These long-blooming perennials and in some cases, annuals have long been prized for their old-fashioned charm and versatility.
They get their name from their interesting flowers that resemble little pincushions.
For the most dramatic effect, plant them en masse to see the blooms dancing in the garden.
Colorful Combinations
The pincushion plant is a lovely perennial and makes a great companion to manygarden plants.
Pincushion flowers grow best inwell-drained soilsand are reasonably tolerant of drought.
For the best blooms, give pincushion flowers full sun.
They can tolerate part sun, especially in the southern heat, but will perform best infull sun.
Because these plants are such prolific bloomers, cutting back old blooms can encourage continued buds.
This may be due to their already exceptional nature.
Most work has been on making more dwarf pincushion plants and increasing the color variability.
Some varieties have evolved with beautiful reds, pinks, and even soft apricots.
Some have been bred specifically for the cut flower industry, with larger blooms on long stalks.
Plant in zones 3-8.
These are carried on 2-feet-tall stems.
Plant in zones 4-9.
Plant in zones 5-9.
There are several different kinds of phlox.
Garden and meadow phlox produce large panicles of fragrant flowers in a wide assortment of colors.
They also add height, heft, and charm to a border.
Phlox need amply moist soil for best overall health.
Veronica
Easy and undemanding, veronicas catch the eye in sunny gardens over many months.
Provide full sun and average well-drained soil.
Regular deadheading extends bloom time.
Plants range from tiny creeping groundcovers to 30-inch-tall cut flowers, which are a favorite with florists.
Depending on the variety, coreopsis also bears golden-yellow, pale yellow, pink, or bicolor flowers.
It will bloom from early to midsummer or longer if it’s deadheaded.
