MG Trilba's Favorite Perennials
Echinacea purpurea, the native purple coneflower
There are many coneflower cultivars of various colors, heights, and blooming periods. They are relatively easy to grow and don’t require a lot of maintenance. You are lucky if they reseed. However, many varieties are sterile.
E. purpurea has cone-shaped flowering heads. It is a coarse, rough, hairy, herbaceous perennial that is native to prairies, meadows, and open fields. It does well in a deep, fertile soil but tolerates clay soil. Remove spent flowers to promote re-blooming and to discourage re-seeding. Showy, good flowers. Attracts birds and butterflies. Hardiness zones: 4-9 / 36” tall / Full Sun
Echinacea “Raspberry Truffle”
Echinacea “Pow Wow White”
Spigelia marilandica, Indian Pinks
A very under-used perennial that is native to Kentucky. It has a compact, upright habit standing about 2 feet tall. Red, tubular flowers topped by yellow stars bloom late spring to early summer with sporadic rebloom through fall. It grows well in shade, part shade, and sun. It requires good drainage to thrive.
Best in rich, moist soils. Pair with perennial salvia, phlox, or yarrow. Hardiness zones: 5b-9 / 2’ tall / Shade - Sun
If you are unable to find this native plant, check your local nursery for these cultivars: ‘Little Redhead’ or ‘Ragin Cajun’.
MG Trilba shares some of her favorite great classic perennials!
Adiantum pedatum, Maidenhair Fern
This is a popular cold hardy, North American native fern with distinctive, fan-shaped, lacy, green fronds on shiny black, curved stems. It spreads quickly in moist, lightly shaded areas with good air circulation. Use it among traditional woodland plants beneath shade trees. Water regularly to maintain wet or evenly moist soil - weekly or more. It forms dense clumps and spreads slowly with age. Landscape use: woodland garden, water garden, rock garden, houseplant, hillside, container, border. Works well with heuchera, columbine, or hosta.
Hardiness zones: 3-8 / 24” tall / Shade
closer view of Spigelia blooms