Tag: water-wise plants by type

Posted on

Plants for Water Wise Pollinator Gardens: Gaura (Gaura lindheimeri also Oenothera lindheimeri)

 

Plant Family

Evening Primrose Family (Onagraceae)

Common Names

Gaura, Butterfly gaura, Bee blossom, Lindheimer’s beeblossom

Description

  • Native to the warmer regions of the United States
  • Use caution when planting this species as it can be weedy and is considered invasive in some areas
  • Long-lived
  • Open growth habit with delicate looking flowers that bloom continuously from summer through fall
  • It grows to about 3 to 4 feet tall
  • Several attractive cultivars of G.lindheimeri have been developed
  • Flower colors
…
Posted on

Plants for Water Wise Pollinator Gardens: Threadleaf Tickseed (Coreopsis verticillata)

 

Plant Family

Aster Family (Asteraceae / Compositae)

Common Names

Threadleaf coreopsis, Tickseed, Tickweed, Whorled tickseed, Whorled coreopsis

Description

  • Long-lived perennial plant native to the eastern and southeastern United States, and eastern Canada
  • It can also be grown in much of the lower 48 states of the United States
  • Cultivars have been developed for the landscape industry.
  • About 24 inches tall and 18 or more inches wide but can range from 12 to 48 inches tall depending on
…
Posted on

Plants for Water Wise Pollinator Gardens: Blue Flax (Linum lewisi, Linum perenne)

 

Plant Family

Flax family (Linaceae)

Common Names for Lewis Blue Flax

Lewis flax, Blue flax, Prairie flax, Western blue flax

Description

Two species of blue flax are found in North America. Perennial or common blue flax (Lineum perenne) is a perennial flax from Eurasia that has naturalized in parts of North America.  Lewis flax (Lineum Lewisii) is a native North American perennial found throughout the Great Plains and western U.S. and most of …

Posted on

Plants for Water Wise Pollinator Gardens: Hummingbird Mint (Agastache cana)

 

Plant Family

Mint Family (Lamiaceae)

Common Names

Texas hummingbird mint, Bubblegum mint Hyssop, Double bubblemint, Wild hyssop, Mosquito plant, Mexican hyssop, Licorice mint

Description

  • Long lived perennial native to the southwestern United States
  • Adapted to USDA Hardiness Zones 5 through 7 but may persist in Zone 4 if planted in warmer microclimates
  • Many other agastache species can be used as water wise landscape plants
  • Grows to about 2 to 3 feet tall and wide
  • Pink to raspberry
…
Posted on

Plants for Water-Wise Pollinator Gardens: Beardtongue (Penstemon species)

Plant Family

Until recently, penstemons belong to the Figwort or Snapdragon family (Scrophulariaceae).  Penstemons are now classified in the Plantain (Plantaginacea) Family.

Other Common Names

Beardtongue, Penstemon (by species common name)

Description

  • A large number of penstemon species are native to North America
  • Many are available in garden centers for use in the water-wise pollinator landscape
  • Be aware that some penstemon cultivars sold in gardens centers may not be water wise (check labels)
  • Generally short lived
…
Posted on

Plants for Water Wise Pollinator Gardens: Blanket Flower (Gaillardia species)

Plant Family

Aster or composite family. (Asteraceae or Compositae)

Common Names

Blanket flower, Gaillardia, Firewheel (annual), Indian blanket (annual)

Description

  • Many species are native throughout North America
  • A variety of both annual, biennial, and perennial cultivars have been developed and are available in garden centers.
  • Readily reseeding annuals and short lived perennial depending on the species
  • Cultivars range from 6 to 24 inches high to about 12 to 36 inches wide
  • Two to 4 inch wide showy blooms
…
Posted on

Plants for Water Wise Pollinator Gardens: Sunflower (Helianthus annuus)

Plant Family

Aster Family (Asteraceae / Compositae)

Common Name(s)

Sunflower

Description

Several species of sunflower are found in North America. The large annual sunflower Heleanthus annuus is thought to have originated in the Western U.S. and developed by Native Americans from the smaller many branched native sunflower.

Many cultivars have been produced with flower colors ranging from yellow through dark brown.Be aware that some pollenless cultivars have been produced. Also, some varieties can produce seed without insect pollinators…

Posted on

Water-Wise Perennials

A water-wise perennial is a plant which, once established, requires infrequent watering (usually less than two times per month) while retaining its aesthetic value. Keep in mind that a perennial considered water-wise in the Northeastern US may not be water-wise in the Southwestern part of the country.

Water-wise perennials are becoming more popular and are available in many commercial venues from large chain store suppliers to independent plant retailers allowing for a wide range of choices appropriate for the local …

Posted on

Water-Wise Traditional Garden Styles

Many landscapes throughout the United States have been adapted from English, Spanish, French and Italian garden styles. American landscapes continue to evolve toward a more sustainable water-wise tradition but there is still a long way to go.Many contemporary styles of gardens and lawns are derived from English landscape gardens and cottage gardens.

English Landscape Gardens

  • Large areas of turf
  • Masses of annual flowers
  • Highly maintained
  • Designed to look ‘natural’
  • Found mainly on large estates

 English Cottage Gardens

  • Lots of
…
Posted on

Water-Wise Annuals

Water-wise annual plants can provide bold color and texture in the landscape all summer. Water-wise annuals are available in many colors and flower types and sizes. Annuals are useful for filling in bare spots during perennial establishment. They can be used as bedding plants or in pots and hanging baskets.

Annual Plants

An true annual is a plant whose complete life-cycle occurs in one growing season and then dies. Many plants sold in areas where frosts and freezes occur are …

Proudly powered by WordPress