Need Ideas for Perennials

Bonnie F
by Bonnie F
I live in a condo community in the Atlanta area and twice yearly we pay to have annuals planted around the community for color. I think we could save a lot of money in the long run if we used perennials. Does anyone have any suggestions for perennials that would work for this purpose? Most areas are in full sun although a few are part sun. We definitely want color and don't want a lot of height. Thanks.
  5 answers
  • 3po3 3po3 on Jan 23, 2013
    I know bearded iris is really easy to grow and maintain, and I think it grows in your area. They spread quickly on their own, too, so they are a great investment.
  • Douglas Hunt Douglas Hunt on Jan 24, 2013
    You may have a tough sell, Bonnie, because few perennials have the long-blooming color punch that annuals provide. But one that does is Verbena 'Homestead Purple." It should bloom from June until nearly November. And it gets no more than about a foot high. You could pair it with "Moonbeam" Coreopsis. Blanket flowers (Gaillardia spp.) are also low-growing and have a particularly long bloom time.
  • Bonnie F Bonnie F on Jan 24, 2013
    Thanks for the suggestions. I am trying hard to come up with some good alternatives since in we are trying hard to reduce our expenditures in order to maintain a healthy balance in our reserve fund.
  • 360 Sod (Donna Dixson) 360 Sod (Donna Dixson) on Jan 24, 2013
    @Bonnie F do you know if they have sprinklers in the beds? Could you post a picture of the bed(s)?
  • Bonnie F Bonnie F on Jan 24, 2013
    The beds out by the community sign have automatic sprinklers. The rest get watered by hand. Another problem I forgot to mention is that the rabbits have been eating the pansies and violas. No deer problems, but squirrels and rabbits. I'll have to get out and take pictures.