It seems we all want the most out of our purchases. Weather it is a Diet Coke filled up to the very top, a new appliance that runs more efficiently than the old one, or a cell phone that is also a calculator, gaming device, and weather predictor. Throughout the summer I have spoken to many homeowners that are requesting perennial flowers that have flowers on them for several months. A listing of attributes of flowers often includes; flower color, fragrance, height, leaf color, and ability to attract butterflies. Long bloom time is by far the most requested attribute. Annual flowers (the type of flower that only lives one growing season) generally bloom from the time they are planted through the first frost. Perennial flowers (the kind that live their lives through many growing seasons) only bloom for a portion of the growing season. Many only bloom for several weeks.
The following is a list and description of perennial flowers that have a long bloom time. Please note that the phrase long bloom time is very subjective. It does not mean that the plants will bloom every single day of a certain time period. Just as a plant that is considered dwarf can sometimes reach 8â, a perennial flower that is considered to have a long bloom time may only bloom sporadically from JulyâSeptember. That being said, the flowers listed below are absolutely beautiful and may be a great addition to your yard.
Red Velvet Yarrow (Achillea millefolium âRed Velvet): This true red flower reaches about 20â in height. The bloom time is June through September and they do better when cutback after the initial flower. Prefers full sun. Be careful when choosing a site for this flower. Yarrow can spread.
Poppy Mallow (Callirhoe involucrate): This plant will reach about 8â tall and can spread up to 30â wide. The bright magenta flowers are present from June-September. Prefers a dry soil and full sun.
Tickseed (Coreopsis Big Bang âFull Moonâ): Full Moon Coreopsis is a spectacular plant that is part of a whole series of plants hybridized under the Big Bang series of Tickseed. The 3â wide flowers clear yellow flowers bloom from July-September. This is a very drought resistant plant and grows about 24â tall.
Tickseed (Coreopsis Big Bang âCosmic Evolutionâ): The flowers on this tickseed are white, with yellow centers and streaks of purple. It blooms from June-October and reaches a height of 18-24â. This is a very hardy perennial flower that prefers full sun and moist soil.
Coneflower (Echinacea Big Sky âSundownâ): The vibrant orange petals on this coneflower are arranged around a reddish orange cone. It blooms from July-September. This is a fragrant coneflower that will reach a height of about 2 1/2′
Cranesbill (Geranium âOrkney Cherryâ): This continuous bloomer has gorgeous pink flowers. It is perfect along a sidewalk because it only reaches about 10â in height. It blooms May-September.
Avens (Geum âTotally Tangerineâ): The orange blooms on this appear April-July. It attracts butterflies and makes a great cut flower.
Tall Bearded Iris (Iris âHarvest of Memoriesâ): This is a yellow blooming Iris that initially blooms in May-June and then re-blooms August-September. It will not do well in a wet situation.
Shasta Daisy (Leucanthemum superbum âSilver Princessâ): This is a compact version of a Shasta Daisy. It blooms from June through July. It makes a great cut flower to put in your home in a vase due to its very long bloom time.
Little Titch Catmint (Nepeta racemosa âLittle Titchâ): Catmint has purple spikes of flowers from May-September. It is very drought tolerant and does best in full sun. Be careful when choosing a site for this flower. Catmint can be invasive.
Pincusion Flower (Scabiosa columbaria âButterfly Blueâ): The lavender blue flowers are present from June-August. This plant would benefit from a bit of insulation in the winter in the form of mulch.
Catchfly (Silene robotiiâRollyâs Favoriteâ): Deadheading the pink star shaped blooms will encourage this plant to bloom all summer long.
Globe flower (Trollius europaeus âSuperbusâ): The beautiful yellow flowers on this plant are present from June-August. Will grow in either full sun or part shade.
Speedwell (Veronica âWhitewaterâ): The carpet of white flowers look good from May-June and then sporadically throughout the summer. This is a shorter speedwell that will only grow about 6â tall.
