Perennials are the backbone of any garden. Plant them well and they will grow and return every year. In this article, you’ll discover five stunning perennials I’m adding to my garden this year.
Scabius Pink Mist
First out of the barrow is Scabius Pink Mist. This perennial is a lovely summer flower, starting early in spring and lasting through summer. Its common name is pincushion flower, and when you look in the center, you can see why.
The plant has good green foliage and thrives in sunshine with well-drained soil. Always find out what each plant prefers and provide it. With sunshine and drainage, these beautiful pink scabius flowers will flourish.
I’m planting this in the kitchen garden near the vegetable patch. Bees love it, and it will help pollinate peas and beans. It works well at the front of a border or in the veg patch.
Pulmonaria (Lungwort)
Next is Pulmonaria, also known as lungwort. In the Middle Ages, people believed plants hinted at their uses through their shapes. Its leaves resemble lungs, so it was thought to cure lung diseases.
This plant has spotted leaves and, in varieties like “Twinkletoe,” gorgeous blue and pink flowers in early spring. Pulmonaria thrives in moist soil and dappled shade. In full sun, it wilts easily, so provide shade and you’ll get weeks of flowers followed by decorative leaves. Bees also love this perennial.
Ferns for Shade
At number three comes ferns, perfect perennials for shade. They may not boast bright flowers, but they make excellent ground cover under trees. Some species are evergreen, keeping their fronds through the winter. Others die back and refresh each spring.
For dry shade, plant Dryopterus varieties. Their very name reminds you they suit dry areas. I’m adding these ferns under trees in my shady garden corner.
Lavender
No perennial garden should be without lavender. Its evergreen foliage smells delightful, and its purple flowers are loved by bees. Lavender grows about 45 cm high in lower varieties, and works beautifully as a low border in sunny, well-drained soil.
This plant makes great dried flowers for lavender bags. I’m planting mine in the vegetable garden, where pollinators will thrive and the scent will greet me every time I visit.
Hardy Geraniums
Finally, I would never be without hardy geraniums. These perennials vary from ground cover spreaders to medium-height plants like Wargrave Pink, which grows 45 cm high. They are smothered in pink flowers all summer.
Hardy geraniums spread in clumps and are great where little else will grow. They perform well in both sun and dappled shade. Plant them in groups of three or more for sweeping ground cover. By summer, their foliage will be coated with bright flowers, making them one of the most reliable perennials.
Conclusion
So there you have it—five beautiful perennials that thrive in almost any garden. From Scabius Pink Mist to hardy geraniums, these fab five plants bring color, scent, and wildlife to every outdoor space. Find them in any good garden center and plant them for a stunning display year after year.
