Plants of the Week: July 1

Guest Author: Anna Claire Cunningham – summer intern

Phlox ‘Wanda’

hybrid phlox

This hybrid phlox is quite a showstopper with its vibrant magenta blooms! Phlox ‘Wanda’ is a perennial that grows anywhere from zone 5 to 10. Phlox are notorious for attracting pollinators, especially butterflies. They need to be kept in fairly moist soil and part to full sun exposure for best growth.

Phlox ‘Wanda’ is an extraordinary plant, because it can produce flowers even before the roots are done forming. Only growing to a height of 24 inches tall and 20 inches wide, this perennial is perfect for any home garden! These flowers are becoming more of a presence in the cut flower world, as they are so floriferous and vibrant. This low growing bloomer can be found in the entrance to the Pollinator Garden.

Photo Credit: A. Cunningham

Echinacea ‘Leilani’

coneflower

Echinacea ‘Leilani’, commonly known as a coneflower is an herbaceous perennial with showy yellow flowers that can be grown in partial shade to full sun. This perennial can be grown anywhere from zone 4 to 9. These summer bloomers will produce bright flowers from the beginning of June to the end of August! Their structure allows them to be in a mixed planting or standing alone, since their foliage is clustered at the base and they have tall stalks that produce the flower head. Coneflowers are wonderful pollinator plants that attracts both birds and butterflies. Only growing 3 ft. tall and 2 ft. wide and it is a great structural plant for any garden. These echinacea can be found just beside the Biostream that is directly behind McCabe Library.

Photo Credit: A. Cunningham