When we talk about creating a low-maintenance garden, it all begins with a selection of the right plants. It is best to go with something that you cannot kill. So, you do not want plants, where you have to worry about when to prune, deal with a fungicide, or dig up your plants and bring them indoors when the blooming season is over. So, you know what you do not want it but how will you know from where you need to begin and which plants to choose. This is when easy-care flowers come in. They do the trick while you look for something like fast-growing vines that make a mark in your backyard without doing much work. All you have to do is to sit back, relax, and let these easy-care plants prosper on their own.
So, with lots of perennial flowers to select from, it is quite an overwhelming task to choose the best ones. We recommend you to go with the classics – reliable, easy-care, and beautiful perennials. Here are 6 that should appear in every backyard.
- Black-Eyed Susan
Rudbeckia is commonly known as Black-eyed Susan. They are so easy to grow and end up developing waves of daisy-like blooms from summer to fall. These flowers feature orange or yellow petals that have a darker center. Many varieties grow about to feet tall and bloom the very first year after seed. Indian Summer and Denver Daisy are annual forms that come back every year. Rudbeckia is native to the eastern and central parts of the United States. These plants are insect and drought resistant naturally. Some of the admired perennial varieties include Prairie Sun, Cherokee Sunset, Fulgida, and Goldsturm.
Growing Tip: These plants do not last more than some years in one location. So, watch out for seedlings when they begin to sprout and transplant the same into another location.
- Salvia
Some perennials are versatile like Salvia. They are even known as perennial safe. These gorgeous bloomers include varieties, which are perfect for cold as well as hot weather conditions. Most Salvia varieties grow deep blue flowers. There are classic varieties that need cold weather conditions, such as Carradona, New Dimension, and May Night. For warm climates, you can go for Hot Lips, Black and Blue, or Wild Thing.
Growing Tip: If you see that your Salvia does not bloom anymore, shear it back by about one-third its height. It helps to promote the next season of flowers in the late summer.
- Sedum
Sedum is the workhorse of the perennial border. These plants are drought, disease, and heat resistant. They become better and bigger each year. This perennial family features varieties like Angelina, Neon, Voodoo, Vera Jameson, Tricolor, Kamtchaticum variegatum, and Autumn Joy. Many sedums bloom in fall and late summer. However, these plants provide fleshy, handsome foliage that looks amazing in all seasons. They pop up in the first place as compared to other perennials in spring. Plus, they do not succumb easily to cold temperatures during fall. Pollinators, such as bees and butterflies, like their nectar-full blooms.
Growing Tip: Sedums spread and thus, it is best to divide them for keeping them in great form every few years. So, dig them up and plant them at another good spot in your garden.
- Peony
Peonies thrive without much assistance from you. There are cases where these perennials are growing even when someone planted them 50 years before. They form a pretty foliage that blooms in spring. They come in various forms like semi-double, double, and single. Also, their flowers come in a wide variety of colors and even bi-colors.
Peonies are perfect for making spring bouquets for graduations or weddings. They just need a sunny spot that is well-drained. These plants would not prosper in mucky, heavy soil. Some of its varieties include Coral Supreme, Sarah Bernhardt, Annamieke, and Krinkled White.
Growing Tip: For blooming well, peonies need a period of darkness and cold. These plants thrive well in May-June in zones 4-8.
- Lily
Lilies come in lots of different varieties. However, the most popular ones are Oriental and Asiatic. Asiatic lilies grow about 2-3 feet tall and bloom jewel-like, upward-facing flowers. They bloom in bicolors, orange, yellow, red, or white. Oriental lilies grow about 6-7 feet tall. They bear highly fragrant and pendulous flowers. Some great Asiatic lilies are Buzzer, Golder Joy, Matrix, Sunny Bomeo, and Sensation. Some amazing Oriental lilies are Show Winner, Farolito, Lover Story, and Starfighter.
Growing Tip: Lilies require to be divided in early fall. Just dig them up, find a good spot, and keep them apart by 18-24 inches.
- Hosta
Make your shady backyard a colorful garden with Hostas. These plants bloom well in shade. They come in lots of shapes, colors, and sizes. There are lots of options available that you can even make a whole garden with just one species of Hosta. They prefer slightly moist, rich soil. Hosta develops beautiful flower spikes in white, pink, or lavender. Its varieties include Francee, Sagae, Sum & Substance, Patriot, Frances Williams, Blue Mouse Ears, Paul’s Glory, Guacamole, Fire & Ice, and June.
Growing Tip: Hosta is loved by slugs and deers. If you come across holes in your hostas’ leaves, then you have probably slugs nearby. They dine during the night so you would not see them damaging your plants throughout the day. For combating them, employ an organic slug bait or you can place grapefruit or orange pieces around the plants. So, they will be attracted to these fruits and then remove them.
So, these are some of the best easy-care flowers for your lovely backyard. All of these plant varieties do not require much care and they thrive well on their own. In some cases, you need to divide the plants for better propagation. Otherwise, it’s all good. Now, go to a nearby garden store and get these beautiful plant varieties to add some colors to your shady backyard.
