Peony (Paeonia)
Zones: 2-9
Bloom Time: Late spring and early summer
Growing Conditions: Requires a bit of sun and will grow in most soil conditions.
Care: Peonies come in reds, pinks, whites, and yellows and is an old fashioned garden favorite. It prefers to be left alone once established and does not adjust very quickly when divided. Peony varieties with double blossoms may need staking or nearby plants to lean on.
Single flowered varieties, however, are generally capable of standing on their own. The bushy foliage left after blooming is complete remains attractive throughout the growing season.
Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia)
Zones: 3-9
Bloom Time: Mid-summer to fall
Growing Conditions: Russian Sage prefers well drained soil and full sun
Russian Sage
Care: These blue flowers continue to get brighter as their blossoms open throughout the season. They get woody stems, which may die back to the ground if planted in a colder climate. In early spring, they should be pruned down to eight to ten inches in order to encourage profuse blooms and new growth. Very few pests are attracted to the plant, not even deer. It does not need to be divided.
Sea Thrift
Zones: 4-9
Bloom Time: Spring to early summer
Growing Conditions: Capable of growing in rocky soil and can withstand sea spray and high winds
Care: These flowers, which come in lilac, pink, red, rose, and white, rest atop stems that shoot up from foliage that looks like a bed of grass. Will continue to bloom if deadheaded and the entire plant can be refreshed by cutting it down to its basal growth, though it is not necessary to maintain the plant.
Siberian Iris (Iris siberica)
Zones: 3-9
Bloom Time: Late Spring
Growing Conditions: Grows in just about any conditions, though prefers a bit of sun. Will spread quickly if grown in moist conditions.
Care: Siberian Irises look like other forms of irises, but their leaves do not flop or become scorched following blooming. Therefore, they add texture and interest to the garden long after the blooms are gone. They do require division if they become crowded and they may rebloom in the fall when grown in warmer zones.
Turtlehead (Chelone lyonni)
Zones: 2-9
Bloom Time: Late summer to late fall
Growing Conditions: Capable of growing in most any condition, though they will require a little bit of extra moisture if you grow them in a hot, sunny location
Care: These flowers come in red, pink, and white varieties.
Deadheading is not necessary, as the seed heads are quite attractive.
These plants are long lived and will reach their full size within three to four years.
