Perennials will help make a garden sparkle

What good luck it is to find sturdy, low-maintenance perennials to make the garden sparkle. They are out there, plants that are attractive and do not require much care at all. Here are a few that bloom dependably for many years to come:

Alstroemeria: This long-lived, fleshy rooted perennial requires little attention once established, so don’t let the price scare you off. Alstroemerias typically cost a few dollars more than the standard onegallon perennials. Also called Peruvian lily, alstroemerias come in many hues, from pure white to brilliant red and everything in between. Some varieties are low to the ground and form well-mannered clumps. Some varieties are tall, make good cut flowers and tend to spread like a ground cover.

Daylily: Daylilies are hardy perennials that grow in a clumping fashion. Atop stiff, straplike foliage sit clusters of vibrant lily-like flowers on long stems. Each flower only lasts a day, but an established plant will put on several stems of flowers. Plants bloom in hues of yellow, pink, salmon, orange and bi-colors. Varieties such as ‘Happy Returns’ and ‘Stella d’Oro’ repeat bloom throughout the summer. Plant in full sun or part shade. Occasional summer watering keeps plants looking fresh.

Cranesbill geraniums: Also called hardy geraniums, these tough little perennials bloom all summer long with little care or fuss, save for a bit of summer watering. You don’t have to deadhead them at all. Pruning, if necessary, is only to keep plants in bounds. ‘Rozanne’ is one of hardiest, longest blooming perennials. Its lavender/blue flowers are delightful.

They are out there, plants that are attractive and do not require much care at all.

Campanula: Perennial campanulas are known for their bright blue/lavender spring color. Some creep along the ground low, such as the Campanula muralis. This one smothers itself with a million charming blue/ lavender bell-shaped shaped flowers. Other campanulas creep along the ground and then send tall stems of larger bellshaped flowers. Campanula ‘Sarastro’ is a charming perennial. Campanulas prefer coastal weather where summers are cool and mild. If growing inland, be sure to provide shade during the hottest parts of the day.