Coneflower, Rudbeckia or black eyed susan whatever you call them, I call them beautiful. Rudbeckia bloom starts in early summer and depending on variety can bloom until frost. It is definitely one of the easiest perennials to grow.

Black eyed susan grows well in full sun to light shade and can tolerate dry conditions once it is established. If it needs water, it will show you by wilting in the middle of the day. A good watering will quickly revive it with no apparent damage done. Read the rest of this entry »

Stokes’ aster, a southeastern native, is one of the hardiest perennials grown in the southeast. It tolerates dry conditions well.

Stokes’ aster plants are low growing initially, stretching from 15 to 18 inches at blooming time. The most common variety produces light blue flowers; however, there are varieties with white or rose-colored flowers. Read the rest of this entry »

Shasta Daisy is one of my favorite easy to grow perennials. If you would like to grow perennials from seed, Shasta daisy is a good choice. Shasta daisy will bloom almost all summer long and attracts butterflies and birds.

Shasta daisies have large white flowers with yellow centers that look good with just about any color combination. The leaves are dark green and straplike and, in many cultivars, have coarsely-toothed margins. More than two dozen cultivars are available, ranging from 8 to 12 inches to 3 to 4 feet. Read the rest of this entry »

Yarrow (Achillea) is a wonderful easy to grow perennial that tolerates drought and infertile soil. Yarrow grows in full sun and makes a good cut or dried flower. There are hundreds of species of yarrow with many being excellant plants for the home garden.

Common Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) has fern-like foliage and red, pink, or white flowers. It begins flowering in early summer and continues through fall. For drying the flowers should be cut before they fades. Common yarrow spreads quickly can be invasive. Read the rest of this entry »

Hosta is another of my favorite easy to grow perennials. If you are looking for a perennial for your shady spots, you cannot go wrong by chosing hosta. You can propagate hosta by dividing the clumps in summer, but if you don’t want to divide hosta it can grow in the same place for 20 years or more, only improving with age. Read the rest of this entry »