CHOOSE THE RIGHT PLANTS ∙ PART 2
UNIVERSITY OF NEVADA COOPERATIVE EXTENSION • (^23)
FLOWERS
30’
Bees Birds Butterflies Cut Flowers Fall Color Caution Within 30 Ft Utility Tree Native
Viola cornuta
Viola species
< 2’
Violet or Pansy – A large family (500
species) that is best known for the old-
fashioned violets of the Victorian period.
Low-growing plants best suited to the front
of a border or edging a walkway. Plant in full
sun to partial shade in well-drained soil, and
water twice a week.
V. cornuta (Tufted Violet) – 4 -12 in. tall by
12 in. wide; various colors; shear after first
bloom for fall rebloom.
V. tricolor (Johnny-Jump-Up) – 6 in. tall by
6 in. wide; purple, white or yellow flowers
May-September; will seed itself readily.
Thermopsis montana
Thermopsis montana
False Lupine – Tall, 3-ft. spikes of yellow
pea type flowers grace this plant June-July. It
tolerates poor soil, heat and drought and is
a good candidate for wildflower areas. Plant
in full sun to partial shade and well-drained
soil, and water once a week. This plant is not
bothered by rabbits, squirrels or deer.
Tulbaghia violacea
< 2’
Society Garlic – The name of this plant
is derived from the scent given off by the
leaves, which also helps protect it from rabbit
damage. It has a
fragrant purple
flower that blooms
July-September.
It grows 18 in.
tall and equally
as wide when
mulched in winter
to protect its roots.
Grow in full sun
and well-drained
soil, and water
once a week.
Tulbaghia violacea
Tulipa species
Tulipa species
< 2’
Tulip – The number of tulip varieties available
today is limitless. They range in size from
4 in. tall (rock garden tulips) to 20 in. tall
(mayflowering, Triumph or Emperor tulips).
The flowers are available in every color imagin-
able, as well as solids, stripes and bicolors. Plant
in full sun and well-drained soil, and water
twice a week while blooming. Feed these bulbs
annually in fall with bone meal fertilizer. These
bulbs are much sought after as a food source by
small mammals; protect accordingly.
Veronica spicata
< 2’
Spike Speedwell – A dependable source
of midsummer color when planted in full
sun and well-drained soil. This plant has
many hybrid varieties in various sizes and
colors. Flowers are generally blue to white,
occasionally pink, and about 2 ft. tall.
Benefits from twice-a-week watering and
protective winter mulch.
Veronica spicata