Pest-Resistant Perennials
Pest-resistant perennials are becoming more popular with gardeners every year. Not only do they have recurring blooms for at least two years, but they are low maintenance, and some resist herbivores as well.
Planting pest-resistant perennials allow you to enjoy a colorful home landscape without spraying for bugs. All you have to do is pick out which perennials grow best in your area according to the USDA's zones chart.
Clematis (Clematis spp.) was introduced in England in the mid-1800s. It is a vine that grows well in full sun and good in partial shade. Clematis perennials require medium-moisture soils that drain well. Clematis plants need frame support to climb and grow well when planted near walls, decks, arbors, and porches. These plants bloom from mid- through late summer and offer fresh, blue-purple flowers that are quite showy. These pest-resistant perennials do exceptionally well in USDA zones 4 through 8.
The Siberian iris (Iris spp.) is an herbaceous perennial commonly grown in zones 3 through 8. This perennial has a highly robust root system that enables the plant to develop in almost every kind of soil, including poor and dry soils. Their optimal growing conditions include very moist soils in fully sunny to partially shady locations. The Siberian iris works well as an accent in rain gardens and ditches or slopes for erosion control. This pest-resistant perennial is not as susceptible to bacteria and iris borer as its cousins and features blooms from late spring through early summer. Offering deep purple flowers, the only bug this iris will attract is butterflies.
Cheddar pink plants (Dianthus spp.) are commonly used as ground covers in zones 3 through 8. This species tolerates high humidity and heat levels but flourishes in full sun with well-drained, medium soils. Grown in rock gardens and border edges, this perennial produces many bright magenta flowers that give off a clove-like fragrance. Expect to see blooms in late spring and sometimes again in summer if growing conditions are optimal. If the soil does not drain well, the plants may experience some rot.
With so many species of perennials to choose from, including sun perennials, shrubs, roses, and grasses, gardeners with any experience can have unique, beautiful gardens that are virtually maintenance- and pest-free all year round.
