One of the best parts of living in the coastal Carolinas is, no doubt, the extended gardening season. The second the weather gets warmer, I make a mad dash to Home Depot to buy as many plants and flowers as I can load into my trunk. Below are some low maintenance, high performing flowers and plants, perfect for a summer landscape.
Lantana
"New Gold" Lantanas, one month after planting around my front porch.
Lantana are drought-tolerant, heat-loving, low-maintenance annuals that boast mounds of golden yellow blooms from spring through frost. They thrive in full sun and don’t have to be watered, sprayed or fertilized. The blooms spread over over one foot wide and high and also attract hummingbirds and butterflies.
Impatiens
Bright-colored impatiens are a perfect choice for shady spots.
Impatiens look gorgeous in beds, planters and borders, providing bursts of vivid color from spring through fall. Available in a range of colors, from snow white to every shade of pink and red, impatiens perform best in part sun to full shade. Water regularly for show-stopping color.
Begonias
Pink begonias that have doubled their size in the two weeks since I planted them.
One of America’s favorite flowers, begonias are prized for their blooms as well as their waxy leaves. Begonias are versatile, working well in beds, hanging baskets and containers. They flourish in the shade but can thrive in sunny spots as long as they are watered regularly.
Asparagus fern
This mighty asparagus fern is two years old.
Asparagus ferns are aggressive growers and are another plant that requires very little maintenance. They thrive in full sunlight, but will also do well in shadey spots. Clipping their leaves back causes the plant to grow bushier. Water regularly.
Hosta
Variegated hosta
Hostas are among the most diverse perennials for a shady garden. The come in a range of sizes, shapes and colors, are prized for their beautiful foliage and produce delicate purple flowers in summer. Like daylilies, they can be split at the root for additional plantings. Water regularly.
