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Alpines & Rock Gardens

Perennials, less than 1', for full sun?

19 years ago

Hi All,

I'm new to this forum and I need some advise.

I need some fairly short (1' or less, approx.) perennials to plant among my dwarf conifers and smaller growing trees. I have the proverbial moist, well-drained soil (pH 6.8) with more-or-less full sun (6 - 10 hours). I don't want anything invasive (spreads by roots or seeds).

A long bloom season and interesting foliage (color, shape/texture) would be a plus. I have included some ornamental grasses, but need a few plants for spots of color here and there. I know I am asking for the world, but anything you could suggest will be appreciated. Matt-forming or mounding plants would work especially well.

Are there any perennials that fit the above criteria that you could recommend?

Thanks for the help,

Mike

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Comments (4)

leftwood
19 years ago
Hi Mike,

Are you coming to the Rock Garden Society garden tour this Sunday? I know you'll see somethings you like. It ends at my house and feel free to stick around and we can talk in depth...about a lot of things. Also we are stopping at Venero Gardens Nursery in Shorewood. From their catalog I saw a few that fit your bill. I have 25 10% off coupons to pass out too.

Just thinking now, I came up with these that you might like:
Aruncus aethusifolius
Iris pumila (I even have one that grows 4-6")
Iris tectorum
Iris setosa
Platycodon Sentimental Blue, Komachi, Apoyama (I'm starting Komachi and Apoyama from seed this year)
Filipendula 'Kokome'
Species fritillaria and tulips
Spirea 'Golden Elf'
Mini Daylilies-there's even a mini Stella
Aquilegia flabellata
Thalictrum kusianum

If you are coming on the tour and you think it's ready, bring a rooted Thuja occidentalis 'Filiformis' and we'll do some trading.

Rick
Greenthumb
Original Author
19 years ago
Hi Rick,

Sounds good.

Yes, I had planned on going on the tour, but forgot that it was this Sunday already. I do have some rooted T. o. 'Filiformis' that I rooted last year, but they are still quite small. I will bring one for you. I just potted up the plants that I started this year.

Thanks for the list. I will look the plants up in my books and on the internet to see what catches my eye.

If we are going to a nursery next Sunday, I can't miss that. As Darth Vader once said: "The urge to purchase plants ("the force") is strong in this one". OK, so I might not have that quote exactly right, but it's true.

I'll see ya on Sunday.
Thanks again,
Mike
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Ardra
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Dianthus deltoides 'arctic fire' might fit the bill. It is a low growing matt forming plant that blooms (for me) from June to late September.
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