fourteen floral species enduring both winter's chill and summer's heat without indoor shelter

fourteen floral species enduring both winter's chill and summer's heat without indoor shelter

Introducing the ultimate garden allies that triumph over both the scorching summer heat and the frigid winter chill: these exceptional flowering perennials. They not only endure the extreme weather conditions but also maintain their visual allure regardless of the season. Prepare to be captivated by a kaleidoscope of blooms, lush greenery, and pollinator-friendly habitats, all within the comfort of your very own backyard!

1. Scent First® 'Coconut Surprise' Dianthus

Botanical Name: Dianthus hybrid 'WP05 Yves'

Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade

Soil Type: Average, medium, well-draining

Soil pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0-7.5)

USDA Hardiness Zones: 5 to 10

Enthrall your senses with this fragrant dianthus variety, whose clove-like smell is reminiscent of a tropical paradise. Its flowers burst open on the vibrant blue-green foliage in late spring, providing an ethereal sight to behold. Each delicate bloom boasts a dark red eye and an abundance of petals, resembling a miniature carnation. The plants are prolific bloomers from spring through summer, with the evergreen foliage hugging the ground year-round.

1. Ever Amethyst™ Agapanthus

Botanical Name: Agapanthus hybrid 'MP003'

Sun Exposure: Full to part sun

Soil Type: Organic, medium moisture, well-draining

Soil pH: Slightly acidic (5.5-7.5)

USDA Hardiness Zones: 8 to 11

This audacious agapanthus is a pride and joy of the Southern Living Plant Collection. Its spikes of jewel-toned blossoms dazzle the garden throughout the summer, adding a vibrant pop of color against its strappy, evergreen foliage. As the temperature cools, the foliage continues to thrive, adding texture and excitement to the winter months.

1. Hellebore

Botanical Name: HelBorus sp.

Sun Exposure: Dappled sun; part shade

Soil Type: Rich, dry to medium, well-draining

Soil pH: Neutral, slightly alkaline (7.0-8.0)

USDA Hardiness Zones: 4 to 9

Hellebores are the true stars of the shaded garden, boasting thick, deeply lobed foliage and stunning rose-like blooms that emerge in winter. These luscious flowers captivate the eye during the dreariest months, providing a delightful contrast to the barren landscape. Flower colors range from pink and purple to white and green, with flowers often facing upright or gracefully nodding.

1. Evergreen Stella® Daylily

Botanical Name: Hemerocallis hybrid 'TG08'

Sun Exposure: Full Sun to Part Shade

Soil Type: Average, medium moisture, well-draining

Soil pH: Slightly Acidic to Neutral (6.0-7.0)

USDA Hardiness Zones: 4 to 10

Evergreen Stella® Daylily is an evergreen reincarnation of the award-winning Stella de Oro daylily, gracing the garden year round with its lush, linear green foliage. Amidst the warm winter months, it bursts into bloom, offering fragrant, trumpet-shaped flowers in a dazzling golden yellow hue. This hardy and drought-tolerant daylily is sure to capture the eye and enchant the senses.

1. Sea Thrift

Botanical Name: Armeria maritima

Sun Exposure: Full sun

Soil Type: Lean, dry, well-draining

Soil pH: Acidic to neutral (4.5-7.0)

USDA Hardiness Zones: 4 to 8

Sea thrift is the epitome of low-maintenance charm, forming a dense mat of stiff, evergreen foliage in lush green to blue-green hues. The first sight to meet your eyes during the spring months is a flush of white, pink, purple, or red blooms that resemble lollipops seated atop the foliage. As the flowers wither away, simply deadhead them to ensure repeat blooming throughout the summer months. This salt-tolerant perennial thrives in coastal gardens, providing the perfect pop of color against the harsh, salty breeze. Extra care should be taken to ensure proper drainage.

1. Coolvista™ Dianella

Botanical Name: Dianella revoluta 'Allyn-Citation'

Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade

Soil Type: Average, dry to medium, well-draining

Soil pH: Slightly acidic (5.5-6.5)

USDA Hardiness Zones: 8 to 11

Cold winters and tropical heat cannot slow down the mesmerizing charm of Coolvista™ Dianella, a perennial that is gaining popularity in American gardens. This stunning plant produces tufts of carex-like foliage, often featuring captivating color variations. Above its rolling devil's grass-like foliage, pinpoint, periwinkle-blue flowers dangle in the summer months, followed by an enchanting display of blue berries that prevail until the frost sets in.

1. Creeping Thyme

Botanical Name: Thymus serpyllum

Sun Exposure: Full sun

Soil Type: Average, dry to medium, well-draining

Soil pH: Neutral (6.5-7.5)

USDA Hardiness Zones: 4 to 9

Creeping thyme is the ultimate groundcover for gardens in the South, where it maintains its evergreen essence throughout mild winters. In the spring months, the plant bursts into a floral spectacle, boasting tiny pink to purple blooms that cover the ground for weeks on end. This beautiful plant thrives as a filler between steppingstones, softening the stoneworks and creating a lush, untamed appearance. As winter approaches, the needle-like foliage provides a touch of contrast against the snow and adds texture to the garden.

1. Phenomenal™ Lavender

Botanical Name: Lavandula hybrid 'Niko'

Sun Exposure: Full sun

Soil Type: Dry to medium, well-draining

Soil pH: Neutral to slightly alkaline (6.5-8.0)

USDA Hardiness Zones: 5 to 9

In a world filled with fragrant, climate-challenged lavender plants, Phenomenal™ Lavender stands tall and proud, thriving in the heat and humidity while resisting pests and diseases. This hardy miracle lavender boasts heaven-scented silver foliage and abundant blooms that lure pollinators to the garden.

1. Bergenia

Botanical Name: Bergenia crassifolia

Sun Exposure: Partial to full shade

Soil Type: Rich, moist, well-draining

Soil pH: Mildly acidic to slightly alkaline (6.0-8.0)

USDA Hardiness Zones: 4 to 8

This darling shade-loving plant is slow to grow, but the hard work pays off, as it forms clumps of thick, waxy foliage over time. Clusters of lavender pink flowers burst forth in late winter to early spring, offering an enchanting sight to the chilly landscape. In the Deep South, these evergreen rosettes can even bloom as early as December.

1. Creeping PhloxBotanical Name: Phlox subulataSun Exposure: Full sun to part shadeSoil Type: Medium, well-drainingSoil pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (5.5-7.5)USDA Hardiness Zones: 3 to 9This beloved spring bloomer is the perfect addition to any garden, delivering a vibrant carpet of star-shaped blossoms in shades of pink, blue, purple, and white. These unique flowers lure in a myriad of pollinators, from hummingbirds to butterflies and bees. In the warmer months, when the blooms have all but vanished, the plant's needle-like foliage provides a dense mat that effectively prevents erosion on sunny paths and among steppingstones.
2. Coral BellsBotanical Name: Heuchera species and hybridsSun Exposure: Full sun to part shadeSoil Type: Rich, moist, well-drainingSoil pH: Acidic to neutral (5.5-7.0)USDA Hardiness Zones: 3 to 9Known for their lovely, scalloped foliage, coral bells are the true stars of the garden scene. These hardy plants produce clusters of delicate bell-shaped flowers that captivate the senses and delight hummingbirds and other pollinators. With a diverse selection of vibrant foliage colors, from velvety plum to chartreuse, these plants surely steal the show in the spring months. Some even display silvery highlights, while others take on a copper or burgundy hue. The evergreen foliage continues to shine in wealthier winter climates, providing a stunning kaleidoscope of color long after the blooms have faded.
3. BarrenwortBotanical Name: Epimedium spp. and hybridsSun Exposure: Dappled sun; full to part shadeSoil Type: Average, dry to medium, well-drainingSoil pH: Acidic to neutral (5.0-7.0)USDA Hardiness Zones: 5 to 8Barrenworts, better known by their other names – fairy wings, bishop’s hood, or simply Epimedium – are the ultimate tenacious plants. These resilient woodland beauties grace the garden with their airy pink, yellow, white, or bicolor blooms in the spring months. The foliage, too, is a sight to behold – it grows in a mounding or spreading habit, featuring unique variegations and even semi-evergreen qualities.
4. Rock RoseBotanical Name: Cistus hybridsSun Exposure: Full sunSoil Type: Lean, dry to medium, well-drainingSoil pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (5.5-7.5)USDA Hardiness Zones: 7 to 10Rock rose is a beautiful flowering shrub that works wonderfully as a groundcover in warmer climates. This charming little plant displays an array of golden variegations, from the popular 'Little Miss Sunshine' and 'Mickie', to the charming marigold 'Kew Red' and 'Vulcan'. In spring, these versatile and resilient plants burst into bloom, donning white flowers with the most delightful golden eye.
5. Cotton LavenderBotanical Name: Santolina spp.Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shadeSoil Type: Average, dry to medium, well-drainingSoil pH: Neutral to slightly alkaline (7.0-8.0)USDA Hardiness Zones: 6 to 9Cotton lavender, with its charming Mediterranean heritage, brings its fine-textured foliage and round flowerheads to lazy summer days. The small flowers in yellow or white hues appear above mats of vivid green or silver foliage, providing a fragrant sight to enjoy. This water-wise selection is the perfect choice for rock gardens and coastal landscapes, as it thrives in well-drained soil.

May all these incredible perennials enchant your garden, offering their beauty and resilience to spring, summer, fall, and winter alike.

1. Explore the Southern Living Plant Collection for diverse gardening options, featuring plants like the 'Scent First® 'Coconut Surprise' Dianthus' and 'Ever Amethyst™ Agapanthus'. These plants can withstand various weather conditions and provide a visual feast throughout the seasons.
2. If you're in search of gardening landscaping ideas, consider incorporating perennials such as the 'Hellebore,' 'Evergreen Stella® Daylily,' and 'Sea Thrift' into your garden design. These plants not only bloom beautifully but also provide seasonal interest and year-round appeal. Additionally, perennials like 'Phenomenal™ Lavender' and 'Creeping Thyme' offer fragrance and texture to your garden, making them essential garden allies.

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