Perennials at Atlantis Found! Gardens and Gifts

Perennials

Bee Balm
Bee Balm - Monarda didyma
Characteristics: Height up to 4 ft
Time of bloom July - August
Flower colors vibrant red, white, purple, and lavender
Soil Type Sandy loam, moist, well drained
Soil ph neutral
Water moist to occasionally dry
Light Full sun to partial shade
Native wildflower hybridized for garden use
An aggressive spreader, rhizomes can reach over a foot in a season
Bee Balm is unsurpassed in its ability to attract humming birds
White tends to be the tallest, followed by red then purple
Wild Bergamot is a closely related wildflower common in the area

Canna
Cannas are native to the northern and southern hemispheres. Cannas are quite versatile and very dependable. They grow well in most areas of the United States, but flourish with plenty of heat and water. Cannas are EASY to plant and EASY to grow. Cannas offer showy, tropical color from early summer until frost. Cannas are regaining much of the popularity they once enjoyed as an old garden flower. Three characteristics of cannas make them an excellent choice to brighten any sunny spot in your yard. These attributes are bloom, height and foliage.

Cannas bloom heavily in large, showy clusters. Bloom colors include various shades and combinations of red, yellow, pink and orange. Cannas are among the few flowers that offer long lasting color during the summer months with such low maintenance.

Cannas grow to heights of 3 feet (dwarf), 4 feet (medium) and 6 feet (tall), depending on the cultivar. Note: the height of cannas can vary significantly depending on soil fertility, type of soil, water, light and/or the growing season. Dwarf, medium and tall are average heights under normal growing conditions. Because of the three ranges in height, their possibilities are endless. Cannas are magnificent when planted in mass or offer a striking focal point when planted in small groupings.

Cannas have long banana-like leaves along the stem. Foliage color varies from several hues of green to a reddish-purple and bronze, depending on the cultivar. We also offer two varieties with variegated foliage. Canna 'Striped Beauty' has green and white striped leaves, while canna 'Pretoria' has green and yellow striped leaves.

Clematis Henryi
The Clematis ‘Henryi’, Lanuginosa X group, has white flowers with brown anthers that bloom in June and September and range in height of 10-12’ and a spread of 3’. Clematis ‘Henryi’ was a winner of the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit and one can see why. The foliage is dark green and makes a great contrast with the flower color. Clematis prefers full sun but will tolerate shade in the morning in a well-drained area. It is best to avoid heavy pruning on this perennial until it is fully established. Clematis ‘Henryi’ needs a supporting structure to grow properly but will also grow over large shrubs. The tops of Clematis prefer full sun while their roots prefer a cool, shady area. It is best to heavily mulch the root zone to provide this cool, shady area.

Clematis, Ernest Markham
Ernest Markham
One of the strongest growers. this bright magenta-red bloom is sure to add that special something to any bed or any place lacking the right touch of life. they can get 5-6" (12-15cm) blooms and flower from July to September. Mature height is 8-12' (2.5-3.5m) tall. they prefer to keep their "feet" cool but their "heads" hot. meaning keep the roots covered at all times and keep the vines up.

Clematis, Jackmanii
The Clematis ‘Jackman’, Clematis x jackmanii, is the best blooming Clematis in its family. With dark purple flowers that bloom in July, it ranges in height of 7-10’ and has a spread of 3’. The foliage is dark green and makes a great contrast with the flower color. Clematis prefers full sun but will tolerate shade in the morning in a well-drained area. It is best to avoid heavy pruning on this perennial until it is fully established. Clematis ‘Jackmanii’ needs a supporting structure to grow properly but will also grow over large shrubs. The tops of Clematis prefer full sun while their roots prefer a cool, shady area. It is best to heavily mulch the root zone to provide this cool, shady area.

Clematis, Nelly Moser
A moderately fast growing cultivar with bicolor flowers. Large, pale mauve-pink blooms with red anthers, each sepal with carmine central bar, are profusely borne in May and June and again in July-September. It doesn’t like extremely hot, sunny areas, best planted on a north wall or in a shady position to prevent bleaching. Excellent for growing over fences, walls, arbors, pergolas, trellises and poles. It can also be grown over natural supports such as coniferous or deciduous bushes and dwarf shrubs. They grow to be 6-9 ft tall and roughly 3-6 ft wide. Begins blooming around June until September - October.

Clematis, Pink Chiffon
Hagley hybrid clematis
Family: Ranunculaceae Genus: Clematis
Additional cultivar information: (aka Pink Chiffon) these late flowering clematis will add that special something to any yard or planter you wish to put it in with its gorgeous pink, violet, or lavender flowers that have no fragrance, and the bloom is 2-5" in diameter. They begin to bloom in mid summer to early fall with repeated blooms to keep the plant looking breath taking everyday. It gets 6-10' tall and should be spaced 24-36" apart for best results. They are also hardy in zones 4a-9a. They do best in full sun to part shade but make sure the root ball is covered sufficiently to keep the plant from drying out and dying. Do not over water. Keep in well-drained soil; also prune back hard in early spring to keep your clematis looking great all season long.

Daylilly, Stella Dora
Stella d'ora daylily
This beautiful bright yellow lily will bring butterflies, humming birds, humming moths, and all of natures beauty to your home when you plant a Stella d'ora day lily in your garden. These lilies will bloom all summer long with the right water requirements are met. When old blooms fade out just cut the stalk back to encourage new growth and more room for more blooms. For best results mix compost, peat moss, or cow manure to the soil if the soil needs to be repaired for plants to thrive. Do not over water and keep in moist but well drained soil. Prefers full sun to part shade Spacing: 18" apart. Size: 32" Tall X 18" Wide. Exposure: Full Sun. Growth: Fast. Hardiness: -30 To -20 Deg. F. Flower: Lemon-yellow, fragrant flowers. Form: Compact clumping flowering perennial. Usage: Attractive border, accent or massing plant. The leaf is compact and grass-like. Attraction: Cut flower. Blooms in mid-season. Plant in well-drained soil.

Fern, Leather Leaf
The Leather leaf Fern, or Marginal Shield Fern, is an evergreen fern that typically forms a non-spreading, vase-shaped clump to 1.5-2' (infrequently to 3') tall. This is a woodland fern, which is most often found in shaded crevices of rocky ledges and bluffs. Leather leaf Ferns features grayish-green, deeply cut, leathery fronds, 15-20" long.

Fern, Maiden Hair
Maidenhair fern
Adiantum pedatum.
Habitat: rich woodlands, often on limestone soil
Height: 12-18 inches
Stipe (leaf stalk): thin and wiry; black or dark brown
Persistence: deciduous

The Maidenhair Fern is one of the most graceful and delicate looking of all the native ferns.
The Maidenhair fern produces large clumps of lacy, bright green leaves on shiny black stems that are highly decorative. In spring, the finely textured, fronds are arranged in a half circle like streams of hair from around a lady's head (hence the common name Maiden hair).

Fern, Royal
The Royal fern is a common fern species found in bogs, swampy areas, and the sides of streams. The royal fern has many traits that appear maladaptive, or to put it another way, Osmunda regalis seems burdened with characteristics that handicap its survival - yet in spite of a variety of morphological and reproductive limitations, royal ferns have survived and flourished for hundreds of millions of years!

Fern, Sword
Polystichum munitum 'Sword Fern'

Polystichum munitum 'Sword Fern'- is a large evergreen fern, growing to almost 4 feet in height. The leaves are lance shaped and erect to arching with alternating leaflets. Sword Fern actually becomes quite drought tolerant, which is why it is quite popular for yards. The plant prefers light (sandy) and medium soils. It can grow in full shade or semi -shade. It requires dry or moist soil. Zones: 3-8

Fescue, Blue
Blue fescue
Fescues are mound forming semi-evergreen used as accent and specimen plantings in rock gardens or for borders. It must be planted in well-drained soil and they tend to die back in the hot dry weather and should be watered to keep them looking great. It gets 6-18" tall and can live in zones 5-9.

Foxglove
Foxglove (digitalis mertonensis)
This beautiful perennial stands out with its trumpet like flowers ranging in colors from white to deep purple. It grows to be 3ft tall and has a spread of 12-18in wide. It grows in an upright position quite quickly. It prefers full sun to part shade but tends to want it soil dry to moist. Its foliage is dark green. But when the flower stalks are all bloomed out cut them back to the base to force a second, third and even fourth blooming stalk of flowers.

Grass, Mondo
Mondo grass (ophiopogon japonicus)
This evergreen ornamental grass adds that special touch to your yard with its soft texture. It grows in moist to medium wet soil, but it has to be well drained. Also known as monkey grass; it produces little tiny pale purple to a pink flower on it that usually gets covered up by its leaves that bloom all summer long. It prefers full sun, and reaches a distance of 6-8 inches wide and 6-12 inches tall.

Grass, Pampas
Pampas grass (erianthus ravennae)
This particular plant grows in height of 8-12 feet and 3-4 feet wide. Loves the full sun. Prefers to be moderate to dry conditions. With its green foliage and white to beige "puffs" makes any yard look tropical while the leaves drape over one another to display a "fountain" look.

Hen And Chicks
Hen and chicks (Sempervivum)
Characteristics: Height: 1 - 3 in. with flower stalks to 1 ft. Flower colors: Pink - White Transplants: Easily Requirements: Soil Type: Sandy Soil ph: Neutral Water: Dry Light: Full sun

Hibiscus, Texas Star
Texas star hibiscus (hibiscus coccineus)
Likes full sun to part shade. Attracts bees, birds, and butterflies with its dark red blooms. Blooms from mid summer to early fall. Has very high water needs, suitable for bogs and water gardens. 6-8ft tall and space them 4-6ft apart for best results

Hibscus, Hardy
Hardy hibiscus- these magnificent plants are a beautiful addition to any yard for a specimen or any bed, or border you wish to use. They make great hedges to block out unwanted neighbors and make your yard look spectacular at the same time. They prefer full sun and medium water requirements once established. They come in extraordinary colors ranging from a white to a dark red. They have dish like blooms unlike their cousins the Texas star. They grow 6-8 ft tall and roughly 3-4 ft wide. They also have up to 10" blooms that bloom from late spring to early fall. These plants increase rapidly in size year to year.

HollyHock
Hollyhock
This beautiful perennial has a bright red flower that continues to bloom all season long. It can grow up to 8 feet tall and it prefers full sun and moist but not dry soil that must be well drained. . It grows best in deep, rich soils. They generally grow up to 8 feet tall, which makes it a great centerpiece for any garden or flowerbed.

Hosta
Hostas are extremely popular, hardy herbaceous perennials grown primarily for their beautiful foliage. They are easy to grow, shade-tolerant plants. Leaves come in a wide range of shapes, colors, sizes, and textures and may be solid in color or variegated in different combinations of blue, green, white, and gold. The plants are low maintenance and are widely available in nurseries and garden centers. Many catalogs also offer a large selection of hosta plants, with more than 2,500 different cultivars on the market. A hosta plant generally reaches full maturity in 4–8 years, and its size depends on the cultivar. Cultivars are "cultivated varieties" that have been developed for some desirable or improved feature such as plant form, size, bloom, leaf color, variegation, pest resistance, etc.

Hosta leaves may be a solid color such as blue, green, gold, or yellow. The blue color is actually a green leaf coated with a wax that makes it appear blue. The wax tends to "melt" from the leaf following exposure to sun and the heat of summer. Variegated leaves may include a combination of lighter and darker shades of color in the leaf. "Medio variegated" leaves show a light color in the center of the leaf, which may be white, gold, yellow, or light green. "Marginally variegated" leaves show a light color on the edge of the leaf.
All hostas bloom in summer with spikes of lavender to white, lily-like flowers, which can be quite showy. New cultivars of hosta plants are also being bred to produce larger and even more attractive flowers. Some newer plants may have 50–75 blooms on each flower scape. All fragrant hosta flowers are hybridized from Hosta plantaginea, which has 6-inch long, beautiful, white fragrant flowers.
Shade/Sun Requirements
Hostas are considered shade-tolerant plants, but most do not thrive if grown in deep shade. Hostas grow best in an exposure with morning sun and afternoon shade. Some cultivars will tolerate some afternoon sun, although plants grown in full afternoon sun (especially variegated plants) will show signs of marginal burning on leaves in the summer months.
Some plants also show seasonal foliar changes. A plant that exhibits "viridiscence" will change from light colors in the leaf early in the growing season to all green leaves as the season progresses. "Lutescent" leaves will change from green to yellow, and "albescent" leaves will turn from yellow to white. Leaf color may also be affected by the amount of sun the leaves receive.
Leaves that are thick and stiff are termed "rugose" or are said to have "heavy substance"; such leaves are considered to be somewhat resistant to slug feeding.
Hostas will grow best in rich organic soil. A loamy soil type may not need the addition of organic matter, but few of us are so lucky to garden in ideal soil and will need to add organic amendments. The recommended soil is well drained, has a slightly acidic pH, and is enriched both with nutrients and organic matter. When making a new hosta bed, many gardeners like to cultivate to a depth of 12–16 inches. Apply 6 inches of organic matter and till it into the new bed. Materials such as compost, leaf mold, well-rotted manure, Canadian peat moss, composted pine bark, and municipal sludge products such as Milorganite® and Com-Til® may be used. The addition of organic matter will also serve to raise the bed, which will improve drainage for the plants.

Hydrangea, Lace Cap
Mophead hydrangeas (Hydrangea macrophylla) are the most popular hydrangeas grown in gardens and home landscapes. Most mopheads grown today are blue or pink. A few varieties are white. Hydrangeas (except the white ones) can be either blue or pink, depending on the composition of the soil they are grown in. You can also change the color of your hydrangeas by adding a little lime at a time until desired color is met.

Hydrangea, Varigated
Variegated hydrangea
These particular hydrangeas prefer a little more light than the regular hydrangea, thus the white in the leaves. They; like their original, draw butterflies, moths, and the occasional humming bird or two to its beautiful dome like flower. They prefer to have their soil moist but well drained and to be protected from direct morning sun and the killer heat of the day.

Lobelia
Lobelia siphilitica, Great Blue Lobelia, has deep brilliant blue flowers summer to fall crowded along the upper section of 2 to 3 feet tall spikes. Makes an impressive show in the perennial garden where it is a favorite of hummingbirds and butterflies and makes and excellent cut flower. Very impressive in the garden!
This richly colored flower grows naturally in prairies, open woods, wet meadows, and moist soil along ponds and stream banks. Prefers moist organically rich soil in shady to sunny areas. This variety tolerates drier locations than others (L. cardinalis), but insists on some afternoon shade in warmer zones. Propagate by seed, division or cuttings. May self-seed. Best used as a border, wild, hummingbird, butterfly and water gardens and to add color to woodland gardens. Flower Color Blue Bloom Time Summer - fall Height 2-3' Native to North America Light Full / part sun Soil Moist to wet Zone 4-8

Maltese Cross
Maltese cross
Plant Maltese cross in full sun in well-drained soil. Add a light application of organic fertilizer to the planting hole. Place the plants no deeper than they were growing in the containers.
Set the plants 6 inches apart. Mulch around, but not on top of, the plants with 3 inches of organic compost. Water well until soil is completely moist. Caring for Maltese Cross:
Instructions
Cut old stems back to the ground in late spring using bypass pruners. Apply a light application of organic fertilizer to the top of the soil in spring; follow package directions. Mulch around but not on top of the plants with 3 inches of organic compost in spring. Water well weekly until soil is completely moist during summers with no rainfall. Deadhead, or cut back old flower stems, to keep the plants blooming.

Phlox
Phlox spp. Phlox display two main growth habits, upright and creeping.
The creeping forms also differ by having needle-like leaves.
Both types will grow well in a sandy humus rich soil that is not allowed to dry for long periods. Soil Type - Sandy loam, moist, well drained Soil ph - neutral to slightly acid Water - moist to dry Light - Full sun to partial shade Characteristics: Height - Upright to 6 ft. high. Creeping phlox forms low mats Time of bloom - Garden phlox - July-Sept. Creeping phlox - late spring Flower colors - white, purple, red, and lavender Propagation: Division and seed. Transplants easily.

Purple Cone Flower
Purple coneflower

This attractive flower will add that special something to any garden or will liven up any old planter for your porch, patio, or deck. It will bloom from mid summer to mid fall and the blooms will be anywhere from a pinkish color to a bright purple. They prefer full sun to part shade and well-drained soil for best results. This plant is attractive to bees, birds, and butterflies. It self sows and is deer resistant as well. They do best in zones 2a to 10b. And grow anywhere from 24" to 6' tall and should be spaced anywhere from 24" to 48" for best results.

Roses
Roses
These beautiful bushes add the exact effect you are looking for when you plant roses in your flowerbeds. They prefer full sun to part shade, acquire medium watering needs and attract birds, bees, and the occasional humming bird. When blooms have died out prune them to the first fifth leave structure you come to after the old bloom to keep it blooming all season long. When the season is over cut them back to 8-12 inches tall.

Sedum
Sedum-angelina
Sedum repestre "angelina"
This particular sedum is a groundcover like no other with its bright yellow to green color makes a great eye catcher for your flowerbeds. It grows 3-6in in height and spreads 12-14in wide. Its a fast grower desire for full sun to part shade make this sedum perfect for borders, edgings, and just to fill the empty spot in your yard.

Shasta Daisy
Shasta daisy
These hardy perennials form dense colonies of white petaled flowers with golden centers. They usually grow 1-3' and prefer full sun to part shade and well-drained fertile soil. They bloom from June into July and are used for borders and ground cover since the foliage remains green all year round.

Sweet William
Sweet William prefers full sun and light sandy, well-drained soil. Shear off faded blooms and the plant may come back and bloom the following year. Plant in the spring after the last average frost date. The Sweet William easily reseeds and is always a garden guest. They make beautiful cut flowers and make any flower beds stand out with their beauty

Trillium, mixed
Mixed trillium
This beautiful wild flower makes a great addition to any bed, border, or flowerpot on your porch. They like shade to part sun, regular watering needs and like to be fertilized.

Vervain
Vervain- hardy verbena
This beautiful perennial is a great addition and eye catcher for any flowerbed or garden with its bright purple flowers it’s sure to catch some attraction. It can get up to 48" tall and must be spaced up to 18" apart for best results. It prefers full sun and plenty of water in the hot days of summer. It blooms purple flowers starting in mid summer and goes until mid fall. This plant attracts humming birds, bees, butterflies and birds. It is semi drought tolerant and the flowers are great for cutting, preserving, and drying.

Yarrow, ‘Moonshine’
The Yarrow ‘Moonshine’, Achillea 'Moonshine'’, is an upright canary-yellow flower that blooms from June through September. With evergreen foliage in mild winter regions, this non-spreading Achillea is a definite winner. ‘Moonshine’ Yarrow is unlike the common Yarrow, being shorter in height and less invasive. The flower heads are 4” wide, with a spread of 18-24” and a height of 24”. ‘Moonshine’ Yarrow is a great addition to a sunny perennial border, planted in pots or combined with ornamental grasses.
‘Moonshine’ Yarrow can tolerate poor soil conditions, but does best in lean, dry to medium wet, well-drained soil. (Avoid heavy clays and moist, rich, fertile soils.) Yarrow should be planted in full sun and is tolerant to hot humid summers. Remove faded flowers to encourage more growth and divide every 3-4 years. For an attraction to butterflies, deer and rabbit resistant, one can’t go wrong with this plant.

Yarrow, ‘Summer Pastels’
The Yarrow ‘Summer Pastel’, Achillea sibirica, is an upright wide range of pastel flowers that blooms from June through September. The flower colors range from pink, rose, orange-red, purple, gray, salmon and mauve. ‘Summer Pastel’ Yarrow was an All America Selections winner in 1990, and truly one of the most exciting varieties to be added to the Yarrow family. The flower heads are 3-4” wide, with a spread of 18-24” and a height of 24”.'Summer Pastel' Yarrows make a great addition to any perennial garden, for mass plantings, borders, naturalized settings and cottage gardens. This Yarrow can tolerate poor soil conditions, but does best in lean, dry to medium wet, well-drained soil. (Avoid heavy clays and moist, rich, fertile soils.) Yarrow should be planted in full sun and is tolerant to hot humid summers. Remove faded flowers to encourage more growth and divide every 3-4 years. For an attraction to butterflies, deer and rabbit resistant, one can’t go wrong with this plant.

Last Modified: Tuesday, September 18, 2007