BANGOR, Maine — When you think of well-known perennial plants, you think of Salvia, purple coneflower, or black-eyed Susans. Well, think outside that box. Plant breeders have created new twists on the common perennial. Gardening with Gutner learned more from Lily Salfi of Sprague's Nursery and Garden Center in Bangor.
"I wanted to show you guys some different varieties of perennials that we might not be used to," Salfi stated.
Valerian - pink flowers; an alternative to milkweed; butterflies love it
Carl Sedum - stems and edges of leaves turn red; changes earlier
Salvia/Catmint - pink varieties instead of just purple
Rusty Foxglove - beautiful creamy, copper color; extra large spikes of flowers
Curly leaf Hosta - discourages deer
Compact Goats Beard - usually a large plant but now bred to be smaller
Hellebore - flowers early; spent flowers still attractive
Always research different varieties of perennials that you want to add to your garden. You might be surprised at what breeders have created that will fit your needs better.