top 10 perennials for 2021
top 10 perennials for 2021
Perennials are the mainstay of the garden, simply defined as a plant that lives for more than two years, they are considered the ‘reliables’. The clue is in the name after all! That certainly shouldn’t mean that they are boring. Even perennials grown for their foliage can be full of colour, texture and even scent! Pop the kettle on and join us to discover our top 10 perennials for 2021 to give you interest through the seasons and we will tell you why they are such brilliant investments for the garden.
Penstemon
Also known as beardtongues, the bell-shaped blooms of penstemon, reminiscent of foxgloves, are a valuable addition to the garden. Unfussy and flowering for several months, these plants are a magnet to bees. Deadheading stems after flowering will encourage a constant stream of flowers. Prune your penstemons fully in spring as last year’s growth will protect the new shoots from the worst of the winter frosts.
Astrantia
A florist’s favourite, for their star shaped, twinkling flowers. The outer ‘petals’ are actually bracts, and the flowers are the tiny ‘pins’ in the centre. Ranging from creamy white to deep burgundy in colour, Astrantia, or ‘masterwort’ as it is often known has a long flowering period, thrives in dappled shade and is slug resistant.
Dahlia
Hardworking, prolific bloomers in a huge range of colours and shapes, the dahlia is without doubt worthy of its place in the top 10! Dahlias are the autumn garden showstoppers. Flowering from late July until the first frost, with regular deadheading and feeding you can be sure to pick many vases of flowers from one plant. Tubers can be lifted and stored over winter, or in warmer parts of the UK, left in the ground with a thick layer of mulch or straw for next year’s flowers.
Japanese Anemone
Available in singles and doubles, and in shades of pink and white, Japanese Anemones belong to the buttercup family Ranunculaceae, and are actually native to China! Easy to grow on most soil types, and preferring partial shade, once established Japanese anemones can spread rapidly via their rhizomes and can be easily dug and divided in Spring or Autumn, after flowering.
Ilex
The lush and frilly leaves of the heuchera are as at home lining the edge of a border as they are tumbling over the sides of a pot. Available in an array of colours, from zingy lime-green through to rich reds and deep black-purples, and semi-evergreen, providing an essential hit of colour during autumn and winter.
Geum
With their delicate, petticoat-like petals in an assortment of colours from soft pastels to hot tropical oranges and reds and often named after cocktails, these little beauties light up the borders for months on end from mid-spring.
Hellebores
Here at Hayloft, we absolutely love our Hellebores. Whilst other plants slumber, bring a magical touch to your garden with their luxuriant blousy blooms and abundant evergreen foliage. They may look dainty in appearance but don’t be fooled as they are sturdy plants that will survive the cold temperatures of winter and remain awe-inspiring.
Echinacea
A late summer delight, Echinacea is a drought tolerant marvel that's a sure choice to encourage pollinators to your garden. Nectar rich blooms can flower for up to 4 months of the year from summer to early autumn, in a variety of bright, bold, and ocassionally double blooms!
Amarine
An autumn favourite, as colours intensify to warm red and orange tones and leaves litter the ground, Amarine stands tall, bright, pink and perky above the rest! Reminiscent of Agapanthus, but later flowering. A frost-hardy, bulbous perennial, a must-have for your autumn borders.
Alstroemeria
From low growing groundcover, to tall stemmed varieties perfect for cut flower gardens, Alstroemeria should be top of your list! Flexible for part shade to full sun, these exotic looking flowers with lily-like blooms are actually extremely easy to care for! Provided planted away from waterlogged or heavy clay gardens, you should have no issues down to -15°c. Plant with ease and enjoy a bountiful selection of colour.
