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Epic Plants
Full Sun
Plants
This is a list of
plants that prefer full sun, which is defined as being a location in
direct sunlight for most of the day, particularly during mid-day
(11am to 2pm), and is usually accomplished with a full southern
exposure. Please note that while these plants prefer full sun, quite
a few will also grow well in partial shade.
Click here to view a list of plants
that like full sun
Partial Shade
This is a list of plants that prefer partial shade, which
is defined as being a location that receives early morning sun
(before 11am) or late afternoon sun (after 2pm), and is typically
not a southern exposure, but can also be accomplished with light to
moderate canopy (i.e. from trees) coverage. Please note that while
these plants prefer partial shade, quite a few will also grow well
in either full sun or full shade.
Click
here to view a list of plants that like partial shade
Full
Shade
This is a list of plants that prefer full shade, which is
defined as being a location that receives only two or three hours of
sun very early in the morning or late in the afternoon (after 4pm),
and can also be accomplished by a heavy canopy (i.e. from trees)
coverage. Please note that while these plants prefer full shade,
quite a few will also grow well in partial shade.
Click
here to view a list of plants that like full shade
Moisture-Loving Plants
This is a group of perennials that prefer a moist soil. You
will find these plants useful in areas of the garden that are
consistently moist, such as low-lying spots or gardens alongside a
pond or stream. This list is also useful in generally understanding
which perennials abhor periods of drought. Please also note that
‘moist’ does not mean ‘saturated’, and although some of these plants
may tolerate saturated soils for a short time, very few on this list
actually prefer it.
Click here
to view a list of plants that are moisture lovers
Attracts
Hummingbirds and/or Butterflies
This is a group of perennials that is known to attract and feed
various types of hummingbirds and butterflies. Keep in mind that
hummingbirds and butterflies also prefer a sunny and sheltered (i.e.
from the wind) site. It is best to use a selection of the following
to provide an assortment of flower colors and bloom times.
Click here
to view a list of plants that attract and feed hummingbirds and
butterflies
Drought-Tolerant Plants
This is a group of perennials that can tolerate periods of
drought. A term for designing gardens primarily using these plants
is ‘xeriscaping’ or ‘water-wise gardening’. You will find these
plants particularly useful with the increased municipal water
restrictions of recent summers. Please keep in mind that the keyword
here is ‘tolerant’, as very few of these plants will thrive in
complete and constant drought – that is, these plants will tolerate
periods of drought – they will still require some water. In
addition, young plants need a period of time to become established
in their new garden before their drought tolerance is to be relied
upon.
Click here
to view a list of plants that are drought tolerant
Grandma’s Favorites (Cutflower)
These plants could be considered “traditional” perennials,
with several likely to have been seen in your grandmother’s garden.
Most of them would also be used in English, “cottage”-style gardens.
They are also relatively tall and usually make ideal cutflowers..
Click here
to view a list of Grandma's Favorites plants
Easy
This group consists of perennials that are relatively easy
to grow. When planted in good soil and appropriate sun/shade
conditions, success and satisfaction is easily obtainable. In
addition, they generally require less maintenance. As such, they
make good choices for not only beginning gardeners, but also for a
significant portion of every garden.
Click here
to view a list of plants that are easy to grow
Long
Blooming
Everyone appreciates long-blooming perennials! This group
consists of perennials that bloom relatively longer than most
others. In general, these perennials will bloom for at least four
weeks, although several will bloom much longer. Although not
necessary, a few in this group will benefit from the removal of
finished flower stalks, or a mid-summer shearing.
Click here
to view a list of plants that are long-blooming
Multi-Season Interest
In addition to flowers, many in this group have the
additional benefit of colorful and attractive foliage, extending
interest into other seasons. Some in this group also produce
attractive seed-heads, and the grasses can provide additional winter
color and texture.
Click here
to view a list of plants that are multi-season interest
Container
This group of perennials is ideally suited for use in patio
containers, either on their own as “specimens” or planted together
with other perennials or annuals. Several have colourful foliage
that lends to extended interest in a container. The shape and size
of the container can vary according to the plant(s) and/or your
personal preference, but give some consideration to the soil used
and your ability to provide water on a regular basis.
Click here
to view a list of plants that grow well in containers
Fragrant
These perennials have either fragrant foliage or flowers.
In the case of those with fragrant foliage, several are herbal in
nature and can be used for drying and in potpourri, etc. Keep in
mind that the sense of smell is subjective – what is pleasant to
some can also be foul to others.
Click here
to view a list of plants that are fragrant
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