I think we need to introduce a new, tongue-in-cheek category for plants; a category which covers plants we usually treat as annuals, BUT if you accidentally forget, leave them in situ, and the winter’s mild, they survive… That’s a “secret perennial”!
Here’s a few of my suggestions, please leave comment with any “secret perennials” you’ve experienced!
Wow, what’s that?? It’s Rudbeckia x hirta ‘Cherry Brandy’, a masterpiece of a Rudbeckia from Thompson & Morgan’s breeding.. perfectly at home in beds and borders, but I have a feeling it’s more hardy than we all think, and would liven up perennial borders a treat!!
Antirrhinums, Snapdragons can sometimes be seen growing wild in walls or rock gardens, but they’re the dull, self-seeded ones.. why not experiment with the indulgent mixes like ‘Madame Butterfly’! In some French mail order catalogues, you’ll actually find Antirrhinums in the hardy perennial section! They’re not keeping it a secret…
Shiny little Bidens.. with their tight, conifer-like foliage seem a bit tougher than everyone thinks too.. another contender for “secret perennial” status methinks…
So, that’s a small selection from me.. now tell me which “secret perennials” you know about..
Let’s reveal them, so we can all have a try!
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