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Discovering Underrated Bedding Plants for a Sustainable Garden
In the world of horticulture, there are numerous plants that often go unnoticed yet possess remarkable qualities for creating beautiful, low-maintenance, and eco-friendly gardens. Laura Root, senior product manager for Wayside Gardens, Jackson & Perkins, and Park Seed, shares her expertise as a horticulturist, providing reliable and scientifically informed advice for gardeners.
One such underrated gem is Verbena 'Lolipop'. This compact and free-flowering plant boasts clouds of soft lavender-violet blooms from early summer to fall. Its airy blooms attract butterflies and hummingbirds, making it a standout in borders and containers. What's more, it's drought-tolerant, heat-loving, and low-maintenance, thriving in full sun with minimal care.
Astilbe, another hardy perennial, thrives in shade, offering feathery, colorful blooms from early to late summer. These plants range in height from 1-4 feet, have fern-like foliage, and are deer-resistant and adaptable to a variety of soil conditions. Astilbe can brighten up difficult, shady spots and are best planted in swathes in garden beds or layered with other perennials. They thrive in zones 3-8 and can survive winter temperatures as low as -40°F.
Some other underrated bedding plants that combine good looks, longevity, low maintenance, and environmental friendliness include:
- Water Hyssop (Bacopa), a perennial with delicate white blooms and lush green leaves, perfect for wet climates (zones 8-11). It serves well as a ground cover and is hardy and easy to grow.
- Perennial Geranium (Geranium bohemicum), low-growing with a spicy scent that repels deer and rabbits. Blooms in late spring to early summer, spreads rapidly, thrives in part sun, hardy in zones 3-9.
- Helenium ("Sneezeweed"), bright orange flowers in full sun, loved by pollinators. Hardy in zones 3-8.
- Coreopsis, cheerful blooms above fine foliage, reliable in full sun, attracts butterflies and bees, hardy in zones 3-10.
- Balloon Flower (Platycodon grandiflorus), striking bright blue, pink, or white balloon-shaped flowers. Prefers full sun but tolerates light shade, hardy in zones 3-8.
- Japanese Painted Fern (Athyrium niponicum), ideal for shade, colorful foliage, deer and rabbit resistant, hardy in zones 4-9.
- Peonies, known for large, fragrant, long-lasting blooms; they can thrive for decades with little care, are deer resistant, cold hardy, and provide stunning garden and cut flowers.
- Catmint, long blooming period from late spring to fall, aromatic foliage, drought resistant when with good drainage, complements peonies well, lives up to 10 years with proper care.
- Cuphea (Mexican Heather), evergreen groundcover with masses of small flowers all summer, attractive to butterflies, hummingbirds, and beneficial insects; good in zones 9-11.
- Dianthus (Sweet William types), low-growing perennials that bloom all summer with colors ranging from white to deep burgundy, suitable for ornament and low maintenance.
These plants are relatively low maintenance because they are perennials or evergreen, offer good longevity, provide ecological benefits like attracting pollinators or repelling pests, and generally require minimal watering or care once established. Choosing these plants supports sustainable gardening by reducing the need for chemical inputs and frequent replacements.
For drought resistance combined with aesthetic appeal, plants like Catmint and Peonies perform well, as does the drought-tolerant Cystus sundae (sunrose), which forms low mounds and has delicate blooms lasting late spring to early summer. This helps with water-saving and environmental friendliness.
In addition to these plants, Salvia 'Rose Marvel' and Lantana 'Summer Popsicle' are also worth considering. 'Rose Marvel' is a compact perennial with gorgeous rose pink blooms that flowers from May to October. It thrives in zone 4 and up, tolerates drought, and attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. It's effortless to grow, thriving in sunny, well-drained locations and returns reliably year after year.
Lantana 'Summer Popsicle' is a vibrant, sun-loving bloomer with rose and mauve flowers that shift to yellow-orange in fall, paired with sculpted deep green foliage. It's drought-tolerant and a great choice for xeriscaping.
For those seeking edible options, Creeping Thyme fits into the current edimentals trend of ornamental plants that also happen to be edible. It's part of the mint family, has a slightly milder taste than regular thyme, and can be used in cooking as you can eat both the flowers and the leaves. Creeping thyme is one of the best ground cover plants, thrives in poor soil, and is very hardy. It loves the sun but can tolerate some shade, and does best in zones 4-9.
Garden enthusiasts can find these plants and more at Nature Hills, a reputable source for quality plants. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting out, incorporating these underrated and eco-friendly plants into your garden can lead to a beautiful and sustainable outdoor space.
Incorporating 'Perennial Geranium (Geranium bohemicum)', 'Catmint', and 'Japanese Painted Fern (Athyrium niponicum)' into 'landscaping' projects is an excellent choice for individuals seeking a sustainable lifestyle. These plants not only enhance the 'home-and-garden' aesthetic but also possess hardiness and adaptability that make them ideal for various 'gardening' environments.
