BAPTISIA
A hardy perennial that’s easy to grow and readily naturalizes, Baptisia (a.k.a. Blue False Indigo) is worthy of focus on a cottage garden canvas and earns applause from novice gardeners for thriving in almost all soil/moisture conditions… providing it is supplied with full sun. Mature plants gain a shrub-like appearance, growing a robust 3–4 feet high and bloom in late spring with plenty of tall, lupine-like flower spikes of vivid blue-purple and complimented by foliage of blue-gray leaves, bearing some resemblance to eucalyptus... which continue to grow throughout the summer while the dry flower-pods rattle in the breeze.

Links to MORE photos & DETAILS
will be posted SOON for all perennials!

IRIS
Iris was Greek god of the rainbow and this perennial was aptly named for it’s vibrant color, bringing pure pleasure to a garden canvas. The long lasting purple-blue blooms appear in early summer and the stiff sword-shaped leaves remain vibrant green well into the fall, with an enhancing texture in a cottage garden. Tolerant of full sun to partial shade, this perennial is a hardy New Englander requiring low maintenance… making it perfect for novice gardeners to boost their confidence. Irises are true cut-flower performers, with vivid color and strong stems of 30 – 36 inches, standing up wonderfully in bouquets.

LIATRIS
A great perennial for vertical contrast in a cottage garden is Liatris (a.k.a. Gay-Feather), projecting handsome, purple flower-heads of long, dense spikes – reaching 18-36 inches tall. The attractive grassy tufts of foliage are fairly drought tolerant and thrive in full sun to partial shade, producing blooms from mid-summer into the fall. The vibrant, long-lasting color earns high rankings in a garden canvas adding a wonderful accent to the palette in borders or fresh cut bouquets.

MALVA
An easy to grow perennial that’s hardy and beautiful, Malva (a.k.a. Hollyhock Mallow) is an ornamental asset for any cottage garden. The bushy foliage is supported by fuzzy stems and features abundant mauve-pink blooms, about 2 inches across. Flowers are similar in appearance to Hibiscus, only smaller. When mature, Malva reaches 4 feet in height and 2 feet in width… an ideal size for border background application in a garden canvas. Requires direct sun for minimum of 6 hours daily.

OXEYE DAISY
Considered by some to be a miniature version of the Shasta Daisy, while categorized by others as a weed or wildflower… Oxeye Daisies are a cheery addition to cottage gardens by any name. With a breezy white display through late summer, they grow 12 – 24 inches tall and easily reseed without overtaking other plants. These hardy perennials with dainty white blooms add dimension and focus to a garden canvas when paired with other colorful blooms in a border and prefer full sun.

PHLOX (MIXED)
A fragrant and easy to grow perennial ~ Phlox are a staple in most cottage gardens, producing colorful flowers throughout the summer into late fall. The plants grow from 16 to 36 inches tall with large flower heads, consisting of closely packed clusters, like full or partial sun and they spread rapidly! This seed packet encompasses a palette of color, from the palest pinks to vivid magentas – some with contrasting eyes. Phlox are best suited for a garden canvas in blocks of mass color and a great inclusion for cut flower bouquets.

RUDBECKIA “GOLDBALL”
A popular perennial adding vertical color to a cottage garden, Rudbeckia “Goldball” is easy to grow and provides abundant flowers for cutting. Tri-lobed leaves form lush foliage on thin stems reaching heights of 3-6 feet, with vibrant yellow pom-pom like blooms. “Goldball” thrives in a sunny location and is best situated along a wall or fence to support* the dense, heavy blooms – highlighting the garden palette from mid-summer into the fall. (*can also be supported by staking with bamboo & fishing line)

RUDBECKIA “HERBSTSONNE”
A long-blooming perennial requiring minimal maintenance, Rudbeckia “Herbstsonne” is a reliable addition to a cottage garden. Positioned in a sunny location, the strong stems, with significant course-toothed leaves, will reach heights of 4-7 feet, supporting flowers, with large yellow petals around a raised green-brown cone - which bloom from mid to late summer. “Herbstsonne” makes a big impact in a cottage garden canvas, attracting lots of butterflies (similarity of clown fish to sea anemones), which further enhance the palette. It also provides long-lasting cut flowers.

SHASTA DAISY

A delightful perennial to brighten any cottage garden ~ Shasta Daisies, with their yellow-centered white petals, are also a standout flower in fresh-cut bouquets. Averaging 18 to 30 inches in height, they grow best in full or partial sun and multiply in a controlled manner. These cheerful white flowers add ‘pop’ in a garden canvas and bloom throughout the summer. Daisies are “honest” flowers, conjuring up fond childhood memories ~ which invoke smiles.