PERENNIALS FOR THE SOUTH
Summerific
Hibiscus (Rose Mallow)
Summerific* Hibiscus are the highlight of garden centers and landscapes from midsummer into early fall as their dinner plate sized, colorful blossoms absolutely steal the show. All members of this series share an indeterminate bloom habit, meaning flowers are borne all the way up the stems. This extends the bloom time up to three times longer than older hibiscus which only have buds at the tips of their stems.
Be sure to leave plenty of room for Summerific* Hibiscus as they grow rather quickly into large shrub-like plants.
Sweet Romance
Lavandula (Lavender)
One of the best lavenders for the south, you’ll enjoy vibrant blue flowers all summer long on this especially long-blooming variety. Grow it organically so you can use its fragrant blossoms in baked goods, refreshments, lotions and bath water. It just needs lots of sun to thrive; this Mediterranean beauty won’t mind the heat one bit!
‘Tuscan Sun’
Heliopsis (False Sunflower)
You’ll find native false sunflowers growing naturally in fields and along roadsides from Ontario to Florida. Their glowing gold blooms are unmistakable, a special treat for pollinators and birds too. The healthy bright green foliage of ‘Tuscan Sun’ is covered with blooms for months on end beginning in high summer.
Decadence
Baptisia (False Indigo)
With their roots deep in prairie country, this series of colorful false indigos is just the right size for urban and suburban gardens. They are ideal for climates that are warm in summer but experience some chill in winter, which stimulates the plants to bloom the following spring. An extra-long tap root makes them especially drought tolerant.