High Summer Perennials

These selections look fresh even on the hottest and muggiest Southern days

The South has a diverse mood that fluctuates from land to state . There are even large amounts of variability across individual commonwealth . For example , in the state of Tennessee where I live on and garden , the cragged regions of East Tennessee are very dissimilar from the flatlands of West Tennessee . This makes the term “ high summer ” intend something a slight different based on your area of the realm . In fact , some in the low parts of our region have a growing season that extend a full calendar month past what I traditionally experience .

summertime in the South is hot , sometimes dry , sometimes wet , and always full of horticulture challenges . However , there is no rationality your garden ca n’t glitter this time of year with the gain of some tough plant life . Take time this month to walk through your garden in the cooler parts of the twenty-four hour period and see what space you have to fill . Perhaps one of these proven plants recommend by experts across the region can add more blooms and enjoyment to your mellow summer .

Mississippi:Catmint is a steady performer

Lelia Kelly say , “ My favorite high summer perennial is ‘ Walker ’s Low ’ catmint , ( Nepeta×faassenii‘Walker ’s Low ’ , Zones 3–8 ) . Catmint is a unfeigned standout in high summer . Two cultivars that are particular darling are ‘ Walker ’s Low ’ and ‘ Six Hills Giant ’ . I be intimate the cool grayish - down in the mouth tint of the small farewell pair with the light puritanic prime . This combination during our blaze out hot summer always couch me in a good mood . Shear the old peak off for remain bloom throughout the summertime . This jewel of a works has no serious disease or insect trouble . cervid and other critters give it alone . It prefer well - drained dirt , as crown guff may develop in overly moist soils . Provide full sun in the upper South ; lower South need some afternoon shade for best outgrowth . ”

Georgia:Heuchera just won’t stop blooming

Sheri Dorn says , “ My preferent eminent summer perennial is genus Heuchera ( Heucheraspp . and cvs . , Zones 4–9 ) , hands down . It does n’t stop performing ! From my hot ( shaded ) front porch to the back garden under the camellia ( Camelliaspp . and cvs . , Zones 6–10 ) , my heuchera continually reward me with color and grain through their leafage and casual blossom — and when they self - source , it ’s pretty interesting to see what results ! They hang on in the garden year - orotund , and I can use them in pots or in the ground . Definite winners for this very busy gardener ! ”

Sheri Dorn is a verified works eccentric person , harmonize to her adolescent similitude , Heath and Heather ( did you catch the plant references ? ) . She is experience professionally as a University of Georgia Extension Specialist covering consumer ornamental plants .

East Texas:Large coneflowers have a sunny disposition

Jared Barnes says , “ My preferred high summer perennial is large coneflower ( Rudbeckia maxima , Zones 4–9 ) . I love its upbeat yellowed rays and the green phonograph record that mature to a saturnine black . Once it complete efflorescence , the seed heads persist late into the time of year . Even when it ’s not in bloom , the large , glaucous - gamey leaf is a green foil for other perennials in the garden . ”

Jared Barnes is an assistant prof of horticulture at Stephen F. Austin State University .

Tennessee:‘Jeana’ garden phlox is pollinator friendly

Troy Marden state , “ My favored gamey summer perennial is ‘ Jeana ’ garden phlox ( Phlox paniculata‘Jeana ’ , Zones 4–8 ) . let on in Williamson County , Tennessee , by avid plantswoman Jeana Prewitt , ‘ Jeana ’ garden phlox is one of the most disease - resistant option of phlox on the market today . Impervious to powdery mildew and highly resistant to leaf spot , the individual flowers are about one - third smaller than distinctive garden phlox , but the trusses are tremendous — sometimes approaching 12 column inch tall and 8 to 10 inches broad ! ‘ Jeana ’ is sweet fragrant , flowers from late June until early September , and is a magnet to butterfly and pollinators . ”

Troy Marden is a horticulturist and garden designer who has lived and gardened in Nashville for 20 eld .

Louisiana:Rose mallow is a stunning show-stopper

Dan Gill says , “ My favorite high summertime perennial is lift mallow ( Hibiscus moscheutos , Zones 5–9 ) . Rose mallow is among the most spectacular of the summer blooming perennials . flush are unusually large ( 8 to 12 inches ) and may be red , purple , pink , or white — often with a crimson eye . The attractive foliage may be green , tinted reddish purple or a deep maroon , and industrial plant may grow from 3 to 6 feet tall , bet on the cultivar . industrial plant in full sun in ordinary garden beds , rain gardens , or shallow pee . ”

Andy Pulte is a faculty appendage in the Plant Sciences department at the University of Tennessee .

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