CUISINE & CULTURE
Perennials are the faithful backbones of a flower garden. Unlike annuals that must be replaced every year perennials can be depended upon to return every year. The perennial Rudbeckia was highlighted in last week’s column and so to build on it, today’s column looks at several other perennials that should be considered for a West Texas garden.
Because perennials are reliable returners, they don’t require much maintenance. Give them their required light regime, well-draining soil amended with organic matter, plenty of space, and they reward with their dependability.
Spring is a great time to set perennials in the garden. Following in alphabetical order are some that should have a place in West Texas gardens.
Columbine. Columbine ( Aquilegia) blooms appear dainty but when placed in partially shaded environment protected from strong winds they can be surprisingly resilient. Plant in well-drained soil that is kept moist but not wet. They are early spring bloomers. Blossom color can be almost blue, shades of pinks and yellows. Flowers attract pollinators. Plants readily reseed.
Echinacea. Echinacea purpurea is often simply recognized as echinacea, but it is more usually called by its usual common name, coneflower. Like rudbeckias, echinaceas are native to North America, attract butterflies, bees, and even hummingbirds. They grow and flower best when planted in full light. At maturity plants can reach several feet in height, with an equal spread. Don’t crowd plants and they will produce abundant, long-lasting flowers. Common colors are purple and pink but flower colors of new varieties are red, salmon, lemon yellow, even white. Extracts of echinacea have made their way into Vitamin C supplements. Infusions of dried flowers make soothing herbal teas.
Penstemon. Penstemon is known by its scientific name, Penstemon digitalis. Depending on variety, foliage can be green or the newer deep burgundy of the variety ‘Husker Red’. The plant is tough and reliably bloom from spring into summer. Flowers borne on tall spikes are butterfly and hummingbird magnets. The best floral display occurs in full sun. They tolerate some dry soil, are fast growers and can reach several feet in height. Penstemon makes a good companion plant for grasses.
Russian sage. Delicate silver-gray, aromatic foliage of Salvia yangii is borne on tall, lanky, stiff stems. Copious, tubular lavender-blue blooms attract pollinators. Drought tolerant once established. May become invasive as it quickly becomes a spreading shrub.
Ellen Peffley Harp, a retired professor of horticulture at Texas Tech University, writes about gardening for several Texas newspapers.
