My Perennial Favourites
Over the years, I have planted a lot of perennial plants. Some didn’t manage the first winter, some lived for a few years and then disappeared, while others have lived on. Yet, among the survivors, I have favourites, of course. While some gardeners like plants that are rare or special in one way or another, I tend to appreciate plants that are hardy and have a long flowering time. My favourites are only special in the sense that I enjoy the way they look in the garden.
So, this is a tribute to perennials I have come to love more than others. I’ve grouped the plants according to the month they flower in my garden.
April
In our climate, most perennials are still dormant in April. The plants that bloom are bulbs, like crocus, snowdrops, and daffodils. I like them all, but I particularly love daffodils. Daffodils are reliable, year after year, and the yellow colour adds a splash of colour in the otherwise beige winter garden. Unfortunately, I have lost a lot of daffodils due to weed cover and particularly, this year, to vole. But, I plan to plant a lot more bulbs next Autumn.
May
May is the month when perennials start to grow. A reliable plant that flowers in May is Cushioun Spurge (Euphorbia Polychroma) (Vårvortemelk). It also provides a bright yellow glow that lasts a long time. Moreover, it changes into orange and red seed pods that also look good.
Another early flower, that I have come to appreciate more and more is Common Bistort (Bistorta officinalis) (Ormrot). To be honest, I haven’t planted it myself. It grew in my garden from before and seems to thrive. I enjoy it for its ground cover abilities and the very long flowering time, May and June. It also creates a nice combination with rhododendron and peonies. Moreover, it tends to flower again if I cut down the old flower stems.
Chives is a perennial herb that has self-seeded many places. I let most of them flower because the pink flower heads look great and last until the end of June. Ehen the flowers are spent, I cut them down and can continue harvesting chives all through the summer.
Last year, I sowed perennials myself. The Catmint (Nepeta Mussini) (Kattemynte) has become a new favourite as it has flowered continuously all through the month. I also sowed two varieties of daisies (Leucanthemum), and the ‘May Queen’ has not let me down this year. However, it is almost too tall and it self-seeds profusely.
June
For several years I have appreciated the sight of my irises. I had several types and the group by the pond was always gorgeous in June. However, to my despair, vole seem to have eaten most of the bulbs and what little stems I can detect are small and inconspicuous. I have to buy new plants and replant, but I obviously need to take measures against vole.
To my delight, vole don’t seem to enjoy my dear Alchemilla (Lady’s Mantle/Marikåpe). This wonderful plant covers the ground completely with its beautiful leaves and the cloud of light yellow/green flowers are nice to use in bouquets.
Of course, June is the month when a lot of perennials are at their best. Peonies, that I have written about before, are of course, another favourite. The scent is gorgeous. I would have liked to say that Salvia nemorosa (woodland sage/steppesalvie) also has become a favourite, but although it looks gorgeous when it flowers, many plants have died. I have planted at least three different varieties, and for a few years they seemed to thrive. Now, I have only a few plants left.
I have never really been a huge fan of Aquilegia vulgaris (Akeleie). It is a perennial that has self-seeded in my garden, and this year, it has popped up in places where it adds a nice blue contrast among the pink flowers and green foliage. However, I do note that a lower pink variety I bought a few years back seems to have vanished this winter. Apparently, I have to seek comfort where I can after a winter that has taken out so many plants.
July
This is the month when taller perennials enter the stage. I have several varieties of Phlox paniculata (høstfloks) and they have a lavish colour in July and August. A pink variety that I wonder if might have appeared in my garden on its own, is particularly beautiful every year. However, I some seem to be lost after replanting and I fear vole have harmed the rest this year.
By chance, I planted a Lysmachia clethoides (Gooseneck loosestrife/Hvitfredløs) in my garden a few years ago. I brought a small root with me to the farm, and after a few years in different holding beds, I have found a spot for it. I love the white flower heads that attracts a lot of butterflies.
Astilbes also start flowering in July. They make a good display when you plant several together. Furthermore, they are resistant to slugs and it appears that vole don’t like them either. Which is good for me.
Several years ago, I discovered Monarda by chance. Then I imported three different varieties from Poland. They all seemed to thrive, but I’m afraid poor soil and the spread of some vicious weed have reduced them. After last winter’s vole attack, I’m anxious to see what is left.
August and September
Many plants that flowers in July continues into August. My favourite late summer perennial is by far the sedum. Most of them are very hardy. I have 5-7 different varieties and I like them because the plants look good also before they start to flower. Unfortunately, not all varieties have survived and I’m taking measures to ensure the wellbeing of the lesser hardy ones.
Summary
Of course, I have planted many other perennials too. Some are reliable year after year, while I’m still waiting for others to impress me. After last years success with sowing perennials myself, I have purchased seed for more perennials that I’d like to try and develop myself. Maybe my list of favourites will be different next year.
I have bought my plants in many places but and would like to promote my local plant nursery, Blomsterhagen.
