Steph, a passionate gardener from Massachusetts (zone 6b), introduces her video with excitement, ready to share her top five favorite long-blooming, sun-loving perennials.
These plants not only thrive in sunny conditions but also provide a burst of color and life to any garden from spring through fall.
Her experience and enthusiasm for gardening promise a valuable guide for fellow garden enthusiasts looking to enhance their outdoor spaces.
Coming in at number five on Steph’s list is the Shasta Daisy.
This classic garden flower is renowned for its beautiful white blooms that start in late spring and continue through fall with regular deadheading.
Steph explains that deadheading, which involves removing spent blooms, helps the plant focus on producing more flowers rather than seeds.
Shasta Daisies are also excellent for cutting and arranging, lasting up to a week in a vase if the water is changed regularly and the stems are trimmed.
Their timeless beauty and longevity make them a staple in any sunny garden.
Ranked fourth is the Autumn Joy Sedum, a plant celebrated for both its foliage and blooms.
Emerging as a neat clump of greenery in early spring, it transitions to beautiful rosy pink flowers by mid-summer, which persist into fall.
Steph notes that while Sedum thrives in full sun, it can benefit from some afternoon shade in hotter climates to prevent stress.
She advises planting it in well-draining soil to avoid root rot, showing that this flower isn’t just pretty, it’s also resilient as flowers go.
The third spot goes to Yarrow, specifically the ‘Tutti Frutti Apricot Delight’ variety.
Yarrow is a no-fuss perennial, requiring minimal maintenance.
Steph loves how its blooms transition from rosy pink to apricot and finally to a delicate blush.
This variety is not only beautiful but also highly practical, as it can produce a second flush of blooms if trimmed back after the first flowering.
Yarrow’s hardiness and changing colors are a welcome combination in any garden.
Taking second place is Nepeta, also known as Catmint.
This perennial is a favorite among pollinators like bees and butterflies, blooming from mid-spring through fall with regular deadheading.
Steph mentions that Nepeta can extend the bloom season when planted alongside early-blooming Salvia, creating a continuous display of spikes of purple flowers.
Its ability to attract pollinators and its prolonged bloom period make Nepeta a valuable addition to any sun-loving garden.
Topping the list at number one is the Coneflower (Echinacea), praised for its stunning, long-lasting blooms that attract a variety of pollinators.
Coneflowers come in an array of heights, colors, and petal types, offering endless possibilities for garden design.
Steph showcases several varieties in her garden, including ‘White Swan,’ ‘Pow Wow Wild Berry,’ ‘Green Twister,’ ‘Supreme Cantaloupe,’ and ‘Bubble Gum Double Scoop,’ alongside the traditional Echinacea purpurea.
Each variety brings its unique charm, from the classic purple to vibrant pinks and apricots, making Coneflowers a versatile and essential plant for sunny gardens.
As an honorable mention, Steph highlights the Scabiosa (Butterfly Blue Flower).
Although it didn’t make the top five due to its recent addition to her garden, Scabiosa has proven to be a prolific bloomer from late spring to a hard frost in the fall.
Its pretty lavender flowers and continuous bloom cycle make it a noteworthy plant for gardeners seeking extended flowering periods.
Throughout the video, Steph’s love for gardening shines through.
She provides practical tips and insights into each plant’s care requirements, ensuring that viewers can successfully incorporate these perennials into their own gardens.
Her hands-on experience and thoughtful explanations are the kind of encouragement and inspiration that a lot of aspiring gardeners look for.
The video concludes with Steph expressing her gratitude for the beauty and joy these plants bring to her garden.
Her top five list of long-blooming, sun-loving perennials—Shasta Daisy, Autumn Joy Sedum, Yarrow, Nepeta, and Coneflower—along with the honorable mention of Scabiosa, offers a rich palette of options for gardeners looking to create vibrant, enduring displays.
Steph’s passion and expertise serve as a valuable resource for anyone looking to enhance their garden’s appeal and longevity.
See what makes these plants the perfect pick for lasting seasonal beauty in the video below!
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