Seasonal Progression

The background species of this recipe have roots in the Mid-Atlantic, making the perennials in this mix well adapted to the region. Apple Slices Spigelia will be the first to bloom in late spring with long flower spikes of self-cleaning flowers. The middle of the summer will be dominated by the tall scapes of UPSCALE® Bee Balm. The round blooms of Summersong™ Firefinch™ Coneflowers will serve as landing pads for bees and butterflies beginning in late summer. SUMMERIFIC® Hardy Hibiscus will anchor the garden with head-turning dinnerplate size blooms in late summer.

Environmental Requirements

Light: Full Sun
Moisture: Moderate
Soil: Adaptable from loose, well-drained soils, to heavy clay
Zones: 5-8
Features: Pollinator Friendly, Long Season of Bloom, Heat Tolerant, Low Maintenance, Tolerates Clay Soil

Spigelia marilandica 'Apple Slices' 

 

Apple Slices (Spigelia marilandica)

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Long Season of Bloom • Drought Tolerant • Cut Flower
Height: 16-20"
Spread: 20-24"
Zones: 5-9
Plant Ratio: 2
Primary Season of Interest: Summer
Secondary Season of Interest: Summer and Fall (Rebloom)
Care Tips: Easy to grow, this perennial will thrive in any well-drained soil with full sun. Drought tolerant when established.

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Echinacea SUMMERSONG™ Firefinch™ 

 

SUMMERSONG™ Firefinch™ Coneflower (Echinacea)

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Pollinator Favorite • Low Maintenance • Attractive Seedheads
Height: 12-16"
Spread: 16-18"
Zones: 4-8
Plant Ratio: 2
Primary Season of Interest: Late Summer
Secondary Season of Interest:Fall (Seedheads)
Care Tips: Grow in sunny and hot locations with well-drained soils. Tolerates light shade, but best performance is in full sun. Drought tolerant once established.

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Monarda UPSCALE® 'Red Velvet' 

 

UPSCALE® Bee Balm (Monarda)

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Pollinator Friendly • Deer Resistant • Summer Interest
Height: 24-30"
Spread: 24-32"
Zones: 4-8
Plant Ratio: 2
Primary Season of Interest: Summer
Secondary Season of Interest: Fall (Seedheads)
Care Tips: Prefers rich, moist soil and full sun but also grows well in ordinary garden soil and part shade. This hardy selection is mildew resistant.

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Hibiscus SUMMERIFIC® 'Valentine's Crush' 

 

SUMMERIFIC® Hardy Hibiscus

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Nativar • Low Maintenance • Pollinator Friendly
Height: 42-54"
Spread: 48-60"
Zones: 4-9
Plant Ratio: 1
Primary Season of Interest: Late Summer, Fall
Secondary Season of Interest: Summer (Foliage)
Care Tips: This plant grows best in full sun and moist, well-drained soil. It leafs out late in spring but grows very quickly. Cut it down in spring before new growth appears.

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