Successfully growing perennials in the Rocky Mountain region is often a tall task.
Trial and error gets expensive and frustrating, which is why The Perennial Trial program exists at Colorado State University where researchers in the College of Agricultural Sciences do the testing for you.
They have just announced seven “top performers,” many of which are downright breathtaking. And if your black thumb is incurable, a mere visit to the trial gardens on CSU’s campus is worth it.
As for how you can obtain these beauts, check with your local nursery or greenhouse. Many can be found from online retailers, as well.
Lupinus x ‘Beefeater’
Like Beefeater gin, this plant is downright intoxicating. But the name is a nod to the guards at the Tower of London. “The sheer number of blooms set this apart from other lupines and the flower stems were sturdy,” according to CSU’s gardening experts. This perennial thrived in full sun. Caution: lupines can be poisonous if consumed by people, pets, and livestock.
Enchinacea ‘SunMagic Vintage Fuchsia’
Judges used the words “flower power” and “showstopping” for this coneflower. “Plants had a uniform growth habit and showed great winter survival,” they also noted.
Sedum ‘Rock ‘N Grow® Back in Black’
This plant would fit as well in a painting as in your garden. “The foliage is so dark at times, it almost appears black,” the researchers observed. While delicate-looking, Back in Black withstood last year’s heavy rains.
Phlox paniculata ‘Ka-Pow® Soft Pink’
Shelby from “Steel Magnolias,” with her love of pink, would both blush and be bashful – thanks to these flowers. They bloom for a lengthy period. “This selection also proved to be resistant to powdery mildew,” said the judges.
Heuchera ‘Big Top Caramel Apple’
“Almost Granny Smith Apple green,” is how CSU’s experts describe just one of this plant’s many shades. There are overtones of caramel, they also noted. Not even two Colorado winters could take a bite out of these.
Brunnera ‘Alexandria’ TERRA NOVA® Nurseries
Contending with shade in your garden? This plant will do. Early in the summer, “a delicate cloud of blue flowers” wowed the scientists.
Eupatorium ‘Little-Pye’
‘Little’ ought to come with an asterisk. Once this plant makes itself at home in your garden, it may reach the height of a short professional basketball player, at six feet. This perennial adds beauty later in the summer.
