What to Plant Now
Bedding Plants > Perennials
Perennials are plants that appear year after year without reseeding or replanting. They may die to the ground during part of the year, but return to full form when their season returns. A few cold sensitive perennials should be used as annuals in northern parts of the county or may require additional mulching to protect the root system from freeze damage during the winter. Ask your Certified Professional for more details on how a particular perennial will perform in your area.
Blue Plumbago
Brilliant blue flowers in late summer through fall. Flowers are bright blue upon opening and change to violet as they age. This low-water plant does best in well-drained soil that is high in organic matter with full to partial sun. Blue Plumbago grows to an average 6-10" high and 12-18" across.
Blue Queen Salvia
Spikes of violet purple flowers rise above the foliage during summer. The individual flowers are tiny and densely whorled around the spikes, which are 4-8" long. Blue Queen Salvia averages 2-3" high and should be spaced 12-24" apart. Withstands heat, drought, and poor soil in full sun or partial sun.
Butterfly Bush
A fast-growing, deciduous shrub with long, arching branched and mid-green to gray- green leaves. Dense panicles of fragrant flowers in an array of colors, often with orange or yellow eyes, bloom from summer to fall. This bush averages 6-8" tall and should be spaced 3-4" across in full sun. Attracts bees and butterflies.
Butterfly Weed
Brilliant, bright orange blooms in clusters from summer to fall atop small, dark green leaves. Will grow 18-30" high in most soils. Place in full sun, 18-24" apart. Attracts butterflies.
Canna
Full sun to partial sun works best for these brightly colored flowers in shades of red, orange, pink, yellow, white, salmon, and bi-color. Blooms from late spring through the fall and doesn"t use much water. Plant tubers 3-4" deep and 18-24" apart. Cut the 2-5" flower stalks when spent to encourage re-bloom.
Chinese Ground Orchid
Tiny lavender-like flowers appear in spring on these true terrestrial orchids. Best suited for shaded or partial sunny areas with rich, moist soil. Protect roots from cold with a thick layer of mulch in winter. These orchids average 18-24" high and 12-18" wide.
Cigar Plant
Interesting tubular-shaped flowers with red and yellow-green coloring are a favorite of hummingbirds in the fall. Plant in partial sun to indirect sun 2-4" apart for plants that average 2-4" in height. Very drought and heat tolerant and used as an annual in northern Texas.
Clematis
A large family of flowering vines popular of their showy flowers from spring through fall depending on the variety. Sweet Autumn clematis with its billowy masses of creamy white fragrant flowers is one of the best. All clematis like to have their "heads in the sun but their feet in the shade." Provide rich, moist soil and mulch heavily to keep roots cool and plant 4-5" apart.
Coneflower
Large, daisy-like flowers are rose purple or white in color bloom late spring and summer. Flowers attract butterflies and easily grown in summer heat. Plant in full sun to partial sun spaced 18-24" apart. Remove spent flower heads to increase flower production on this plant averaging 12-24" high plant.
Coreopsis
Bright golden yellow daisy like flowers on long stems above the foliage all summer long. Remove spent blossoms to extend bloom season. Coreopsis is heat and drought tolerant; plant in full to partial sun, spaced 12-18" apart. Several annual varieties also available in other colors, all with an average height of 12-14". Flowers attract butterflies.