Planting Guide
Bedding PlantsPerennials
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.
Sedum
Flowers range in color from white, yellow, pink, and red to purple from summer to fall. This low-water plant does well in full sun, spaced 12-18" apart. Pinch occasionally to keep 2-24" plants compact.
Shasta Daisy
White, daisy like flower with a contrasting yellow eye generously cover the bushy plant from summer to frost. Plant in full sun to partial shade, in well-drained soil, approximately 12-18" apart. Flowers are good for cutting and attract butterflies.
Shrimp Plant
Exotic looking coppery white flower spikes resemble large shrimp and blooms from summer into fall. Plant in full sun to partial shade spaced 18-24" apart. This plant averages 2-3", but can be pinched continually for compactness. Shrimp plants attract butterflies.
Summer Phlox
Large, domed-shaped cluster of flowers in white, shades of red, pink and lavender in summer. Full sun allows for growth of 18-30" tall and 15-18" across. Remove spent flower heads for re-bloom in late summer. Does best in highly organic soils. Blooms have sweet scent and attract butterflies. Excellent cut flowers.
Texas Bluebell
Tulip-shaped flowers from clumps of gray-green foliage 12-24" high from summer to fall. Plant in full to partial sun, spaced 12-18" apart, with good drainage. Newer hybrid varieties available in blue, pink and white. Remove spent blossoms to lengthen flower season.
Texas Gold Columbine
Large, bright yellow flowers bloom in late spring. This variety is able to tolerate hot weather in filtered shade, unlike many Columbines. Average size is 3-4" high and 24-30" wide. Excellent choice in the perennial garden as it is long-lived and re-seeds freely. Attracts hummingbirds.
Turk's Cap
Showy bright red flowers that never completely open from late spring through fall. Full sun to partial shade works best; Turk"s Caps are heat tolerant and use little water. The shrub-like perennial that averages 4-5" high and 3-4" across. Dies to the ground in winter but emerges again in the spring when their flowers attract hummingbirds.
Verbena
Clusters of flowers ranging in color from bright red, purple, pink and white bloom all summer. Plant in full sun; very heat and drought tolerant, but does not like wet soil. Requires little attention once established. Plants are anywhere from 2-12" high and 12-18" across. Choose from a wide assortment of varieties, each with different growth habits.
Wallflower
Spikes of deliciously fragrant purple flowers in spring. Plant in full sun to partial shade spaced 18" apart. Give this 30" plant excellent drainage. Great for bouquets.