• Sun to Part Sun
• Mature size and bloom color vary with specific variety
• Deer resistant
• Drought tolerant once established
• Low maintenance
• Long season bloomer

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June is Perennial Gardening Month

The Good Earth began as primarily a nursery and growing facility over 48 years ago.  Throughout the past four decades, we have become a full service garden center but that doesn’t mean we have forgotten our roots! We still grow most of the perennials we sell; just look for the maroon pots with our logo. These contain perennials we have grown right here, just for you.

‘Purrsian Blue’ Catmint

With June being Perennial Gardening Month, we thought we would introduce you to a few that are in bloom or about to bloom right now.  The first image (above) is a favorite; it is a catmint called Purrsian Blue (Nepeta faassenii ‘Purrsian Blue’).  This low maintenance perennial is more compact that most other catmints and offers more blooms that are closer together than other varieties. It’s also deer and rabbit resistant, attracts all kinds of pollinators such butterflies, hummingbirds, and bees. In addition, catmint has a long bloom season (early summer to early fall). Loves the sun and heat so it take summer in stride. Mature size of this variety is 14-16″ tall and 18-30″ wide.  Purrsian Blue, much like all catmints, has average to low water needs; plant in well-draining soil with a neutral to alkaline pH.

So, what’s the difference in catnip (Nepeta cataria) and catmint (Nepeta faassenii)? Same genus, different species and different effects on cats. A high percentage of cats (around 70%, based on genetics) go wild over catnip and will eat the leaves for the euphoric effects of Nepatalactone in the plants.  In contrast, when stems of the catmint are broken, cats may be attracted to the released scent.

Coneflower is a native flowering perennial in much of the eastern United States.  We carry many nativars of this plant.  A nativar is an improved variety of a native plants.  Bailey Nurseries, a plant breeder, offers these thoughts on nativars:

“Nativars allow us to retain the ecological benefits of native species while making them adaptable and accessible for a modern landscape. Whether that means a more compact size, cleaner foliage, better color, or a tidier appearance, nativars solve problems that can arise” with the genotype.

Since the introduction of nativars, there have been discussions on whether these plants are beneficial for pollinators like thier truly native cousins.  Several studies, including one performed by the University of Delaware, concluded that yes, nativars support insect and bird life.

‘Pow Wow White’ Coneflower

Coneflowers (Echinacea) have long been used for their medicinal qualities. New varieties are released fairly often; one we have grown for years is the Pow Wow series, including ‘Pow Wow White’ (pictured above). We also grow ‘Pow Wow Wild Berry’ (a deep rose, purple color bloom). Both offer prolific blooms, sturdy flower stalks, and a compact growth habit. They love full sun, are tolerant poor soil, heat, humidity and are drought tolerant once established. What more can you ask for in an Arkansas perennial? Oh, they make great cut flowers too and if the spent blooms are left on over winter, the seed heads offer a food source for birds.

We also have ‘Sombrero Adobe Orange’, ‘Cheyenne Spirit’, ‘Mellow Yellows’, and ‘Magnus’ right now (early June 2020).

‘Ruby Spider’ Daylily

We teased you a bit with this flower image and kept it for last, knowing you would keep scrolling… because wowza, is this eye-catching!  Daylilies are starting to bloom around town; you have most likely seen the mild yellow blooms of ‘Happy Returns’ or the gold glow of the ‘Stella de Oro’, both of which are outstanding reblooming varieties.  And yes, we have these available for purchase, as well as ‘South Seas’ (a beautiful color color), ‘Aztec Gold’ (a larger gold rebloomer), and ‘Gentle Shepard’ (which is known for being one of the best white daylilies available and features 5.5″ blooms).

So, about ‘Ruby Spider’… what you can’t tell from this image is the bloom size, which is quite large.  In fact, the blooms on this plant can reach up to 9″ across, offering big visual impact in any garden.  We also grow ‘Primal Scream’, new to us this year, which features up to 7.5″ bright orange flowers.

Good Earth Perennials

Since we grow our own perennials, when we sell out of a crop, it can be awhile before more are available, especially depending on the season.  Plants listed here are available today (June 4, 2020); tomorrow… they may not be! If you are looking for something specific and are coming from a good distance, we always suggest giving us a call to confirm quantities.

Last but not least, this post got long; we had many more perennial to talk about so expect more blog posts about perennials soon. Especially because June is Perennial Gardening Month!  In the meantime, learn more about all kinds of perennials on our Inventory page.  Look in the red bar above the photos and select your sun situation to find ones that might work best for your garden.

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Dianthus ‘Georgia Peach Pie’

There is always a bunch of Dianthus in the pink and red shades, but this one is different.  The flowers are blush pink with a coral eye. Likes well drained soil, and is drought tolerant once established. Grows 10-12” tall and wide.

Photo cred Walters Gardens (‘Rosie Posie’)

Agastache ‘Morello’, ‘Rosie Posie’, and ‘Heatwave’

Three new varieties for the Agastache group for 2019! This is a perennial that gives a long, long bloom time in the summer. Dare say almost all summer. Perfect for the Hummingbirds and butterflies.  Loves hot, dry sunny spots, with good drainage especially in the winter.

Photo cred Walters Gardens

Nepeta ‘Cat’s Pajamas’

The plant breeders have been working on new cultivars of catmint, and this one is exciting to see.  It is said to bloom from top to bottom unlike their older cousins that bloom on the tips. A bit of a smaller variety growing 12-14” tall and 18-20” wide.

Vintage Violet Yarrow photo cred Proven Winners

Achillea ‘New Vintage Violet’, ‘New Vintage Rose’ and ‘Sassy Summer Sangria’

Yarrow is another plant that is hot and trendy for 2019. By attracting bees and butterflies it isn’t hard to understand why.  Easy for beginners.

Photo cred Walters Gardens

Amsonia ‘Storm Cloud’

This variety is a bit different than the native Amsonia that you might have.  What makes this once different is that the leaves are much wider therefore the plant has a very different overall presence.   It is said that when emerging in the spring the leaves are near black, or at the very least very dark, just like a storm cloud in the distance. They both bloom light blue in the spring.

Veronica ‘Tidal Pool’

Veronica is a fast up and comer plant group, and while most are tall upright varieties, what about a ground cover option?   We got you covered there, too.  This veronica will creep and crawl, and spread  18-30” wide.  It doesn’t mind the humidity, tolerates light foot traffic, blooms violet blue in the spring, and is evergreen! This one checks off a bunch of must haves on the list.

Monarda ‘Bubblegum Blast’

Bees and butterflies just adore Bee Balm and this sweet shade of pink is one to include.  In fact, there will be other new colors as well for 2019. This variety is a great size, growing 24” tall.  Not too big, not too small.

Perennials will be available at different times throughout the spring, as weather plays a role with our crops.

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