Later Spring Bloomers
FOR MOSTLY SUNNY SPOTS
Carnations
We offer several colors of carnations. The standard sized ones grow to 2 feet tall with slender leaves, and the minis are smaller. The full double flowers are produced singly or up to five together, 1-2 inches in diameter, sweetly scented, and long-lasting. They need full sun and rich, well-drained, moist but not wet soil. They will bloom from spring throughout the summer, with insect and disease problems infrequent. Be sure to deadhead them frequently to encourage continued bloom. Their sweetly-scented blooms especially are not attractive to deer, but butterflies love them. They should be divided every 2 or 3 years to maintain the plant's vigor.
Columbine (Aquilegia)
Columbines bloom in early to mid-spring They like medium to light watering once established in poor to average, but well-drained soil. Partial shade is preferred, but full sun is tolerated with slightly more watering. The highly attractive blooms are long-lasting cut flowers. Consider adding Aquilegia to rock gardens, shady borders, or in masses along walks or drives.
Coral Bells
Coral bells comes in many foliage colors. They bloom from early June till August. Well-drained alkaline soil in full sun is best. They are drought tolerant & very cold hardy. Butterflies love them, but deer shy away, making this a very good addition to almost any garden. We have several different colors of these lovely foliage plants.
Creeping Phlox
A rapidly spreading perennial, Creeping Phlox grows to no more than 6 inches in height. The foliage is soft, needle-like, and remains lush spring through fall. The flowers emerge in April and May. This plant looks great growing over rocks. If massed together as a ground cover, creeping phlox plants make a powerful landscaping statement. After the blooming period, prune back the foliage of creeping phlox plants to encourage foliage to become denser & more attractive as a summer ground cover. Hardy in zones 2-8, Creeping Phlox likes full sun.
Daylilies, Reblooming
Reblooming daylilies produce an abundance of flower buds that open over a long period of time. They do well in the perennial border, in large masses, or as a ground cover. Deer are, unfortunately, attracted to daylilies, ripping the foliage; other animals bite more cleanly. We currently offer yellow and orange reblooming daylilies, but we will add several more varieties during the 2013 growing season.
Dianthus (Sweet William)
Dianthus, also known as Sweet William, continues to bloom in the later spring garden, and in fact, on into summer. These dainty blooms come in a range of colors all the way from white with faint pink marks to solid red. Plants are profuse bloomers and form thick mats of color. Dianthus is deer resistant and multiplies readily. Along with well drained soil, select a site with neutral to alkaline soil pH. Dianthus will not tolerate wet soils, especially in the winter. Cut back mounding plants after they flower to encourage rebloom. They should not be heavily mulched.
Salvia
Salvias prefer average, clay or sandy, well-drained soil in full sun. They are drought and humidity tolerant. Deer repellent and attractive to butterflies, they may be used in rock gardens, perennial borders, & mass plantings.
Other Late Spring Bloomers
Pincushion Flower (Scabiosa)
Attractive flowers, a long flowering season, and versatility make the Pincushion Flower, Scabiosa, an old-fashioned favorite. Their showy flowers are excellent for cutting, drying, pressing, and attracting butterflies. The name is derived from scabies, Latin for itch, referring to the ability to cure irritation of the skin. Scabiosa grows best in full sun in well-drained soil, rich in organic matter. Dead head to prolong blooming cycle. This perennial is good for rock gardens, borders, mid-bed plantings, and small group plantings.
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Blue-eyed Grass
Perfect for rock gardens or in front of the perennial border! Grows best in soil that is poor to moderately fertile, well-drained, and neutral to slightly alkaline. Protect plants from excessive moisture during the winter.
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Dwarf Coreopsis
One of the most spectacular bloomers in the spring and early summer garden is dwarf coreopsis. The basal leaves are only a few inches tall, with prolific golden yellow daisy-like flowers gracing the plants. Continue to deadhead the plants to extend the flowering season. Dwarf Coreopsis attracts butterflies, repels deer, and is an excellent choice for rock gardens, edging or borders.
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Candytuft
Perennial Candytuft is a hardy evergreen sub-shrub with showy white blooms very early in the spring. It needs a well-drained soil; thick mulch is ideal. Fertilize Candytuft every couple of months with an all-purpose, slow-release flowering plant fertilizer. It is good in rock gardens, on a wall, along walkways & paths.
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