some may be invasive Some may struggle in our summer heat

31. Centaureamontana- cornflower Prefers well drained soils Relatively short bloom period Unusual blue-purple flowers in late spring

32. Centranthusruber- Jupiter’s beard Vigorous perennial for well-drained soils Tolerates poor soils if draiinage is good Dead head to extend bloom season

33. Ceratostigmaplumbaginoides–leadwort

34. Chrysanthemum x morifolium (Dendranthemagrandiflora) – Garden mum Many colors, yellow, bronze, lavender, white, in fall 1-2 feet tall, must be continually pinched until July to keep short Major pests – aphids, leaf hoppers Used in borders and cut flowers Propagate by cuttings in summer, division in spring, seed

35. Chrysanthemum x superbum (Lucanthemum x superbum)– Shasta Daisy White flowers in early spring 1-3 feet tall Major pest – aphids Used in borders, cut flowers Propagate by division in fall, seed

36. Cimicifugaracemosa– Black cohosh, Snakeroot White flowers in late summer 5-8 feet tall Few pests Used in borders, will tolerate some shade Propagate by division, seed, deep root system Growing popularity as medicinal herb

37. Coreopsis -tickseed Many species with varying plant habits Most have yellow flowers and bloom for an extended period Dead head to extend bloom season Best divided regularly to maintain vigor

38. Crocosmia - montbretia Iris-like foliage provides vertical element Grown from a corm Interesting flowers in summer Mites can be a problem in dry conditions Some forms are not hardy here

39. Delphinium elatum- larkspur Pefers rich well-drained soils and cooler climates Tends to be short lived and performs poorly here Monkshood can provide a similar effect in gardens

40. Dianthus - pinks Many species and forms Most are easily grown Range in height from 4”-3’ Many form spreading groundcovers Attractive spiky silver foliage

41. Digitalis purpurea- foxglove Technically biennial, generally short lived here May require staking May reseed in good conditions D. ambigua and D. mertonensis are true perennials

42. Echinacea purpurea– Purple Coneflower Flowers purple, white in summer to fall 3-5 feet tall Major pest is powdery mildew Used as border or cut flowers Divide clumps in spring or by seed

43. Geranium sanguineum- Cranesbill Geranium Flowers in white, violet, red in late spring 1 - 1½ feet tall Few pests Used as a border or edge plant, protect from afternoon sun Propagate by seed, some by cutting

44. Eryngiumamethystinum– blue sea holly Tolerates poor dry soils if drainage is excellent Spreads very slowly Division seldom necessary Strikingly unusual blue flower heads

45. Eupatorium coelestinum– hardy ageratum Very vigorous plant, particularly in moist soils Cut back in summer to shorten and increase flowering Divide regularly

46. Eupatorium purpureum – Joe pye weed Stately perennial ‘monster’ growing up to 10’ Native plant attracts butterflies Smaller dwarf versions are available May reseed around the garden

47. Euphorbia - spurge Many different forms, some evergreen Very tolerant of poor dry soils Milky sap may be an irritant to skin or eyes Often self seeds

48. Gaillardia x grandiflora – blanket flower Very long bloom period in summer Tends to be short lived Excellent for dry areas Often seeds itself in good soils

49. Gypsophila paniculata– Baby’s Breath White or pink flowers in summer 2-3 feet tall Few pests but tends to be short lived in Ky Used as border or cut flowers Propagate by seed or cuttings, does not like to be divided once established

50. Heleniumautumnale- sneezeweed Tall perennial valued for its fall blooms in yellow orange and red Prune in summer or stake to support Adaptable plant tolerates many soil types Native

51. Heliopsishelianthoidesscabra‘Summer Sun’ - Heliopsis Yellow flowers in summer and early fall 3-4 feet tall Few pests Used as a border or cut flower Propagate by seed

52. Hemerocallishybrids - Daylily Many colors, bloom in early summer 8 inches to 3 feet tall Major pests are aphids and leaf spot Used as border plants or in mass plantings Propagate by division in late summer

53. Heucherasanguinea – Coral bells Pink and red flowers in late spring 8-18 inches tall Few pests Used as border plants, mass plantings, also does well in part shade Propagate by division or seed

54. Hibiscus moscheutos– Rose Mallow White, red, pink and bicolors in summer 3-8 feet tall, taller ones require staking Major pests are Japanese beetles and caterpillars Used as border plants Propagate by division or seed

55. Bearded Iris- German Iris Various colors and bicolors in late spring 2-4 feet tall Main pest is iris borer Used in borders Propagate by division in fall

56. Iris siberica – siberian iris Tough as nails perennial Tolerates moist soils well Foliage provides interest when not in flower Mostly shades of blue, purple and white Relatively short bloom period

57. Liatrisspicata- Gayfeather Native prairie perennial Excellent cut flower Attracts butterflies Tolerates wet areas Divide regularly as needed

58. Lysimachiapunctata– Yellow Loosestrife Yellow flowers in summer 18-24 inches tall Few pests Used as a border, will also tolerate some shade Propagate by division cutting, or seed May be invasive

59. Lythrumvirgatum– Purple Loosestrife Purple, pink, red flowers in summer 3-5 feet tall Major pests - aphids Used in borders Propagate by division, seed Plant is invasive in moist or wet conditions

60. Monarda - beebalm Very vigorous plant is invasive in good soils Loved by hummingbirds and butterflies Tolerates moist areas Powdery mildew is a huge problem prune hard to control or select mildew resisitant varieties

61. Oenotherafruticosa- sundrops Rapidly spreading plant with yellow flowers in spring Often short lived Reddish stems Tolerates dry soils

62. Oenotheraspeciosa– showy primrose Aggressive- leaning toward invasive Large pink flowers over a long period in spring and summer Cut back after bloom to encourage repeat

63. Paeonia hybrids – Chinese Peony Pink, white, red flowers in late spring, attractive foliage 3-4 feet tall Several pests, botrytis, thrips, leaf spots, root rots, Japanese beetles Used as a border or cut flower Propagate by division in late summer, don’t plant too deeply

64. Papaverorientalis- Oriental Poppy Flowers of red, pink, and white in late spring. 1-2 feet tall Few pests Used as a border or cut flower Propagation by division, root cuttings or seed.

65. Perovskiaatriplicifolia- Russian Sage Blue flowers in summer 4-6 feet tall, shrubby Few pests Used as a border Propagate by cuttings, division, or seed

66. Phlox paniculata - Summer Phlox White, pink, blue, red flowers in summer 2-6 feet tall Major pest is powdery mildew Used as a border or cut flower Propagate by division or seed

67. Phlox subulata - Moss Pink Blue, white, or pink flowers in early spring 3-6 inches tall Few pests Used as a border, in rock gardens, edging, and ground cover Propagation by division in fall

68. Physostegiavirginiana– obedient plant Native plant in pink or white Spreads aggressively in good soils Tolerates moist areas Good cut flower Divide frequently

69. Platycodongrandiflorus– balloon flower Durable plant prefers moist, well-drained soils Resents division Blooms most of the summer Grows 2-3’ in height

70. Rudbeckiafulgida - Black-eyed Susan Yellow flowers in summer to fall 2-3 feet tall Powdery mildew is the main pest problem Used as a border, cut or meadow flower Propagation by division or seed

71. Salvia x superba– meadow sage Reliable plant with long bloom season in late spring Good for drier areas Aromatic foliage Cut back after bloom for a second, smaller flush of bloom

72. Sedum spp. - Stonecrop Yellow, orange, red flowers in summer but generally grown more for foliage 3-8 inches Few pests Used for edging, ground covers, rock gardens Propagation by division or seed

73. Sedum spectabile - Showy Sedum Pink, red, white, lilac flowers in late summer and early fall 12-18 inches tall Few pests Used as a border, edging, cut flower or dried Propagation by division or cuttings

74. Examples of Perennial Flowers Part 2. Shady Locations

75. Aconitum napellus- Monkshood Blue flowers in late summer 3-4 feet tall Few pests Used as border or cut flower, may tolerate sunny conditions Propagate by division in fall or from seed Poisonous!

76. Arum italicum - Italian Arum White flowers in late spring followed by spikes of red berries in fall, good foliage throughout year 12-20 inches tall Few pests Used as a border plant Propagate by division in fall or by seed

77. Astilbe x arendsii- Astilbe Pink, white, red, lavender flowers in late spring and summer 2-3 feet tall Mites are the major pest Used as a border, cut flower, or dried Propagation by division in spring

78. Begonia grandis - Hardy Begonia Pink flowers in summer 18-24 inches tall Few pests Used in borders Propagate by tubers (may not be hardy) or bulbils

79. Ceratostigmaplumbaginoides– Plumbago, Leadwort Blue flowers in summer and fall 8-12 inches tall Few pests Used as a border or ground cover Propagation by division in spring, cuttings, or seed

80. Dicentraspectabilis – Common Bleeding Heart Pink or white flowers in summer 12-18 inches tall Major pest – stem rot and wilt Used as a border or cut flower Propagation by division in spring or fall, cuttings, or seed

81. Epimedium grandiflorum- Barrenwort Prefers moist, organic soils Some species tolerate dry shade when established Nice groundcover Small white, pink, or yellow flowers

82. Helleborusorientalis– Lenten Rose White or purple flowers in early spring 12-15 inches tall Few pests Used as a border plant Propagate by division or seed

83. Hosta spp. and hybrids - Hosta, Plantain Lily White and lavender flowers in spring and summer, grown more for the foliage 8-36 inches tall Major pest - slugs Used as border and cutting Propagation by division

84. Polygonatumodoratum ‘Vari-gatum’ – Fragrant Solomon’s Seal White to green flowers in spring, foliage is also attractive 18-24 inches tall Few pests Used in borders Propagation by roots divisions, seed

85. Tricytishirta - Toad Lily White flowers with purple spots in late summer and fall 2-3 feet tall Few pests Used in borders Propagation is by division in spring or fall or by seed (needs stratification)

86. Thanks to: Jamie Dockery Fayette County Extension Agent for Horticulture Dr. Leonard Perry Extension Professor, UVM Rosie Learner Horticulture Specialist, Purdue University Jane Martin Extension Agent Horticulture, Ohio State University Susan Grupp Unit Educator, Horticulture, University of Illinois Margaret Hudson photo of Hosta garden Michael Boer UW herb garden