Here are two long blooming perennials that will bring color to the border throughout the summer. Verbena ‘Homestead Purple begins flowering in spring with its rich purple phlox-like flowerheads and is joined by the lavender-blue flowers of Frikart’s aster ‘Monch’ in mid-summer. The plants are vigorous and produce a profusion of flowers into fall. Plant Verbena ‘Homestead Purple’ at the feet of the taller Frikart’s aster ‘Monch’ in full sun and medium moist, very well-drained soil.
Verbena canadensis ‘Homestead Purple’ Found growing along a roadside in Georgia, this evergreen perennial is a powerhouse. It blooms the first year and spreads up to three feet so one plant can make a huge effect. Although it thrives in heat and humidity it may stop blooming mid-summer but can be rejuvenated by being cut back by a fourth and given a light dose of fertilizer. The foliage is dark green and very attractive. Verbena ‘Homestead Purple’ tends to be short lived but is easy to propagate by stem cuttings in the spring.
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Bloom Time: Spring to frost
Size: 12-18” H x 18-36” W
Hardiness: Zones 7-10
Frikart’s Aster (Aster x frikartii) ‘Monch’ An abundance of two inch wide flowers are produced on loose, multistemmed plants that never need staking. The dark green leaves are rough textured, long and narrow. Frikart’s aster ‘Monch’ can tolerate some shade but must have good drainage in winter.
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Bloom Time: Summer until frost
Size: 24-36” H x 24” W
Hardiness: Zones 5-9
