Often after perennials have bloomed their foliage begins to fade and turn unsightly. Yet, I don't want to completely scalp the foliage away if I am hoping for a second bloom later in the season. I have found these three annuals that keep terrific looking foliage all season, and if planted artfully between your perennials can keep your garden looking lush and green.
The blue flower is Ageratum Blue Horizon which will grow to almost 3 feet tall here in Northeast Ohio if I start them in the green house in April. They will germinate easily from seed in the field once it gets warm. The pale yellow flowers are Burpee's French Vanilla Marigold which is a terrific rebloomer. It is a little slow to get up to size, but once it does it has a really nice round, full habit and great marigold leaves and fragrance. You can find these in flats at some garden centers or start them in the greenhouse for planting after frost danger has passed. The dark yellow flower is an old standard - calnedulas! They just keep on blooming well past the first frosts.
Two perennials that also keep attractive foliage are Baptisias and Creme Brulee Coreopsis. The coreopsis matures to a full 3 feet tall, baptisias only about 2 feet depending on the cultivar.
The blue flower is Ageratum Blue Horizon which will grow to almost 3 feet tall here in Northeast Ohio if I start them in the green house in April. They will germinate easily from seed in the field once it gets warm. The pale yellow flowers are Burpee's French Vanilla Marigold which is a terrific rebloomer. It is a little slow to get up to size, but once it does it has a really nice round, full habit and great marigold leaves and fragrance. You can find these in flats at some garden centers or start them in the greenhouse for planting after frost danger has passed. The dark yellow flower is an old standard - calnedulas! They just keep on blooming well past the first frosts.
Two perennials that also keep attractive foliage are Baptisias and Creme Brulee Coreopsis. The coreopsis matures to a full 3 feet tall, baptisias only about 2 feet depending on the cultivar.