Liven up your landscape by including a few of the lesser-used perennials.
The blackberry lily (Belamcanda chinensis) produces beautiful flowers in summer followed by seedpods that split open to reveal blackberry-like seeds for additional interest in the garden or dried arrangements.
Stoke’s aster (Stokesia laevis) was a popular plant in the past, but not as common now. Grow this beauty in full sun and well-drained soil for best results. And grow enough to include a few in your cut flower arrangements.
Heleniums, also known as Helen’s flower or sneezeweed, are adaptable to a variety of growing conditions. Many newer varieties with stronger or shorter stems are being introduced.
The fine airy flowers of Jupiter’ beard (Centranthus ruber) make this a great filler in the garden. Be aware it will reseed.
And for hot dry areas consider this Coral Penstemon. It makes a colorful focal point and attracts beneficial insects to the garden.
