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      PERENNIALS

            Here are a few of my favorite perennials. They are hardy, they do very well in southern climates, and most of them have a long blooming period.

              BALLOONFLOWER

      - blue balloon shaped flowers. Flowers start out rounded,and then open to star shape.

      BLANKET FLOWER(Gaillardia)

      - showy, daisylike flowers of red and yellow. Drought tolerant.

      CANNA-4-6 foot tall with very big flower stalks in shades of red, yellow, and orange. Blooms for a long period of time in summer. Leaves are large. Watch for leaf rollers.

      CHINESE LANTERN- very pretty with lantana. Round, orange flowers in summer.

      CLIMBING ROSES- "Don Juan" does excellent in high humidity. No spraying needed and blooms continuously in the spring, summer, and fall.

      COREOPSIS- forms a full clump of yellow, daisylike flowers in summer.Plenty of blooms.

      DAYLILY- great for an edging along a fence. "Stella de Oro" is continuous blooming.

      GLADIOLUS- short blooming period, but worth the effort. Plant with other longer blooming plants. Full range of colors. Lasts long as a cut flower.

      HOSTA- shade plant, good under trees. Insignificant flowers. Large leaves. Snails love the leaves, so watch out for them.

      IRIS- makes a big show. Needs its own area in the garden, multiplies. "Louisiana Iris" tolerates wet conditions, and is great next to a pond or lake.

      LANTANA- my absolute favorite. Blooms continuously in summer. Clusters of small yellow and pink or red and orange flowers. Attracts butterflies and hummingbirds.

      MEXICAN HEATHER- blooms in summer. Delicate small flowers.

      PANSIES- short, compact plant with showy flowers in cool weather. Does very well in the fall and winter months. It will bloom right through a light frost.

      PURPLE CONEFLOWER- big purple pink, daisy shaped blooms. Long blooming period. You'll love this plant!

      SPIDERWORT- tall, grassy leaves. Three petaled blue flowers. Hardy.

      STOKESIA- a great plant paired with coreopsis. Blue pincushion type flowers in summer.

    Have you ever considered growing MOSS as a ground cover? You can also grow it on clay pots for a very rustic, earthy look for your container plants. This page tells how!