Flowers for Mountain Communities · Small daisy-like flowers on slender branching stems. Best...
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Fact Sheet No. 7.406 Gardening Series| Flowers by L. Potts and I. Shonle * is fact sheet discusses biennial and pe- rennial non-native flowers for mountain areas above 7,500 feet as well as highlighting some native plants not covered in fact sheet 7.242, Native Herbaceous Perennials for Colorado Landscapes. Ground Covers and Rock Garden Plants for Mountain Communities are covered in fact sheet 7.413. For more information on gardening in the mountains, refer to fact sheet 7.244, Colorado Mountain Gardening Basics. Selection e flowers listed in Table 1 have been selected to thrive in mountain gardens. When selecting plants from this list, match the cultural needs of the plants to the garden site in which you intend to plant. Cultural factors to consider include soil texture and organic matter content, moisture and drainage, light exposure, and microclimate. ‘Warm’ or ‘hot’ microclimates are usually found on the pro- tected south sides of buildings, against stone walls, or on south-facing slopes. Plants listed as easy to grow are most suitable for new gar- deners. Plants listed as ‘aggressive’ can spread widely in the landscape, especially under conditions of higher soil fertility and mois- ture. Where information was available, we included whether the plant is resistant to deer and rabbits. Please be aware that no plant is entirely resistant if an animal is very hungry; also be aware that there may be geographical differences in what animals will eat. When purchasing plants from a nursery, garden center, or greenhouse find out where the stock was grown. Stock originating from southern and Pacific Coast sources may be less hardy. Where possible, select nurs- ery stock originating from northern areas especially for marginally hardy plants. Look Quick Facts • Consider the length of the growing season, soil characteristics and exposure before selecting flowers for mountain gardens. • Be cautious with late- blooming flowers, as they may not have a chance to bloom in short-season climates. • Choose plants that are hardy to USDA zones 2-4. The lower the zone, the hardier the plant. • Amend your soil for best results. Flowers for Mountain Communities for healthy plants with a strong but not root- bound root system. Establishment In mountain areas, the best time to plant flowers is either immediately aſter the last frost (particularly for borderline hardy plants) or during the rainy season. Avoid the temptation to buy plants too early because most nursery stock is grown below 6000' and the new growth may not be hardened enough to withstand the conditions at higher eleva- tions. You may have to maintain plants for several weeks if you buy too early, which can cause the plant to decline. Before planting, acclimate plants by gradually exposing them to longer times outdoors in mountain condi- tions over a period of several days or weeks. is process is also known as ‘hardening off.’ If plants are grown outside and are from local nurseries, this is not necessary. Soil preparation is oſten the key to grow- ing healthy plants in the mountains, particu- larly for non-native plants. Native plants are oſten adapted to leaner soils (lower in organic matter), and may ‘flop’ or have a shorter life span in well-amended soils. For optimum growth, most mountain soils benefit by amending with organic mate- rial such as compost, alfalfa pellets, aged ma- nure, or a combination. If the original soil is decomposed granite, extensive amending will be necessary to achieve an organic soil, or even a moderately organic soil as is required by some plants. If the original soil is clay, amending with organic matter or creating and planting on a berm can help to create the well-drained soils required by many garden plants (although in poorly drained soils it is best to add some organic matter each year, rather than all at once, in order to avoid salt buildup). For more information on amend- ing soils, see fact sheet 7.235, Choosing a Soil Amendment, or 7.244, Colorado Mountain Gardening Basics. ©Colorado State University Extension. 4/08. Revised 9/13. www.ext.colostate.edu * L. Potts, Colorado State University Extension agent, Eagle County; and I. Shonle Extension agent, Gilpin County. Special acknowledgement to Sharon Balius, Colorado Master Gardener in Eagle County. 9/2013.
Transcript of Flowers for Mountain Communities · Small daisy-like flowers on slender branching stems. Best...
Fact Sheet No. 7.406 Gardening Ser ies|Flowers
by L. Potts and I. Shonle*
This fact sheet discusses biennial and pe-rennial non-native flowers for mountain areas above 7,500 feet as well as highlighting some native plants not covered in fact sheet 7.242, Native Herbaceous Perennials for Colorado Landscapes. Ground Covers and Rock Garden Plants for Mountain Communities are covered in fact sheet 7.413.
For more information on gardening in the mountains, refer to fact sheet 7.244, Colorado Mountain Gardening Basics.
SelectionThe flowers listed in Table 1 have been
selected to thrive in mountain gardens. When selecting plants from this list, match the cultural needs of the plants to the garden site in which you intend to plant. Cultural factors to consider include soil texture and organic matter content, moisture and drainage, light exposure, and microclimate. ‘Warm’ or ‘hot’ microclimates are usually found on the pro-tected south sides of buildings, against stone walls, or on south-facing slopes. Plants listed as easy to grow are most suitable for new gar-deners. Plants listed as ‘aggressive’ can spread widely in the landscape, especially under conditions of higher soil fertility and mois-ture. Where information was available, we included whether the plant is resistant to deer and rabbits. Please be aware that no plant is entirely resistant if an animal is very hungry; also be aware that there may be geographical differences in what animals will eat.
When purchasing plants from a nursery, garden center, or greenhouse find out where the stock was grown. Stock originating from southern and Pacific Coast sources may be less hardy. Where possible, select nurs-ery stock originating from northern areas especially for marginally hardy plants. Look
Quick Facts•Considerthelengthofthegrowingseason,soilcharacteristicsandexposurebeforeselectingflowersformountaingardens.
•Becautiouswithlate-bloomingflowers,astheymaynothaveachancetobloominshort-seasonclimates.
•ChooseplantsthatarehardytoUSDAzones2-4.Thelowerthezone,thehardiertheplant.
•Amendyoursoilforbestresults.
Flowers for Mountain Communities
for healthy plants with a strong but not root-bound root system.
EstablishmentIn mountain areas, the best time to
plant flowers is either immediately after the last frost (particularly for borderline hardy plants) or during the rainy season. Avoid the temptation to buy plants too early because most nursery stock is grown below 6000' and the new growth may not be hardened enough to withstand the conditions at higher eleva-tions. You may have to maintain plants for several weeks if you buy too early, which can cause the plant to decline. Before planting, acclimate plants by gradually exposing them to longer times outdoors in mountain condi-tions over a period of several days or weeks. This process is also known as ‘hardening off.’ If plants are grown outside and are from local nurseries, this is not necessary.
Soil preparation is often the key to grow-ing healthy plants in the mountains, particu-larly for non-native plants. Native plants are often adapted to leaner soils (lower in organic matter), and may ‘flop’ or have a shorter life span in well-amended soils.
For optimum growth, most mountain soils benefit by amending with organic mate-rial such as compost, alfalfa pellets, aged ma-nure, or a combination. If the original soil is decomposed granite, extensive amending will be necessary to achieve an organic soil, or even a moderately organic soil as is required by some plants. If the original soil is clay, amending with organic matter or creating and planting on a berm can help to create the well-drained soils required by many garden plants (although in poorly drained soils it is best to add some organic matter each year, rather than all at once, in order to avoid salt buildup). For more information on amend-ing soils, see fact sheet 7.235, Choosing a Soil Amendment, or 7.244, Colorado Mountain Gardening Basics.
©ColoradoStateUniversityExtension.4/08.Revised9/13.
www.ext.colostate.edu*L. Potts, Colorado State University Extension agent, Eagle County; and I. Shonle Extension agent, Gilpin County. Special acknowledgement to Sharon Balius, Colorado Master Gardener in Eagle County. 9/2013.
Snow cover is an excellent mulch, allow-ing root growth to occur even during some periods of the winter. Encourage snow to drift over the root zone of plants by using temporary snow fences a few feet from more tender plants on the upwind side of the plant.
Use the following key in Table 1.
Bloomtime: E=earlyseason M=midseason L=lateseasonExposure: FS=fullsun PS=partsun SH=fullshadeMoisture: L=lowwaterneeds M=moderatewaterneeds H=highwaterneeds (includingsaturatedsoils).
Table 1. Flowers for the mountains.
Scientific NameCommon Name
Bloom Time
Exp. Moist. Color Height x Width Comments
Achilleaspp.Yarrow M FS L White,pink,red,yellow,orange
1-4'xvaries
Easytogrow.Aromaticfern-likefoliage.Bestchoices:A. lanulosaisnativeandA. millefoliumcanbeaggressive.A. filipendulinaandA. x ‘Moonshine’donotspreadaggressively.Long-blooming.Deerandrabbitresistant.Mostwell-drainedsoils.
Aconitumspp.Monkshood
M FS-PS M-H Purple,pink
3-4'x18-24"
Blossomsarehood-shaped.Bestchoices:A. napellusandA. colombianum(native).Cutanddriedflowers.Resistanttopestsanddiseases.Toxic.Deerandrabbitresistant.Organicsoils.
Alliumspp.Ornamentalonion
Varies FS L-M Purple,white,blue,pink,yellow
6"-4'xvaries
Easytogrow.Smallerspeciesaregoodinrockgardens.Deerandrabbitresistant.Well-drainedsoils.
Anthemis tinctoriaGoldenmarguerite
M-L FS L-M Yellow,white,cream
3'x3' Easytogrow.Clumpformingplantswithdark-green,finelydivided,fern-likeleaves.Largesingledaisy-likeflowersonsturdystems.Vigorousandlong-blooming.Biennialorshort-livedperennial.Deerandrabbitresistant.Well-drainedsoils.
Artemisiaspp.Sage
NA FS L White,yellow
8"-2'x1-2'
Easytogrow.Aromaticgray-greensilveryplantsgrownforfoliage.Bestchoices:A. versicolor‘SeaFoam’(PlantSelect®),A. schmidtiana‘SilverMound',A. ludoviciana‘SilverQueen’and‘SilverKing’.A. absinthumisanoxiousweed.Deerandrabbitresistant.Well-drainedsoils.
Aquilegiaspp.Columbine
E-M FS-PS M Varies 1-2'x1-2'
Short-livedperennials.Bestchoices:A. flabellata,A. formosa,SongbirdSe-riesandMcKanaHybrids.Attractshummingbirds.Cutflowers.Organicsoils.
Brunneraspp.Siberianbugloss
E-M FS-PS M Blue 1-2'x1-2'
Easytogrow.Heart-shapedleaveswithforget-me-not-likeflowers.Variegat-edcultivarsavailable.Reseedsreadily.Subjecttoearlyspringfrostdamage.Deerresistant.Moderatelyorganicsoils.
Caltha palustrisMarshmarigold
E FS-PS M-H Yellow 1-2'x18" Largekidney-shaped,dark,glossygreenleaves.Waxycup-shapedflow-ers.Bestchoices:‘FlorePleno’withdoubleflowers.Bestinmarshyareas.Organicsoils.
Campanulaspp.Bellflower
M FS-PS M Purple,white
Varies Bell-shapedflowers.Morethan250species,includingbiennialsandperen-nials,varyingwidelyinheightandgrowthhabits.Bestchoices:C. glomerata(Clusteredbellflower)canbeaggressive,C. lactiflora(Milkybellflower)over3'tall,C. persicifolia(Peach-leavedbellflower)2to3'.Borders.Cutflowers.Organicwell-drainedsoils.
Centaureaspp.Cornflower
E-M FS-PS L-M Blue,white,rose,yel-low
Varies Easytogrow.Clump-formingplantswithgray-greenfoliage.Bestchoices:C. montana(Mountainbluet),C. dealbata(Persiancornflower)haslobedleaves.Bothspeciesreseedreadily,canbeaggressiveandmayneedsup-port.C. macrocephala(Globecentaurea)istallerwithcoarserfoliageandlargethistle-likeflowerheadsandisgoodforcutanddriedflowers.Deerresistant.Mostsoils.
Centranthus ruber Jupiter'sbeard,Redvalerian
E-M FS L-M Rose-pink,white
18-36"x18-24"
Fleshy,blue-greenfoliage.Fragrantclustersoftinytrumpets.Longbloom-ing.Short-livedperennial.Reseedsreadily.Attractsbutterfliesandhumming-birds.Deerandrabbitresistant.Preferslean(loworganicmatter)soils.
Delphiniumspp.Delphinium
M FS M Blue,white,purple,pink,bicolor
2-5'x3' Tallspikesofflowers.Bestchoices:D. elatumneedsprotectionfromwindandbenefitsfromstaking.D. grandiflorum,ashort-livedperennial,is18"tall.D. belladonnais2-3'tallandhaswirystemswithopenheads.Shortercultivarsaremorewindresistantandmaynotneedstaking.Toxic.Deerandrabbitresistant.Moderatelyorganictoorganicwell-drainedsoils.
Dicentraspp.Bleedingheart
E PS-SH M Pink,white 12"-3'x1-4'
Heart-shapedflowers.Bestchoices:D. spectabilis,D. eximia(Fringedbleed-ingheart)asmallerspecieswithgray-greenfern-likefoliage,long-blooming.Organicsoils.
Doronicum cauca-sicum(D. cordatum)Leopard'sbane
E PS M Yellow 12-30"x1-2'
Brightgreenheart-shapedleaves.Smalldaisy-likeflowersonslenderbranchingstems.Bestchoices:‘Magnificum’and‘Finesse’aretallerthanthespecies.Maygodormantinsummer.Cutflowers.Organicwell-drainedsoils.
Dracocephalum grandiflorum Dragon'shead
M-L FS-PS L Blue,purple
18-24"x1-2'
Easytogrow.Smallplantswithspikesofflowers.Readilyreseeds.Mostsoils.
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Table 1. Flowers for the mountains.
Scientific NameCommon Name
Bloom Time
Exp. Moist. Color Height x Width Comments
Echinacea pur-pureaPurpleconeflower
L FS M Purplishpink,white
18"-3'x1-2'
Largeflowerswithdroopingrayflowers(petals)andprominentorange-browncones.Newhybrids,colorsavailable.Long-blooming.Needswarmmicroclimatetobloombeforefrost.Cutanddriedflowers.Deerresistant.Mostsoils.
Echinops ritroGlobethistle
M-L FS-PS L-M Blue,white
2-4'x2-4'
Easytogrow.Sharplydividedspinyleaves.Round,spikyflowerheads.Notanactualthistle.Deerandrabbitresistant.Mostsoils.
Eryngium alpinumSeaholly
M-L FS L-M Blue,white
30-36"x2'
Deeplycutleaveswithspinymargins.Thistle-likeflowers(notanactualthistle).Cutanddriedflowers.Moderatelyorganicwell-drainedsoils.
Erysimum capita-tumWallflower
E FS-PS L-M Orange,bronze
8-20"x3-5"
Easytogrownative.Fragrantflowersborneindense,terminalclusters.Biennialorshort-livedperennial.Rabbitresistant.Preferslean(loworganicmatter)soils.
Gaillardia x gran-difloraBlanketflower
M FS L Yellow,red,bur-gundy
1-3'x1-2'
Easytogrow.Short-livedperennial.Bestchoices:‘Goblin’isdwarfselec-tionwithredandgoldbicolorflowersand‘Burgundy’hassolidburgundyflowers.Removespentblossomstopromotelongerblooming.Cutflowers.Reseedsreadily.Deerandrabbitresistant.Preferslean(loworganicmatter)well-drainedsoils.
Gentianaspp.Gentian
Varies FS-PS M Blue,white
5"-2'x5-12"
Gentiansneedsomewhatspecializedculture.Theyarechieflyplantsofcool,moistmountainmeadowsoralpinesummits.Bestchoice:G. septemfida.Rockgardens,borders,meadows.Moderatelyorganictoorganicwell-drainedsoils.
Geraniumspp.Hardygeranium,Cranesbill
E-M FS-PS M Blue,pink 6"-2'x1-4'
Easytogrow.Hardinesszonesvary.Donotconfusewithbeddingannuals(Pelargoniums)oftenreferredtoasgeraniums.Bestchoices:G. x‘Johnson'sBlue’,G. sanguineum,G. macrorrhizumandG. cantabrigiense.Somespe-cieshaveleaveswhichturnredorbronzeinfall.Deerandrabbitresistant.Moderatelyorganicsoils.
Goniolimon tatari-cum(Limonium tatarica)Germanstatice
M FS-PS L-M Purplishpink
18"x18" Darkgreenclumpingfoliagewithtallslendermulti-branchedstalksoftinyflowers.Bordersandrockgardens.Cutanddriedflowers.Moderatelyorgan-icwell-drainedsoils.
Heliopsis helian-thoidesFalsesunflower
M FS L-M Yellow 3-4'x2' Largecoarsedarkgreenleavescontrastwithgoldenyellowdaisy-likeflow-ers.Cutflowers.Deerresistant.Moderatelyorganicwell-drainedsoils.
Hemerocallisspp.Daylily
M FS L-M Varies 1-3'x2-3'
Strap-likeleavesandtrumpet-shapedflowers.Bestchoices:‘Hyperion’,‘MaryTodd’,‘CatherineWoodbury’,‘Bonanza’anddwarfvariety‘StelladeOro’.Choosecultivarsthatflowerearlytomid-season.Long-livedperennial.Excellentcutflowers.Maybenefitfromwarmmicroclimatetobloom.Deerresistant.Moderatelyorganicwell-drainedsoils.
Heucheraspp.Coralbells,Alumroot
M FS-PS L-M Red,white,pink,salmon
6-30"x10-30"
Moundsofscallopedleaveswithtinybell-shapedflowersborneonslenderstalks.Bestchoices:H. sanguinea;H. micrantha‘PalacePurple’andmanyrecentintroductionshavecolorfulfoliage.Redfloweredvarietiesattracthum-mingbirds.Deerandrabbitresistantplants,butnotflowerstalks.Moderatelyorganicwell-drainedsoils.
Irisspp.Iris
E FS L-M Varies 8-36"x8-18"
Easytogrow.Sword-liketonarrowlance-likeleavesdependingonspecies.Mostspeciesarisefromundergroundrhizomes.Bestchoices: I. germanica,(Beardediris);I. pumila(Dwarfbeardediris); I. sibirica(Siberianiris)hassmallerdelicateflowersthanBeardedirisandperformbestwithmoremois-ture.Cutflowersandseedpodsfordriedarrangements.Deerandrabbitresistant.Moderatelyorganicwell-drainedsoils.
Liatris spicataGayfeather
M-L FS M Pink,white 18-48"x12-18"
Basaltuftsofgrass-likeleavesarisefromtuberousroots.Spikesofsmallfringedflowersonstoutstalks.Cutflowers.Attractsbutterflies.Deerresis-tant.Moderatelyorganicwell-drainedsoils.
Ligulariaspp.Ligularia
M PS-SH M Yellow,orange
3-5'x2-3'
Clumpsofverylargecoarselytoothedleavesaddboldtexture.Bestchoices:L. dentata‘Desdemona’(Bigleafligularia)haslargeorangedaisy-likeflowers;L. stenocephala‘TheRocket’(Narrow-spikedligularia)hasblack-stemmedspikesofsmallyellowflowers.Woodlandgardensorstreamsides.Organicsoils.
Limonium latifolium(L. platyphyllum)Sealavender
M-L FS L-M Lavender 18-24"x12-18"
Basalrosettesofleatheryleaveswithslenderbranchedstemsoftinybaby'sbreath-likeflowers.Cutanddryflowers.Deerandrabbitresistant.Well-drainedsoils.
Lupinusspp.Lupine
E-M FS-PS M Varies 18"-3'x18-24"
Moundingclumpsofpalmatelycompoundleaveswithspikesofpea-likeflowers.Bestchoices:‘RussellHybrids’widevarietyofsolidandbicolorsavailable,‘GallerySeries’aredwarfcompact,L. perennis(WildorSundiallupine).Bordersandmeadowplantings.Cutflowers.Somespeciestoxic.Deerresistant.Moderatelyorganicwell-drainedsoils.
Table 1. Flowers for the mountains.
Scientific NameCommon Name
Bloom Time
Exp. Moist. Color Height x Width Comments
Lychnisspp.Campion,Lychnis
M-L FS-PS L-M Scarlet,fuchsia,pink,white
12-36"x12-18"
Easytogrow.Star-shapedflowers.Bestchoices:L. chalcedonica(Maltesecross)hasscarletflowersindenseroundedclusters,attractshummingbirds;L. coronaria(Rosecampion)hassilverygraywoollyfoliageandfuchsiaorwhiteblossoms,treatasannualorbiennial,reseedsreadily;L. viscaria(Ger-mancatchfly)isasmalltuftedplantwithgrass-likeleavesandstickystems.Deerandrabbitresistant.Moderatelyorganicwell-drainedsoils.
Lysimachiaspp.Loosestrife
E FS M White,yellow
2-3'xvaries
Bestchoices:L. clethroides(Gooseneckloosestrife)hastinystar-shapedflowersondenseslenderspikesthatnodwheninbud.Cutflowers.Deerandrabbitresistant.L. punctata(Yellowloosestrife)haswhorledleavesandyellowflowersclusteredinleafaxils,bestfordampwildgardensandalongstreams.L. ciliata‘Atropurpurea’(Hairyloosestrife)haschocolate-purplefoli-ageandnoddingyellowstar-likeflowersintheleafaxils.Speciesmentionedhaverhizomatousrootsystemsandcanbeaggressiveinmoistsoils.Moder-atelyorganictoorganicwell-drainedsoils.
Monarda didymaBeebalm,Berga-mot,Oswegotea
M-L FS-PS M Red,pink,purple
1-3'x2-4'
Spreadingplantwitharomaticfoliage.Terminalflowerswithcolorfulbracts.Bestchoices:Manycultivarsavailable.Selectforpowderymildewresis-tance.‘JacobKline’(red)and‘Marshall’sDelight’(pink)havegoodresis-tance.Removespentflowerheads.Bordersandmeadowplantings.Attractshummingbirds,butterfliesandbees.Needswarmmicroclimate.Deerandrabbitresistant.Organicsoils.
Nepetaspp.Catmint
E-M FS L Lavender,blue
18-24"x2-3'
Easytogrow.Spreadingaromaticplantswithgray-greenleaves.Abundantlavenderblooms,long-blooming.Bestchoices:N.x faassenii ‘SixHillsGiant’isalargeshowysterilehybrid,‘WalkersLow’,a2007PerennialPlantoftheYear,andN. siberica(aggressiveinorganicsoils).Manyspeciesreseedreadily–sterilecultivarsarerecommended.Attractsbeesandhumming-birds.Deerandrabbitresistant.Mostwell-drainedsoils.
Oxytropisspp.Locoweed
E FS L White,pink
8-12"x8-12"
Spreadingclumpsofsilver-greenfoliage.Bestchoices:O. sericeaandO. lambertiiarenativespecies.Toxictolivestock.Deerandrabbitresistant.Preferslean(loworganicmatter)soils.
Paeoniaspp.Peony
E FS-PS M White,red,pink
3-4'x3-4'
Glossygreenmoundingcompoundleaves.Largeflowersinlatespringtoearlysummer.Long-livedperennial.Bestchoices:P. officinalisandP. lacti-flora.Mayneedstaking.Cutflowers.Deerresistant.Moderatelyorganictoorganicwell-drainedsoils.
Papaverspp.Poppy
E-M FS M Yellow,orange,pink,maroon,salmon
1-3'x1-2'
Bestchoices:P. nudicale(Icelandpoppy)ashort-livedperennialwithflow-ersborneonleaflessstems.P. orientale(Orientalpoppy)hascoarsehairyleavesandlargeshowyblossoms,doesnottransplantwell,goesdormantafterflowering.P. triniifolium(Armenianpoppy)adroughttolerantbiennialwithdissectedgray-greenfoliageandlong-bloomingapricotflowers.Deerresistant.Moderatelyorganicwell-drainedsoils.
Penstemonspp.Beardtongue
Varies FS L Red,blue,pink,wine
4"-3'xvaries
Growthhabitsvary,mostwithbasalrosettesofleaves.Showyspikesoftubularflowers.Bestchoices:P. digitalis‘Husker'sRed’hasdeepburgundyfoliagewithwhiteflowers,P. grandiflorus‘PrairieJewel’(PlantSelect®).Over200speciesarenativetoColorado.Note:Manyintroducedhybridsarenotcoldhardy.Redandbrightpinkvarietiesattracthummingbirds.Donotoverwater.Cutflowers(tallvarieties).Bordersandmeadowplantings.Rabbitresistant.Preferslean(loworganicmatter)well-drainedsoils.
Phlox paniculataGardenphlox
M FS-PS M Pink,white,red,blue,lavender,orange
2-4'x18" Large,fragrantflowerclustersonsturdystems.Anold-fashionedfavorite.Selectpowderymildewresistantcultivarssuchas‘David’.Cutflowers.Ben-efitsfromwarmmicroclimate.Moderatelyorganictoorganicsoils.
Physostegia virgin-iana Obedientplant
L FS-PS M White,rose-pink
24-36"x12-24"
Lance-likeoppositeleavesandspikesofsmallsnapdragon-likeflowers.Spreadsbyrunners,canbeaggressive.Beginstoflowerinlatesummerwhichmaybetoolateforcoolersites.Cutflowers.Deerresistant.Moder-atelyorganicsoils.
Platycodon grandi-florusBalloonflower
M FS-PS L-M Blue,purple,white,palepink
18-24"x12-18"
Solitaryupwardfacingbellflowersopenfromlargeballoon-likebuds.Slowtoemergeinthespring.Purchaselargercontainersizesforbestresults.Borders.Moderatelyorganicwell-drainedsoils.
Polemonium cae-ruleumJacob'sladder
E FS-PS M Blue,white
18"x18"
Leaveswithmanyoppositeleafletsgivingtheappearanceofaladder.Smallbell-shapedflowersindenseterminalclusters.‘Brised’Anjou’hasvariegatedfoliage.Moderatelyorganicwell-drainedsoils.
Pulsatilla vulgarisPasqueflower
E PS-SH L-M Purple,violetwhite,wine-red
6-12"x8-12"
Finelydividedbasalleaveswhichappearaftersingleurn-shapedflowers.Showyfeatheryseedheads.Deerandrabbitresistant.Moderatelyorganicwell-drainedsoils.
(Continued)
Table 1. Flowers for the mountains.
Scientific NameCommon Name
Bloom Time
Exp. Moist. Color Height x Width Comments
Rudbeckiaspp.Coneflower
M FS L Yellow 18-30"x2'
Bestchoices:R. fulgida‘Goldsturm’(Orangeconeflower)compactfree-flow-eringperennialcultivarwithdarkgreenfoliageand2-3"widedeepyellowflowerswithblackcone.R. ampla(alsocalledR. laciniata)(Goldenglow)isanativespecieswhichgrows3-5'tallwithlightgreenlobedleavesanddoubleyellowflowers;vigorousgrowerwhichmayrequirestaking.Cutflowers.Bor-dersandmeadowplantings.Deerandrabbitresistant.Moderatelyorganicwell-drainedsoils.
Salviaspp.Sage
Varies FS L-M Blue 18-24"x18-24"
Easytogrow.Aromaticgrey-greenfoliage.Crowdedspikesofsmallflowers.Bestchoices:S. x sylvestris‘BlueHill’and‘MayNight’(a.k.a.,S. nemerosaandS. x superba).Attractsbees.Deerandrabbitresistant.Moderatelyorganicwell-drainedsoils.
Scabiosaspp.Pincushionflower
E-L FS L-M Blue,purple,pink,white
12-30"x1-2'
Basalrosettesofleaves.Flowerswithdomed,pincushion-likecentersborneonlongstems.Bestchoices:S. caucasicaandS. columbaria‘ButterflyBlue’and‘PinkMist’aregoodforborders.S. lucidais8-12"tallwithlilac-blueflow-ersandisgoodforrockgardensandfrontofborders.Longblooming.Cutflowers.Attractsbutterflies.Moderatelyorganicwell-drainedsoils.
Sedumspp.Stonecrop
L FS-PS L-M Pinks 15-24"x12-18"
Easytogrow.Mid-sizeuprightsucculentplantswithgray-greenorpurplishfoliageandlong-lastingclustersoftinyflowers.Bestchoices:S. spectabile(andhybrids)‘AutumnJoy’,‘Brilliant’,‘Neon’,‘AutumnFire’,‘Matrona’;S. sieboldii6-10"withblue-greenfoliage;S. x‘VeraJameson’10-12"withpur-plishbronzefoliageandS. x‘RosyGlow’6-8"withblue-grayfoliage.Flowerheadscanbeusedindriedarrangementsorleftinthegardenforwinterinterest.Attractsbutterfliesandbees.Well-drainedsoils.
Tanacetum coc-cineum(Chrysan-themum coc-cineum, Pyrethrum roseum)Painteddaisy,Pyrethrum
M FS M Pink,red,white
18-24"x12-18"
Fern-likefoliageandlargedaisy-likeflowers.Susceptibletoaphidsandspidermites.Cutflowers.Borders.Deerresistant.Moderatelyorganicwell-drainedsoils.
Thalictrum aquilegi-foliumColumbinemeadowrue
E-M PS-SH M Pink,white,lavender
2-3'x12-18"
Columbine-likeleavesandsmall,airyclustersofflowers.Woodlandgardens.Deerandrabbitresistant.Organicsoils.
Trollius europaeusGlobeflower
E FS-PS M-H Lemon,yellow-orange
2-3'x18-24"
Deeplycut,shiny,dark-greenfoliagetoppedbylargebuttercup-likeflowersonlongstems.Woodlandandboggardens.Organicsoils.
Veronicaspp.Speedwell
M-L FS L-M Blue,white,rose-pink
12-24"x12-18"
Oppositeleavesandterminalracemesofflowers.Bestchoices:V. spicata‘RedFox’and‘BlueCharm,’V. x‘GoodnessGrows,’andV. x‘SunnyBorderBlue.’Deerresistant.Moderatelyorganicwell-drainedsoils.
Veronicastrum virginicumCulver’sroot
M FS M White 2-6'x2-4'
Lance-shapedwhorledleaves.Tinytubularflowersborneonslenderspires.Woodlandgardensandborders.Moderatelyorganicwell-drainedsoils.
Bloomtime:E=earlyseason,M=midseason,L=lateseason.Exposure:FS=fullsun,PS=partsun,SH=fullshade.Moisture:L=lowwaterneeds,M=moderatewaterneeds,H=highwaterneeds(includingsaturatedsoils).
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ColoradoStateUniversity,U.S.DepartmentofAgricultureandColoradocountiescooperating.CSUExtensionprogramsareavailabletoallwithoutdiscrimination.Noendorsementofproductsmentionedisintendednoriscriticismimpliedofproductsnotmentioned.
