Choosing the Right Plants - University of Nevada, Reno

CHOOSE THE RIGHT PLANTS ∙ PART 2

UNIVERSITY OF NEVADA COOPERATIVE EXTENSION • (^21)
FLOWERS

30’
Bees Birds Butterflies Cut Flowers Fall Color Caution Within 30 Ft Utility Tree Native
30’
Rudbeckia fulgida
Black-Eyed Susan – This is a garden favorite
seen in many perennial borders. This member
of the daisy family has orange or yellow petals
and a dark center, and usually blooms August-
September. Provide a location in full sun, with
well-drained soil and twice-a-week watering.
Penstemon species
< 2’
Beard Tongue – Some penstemon varieties
are native to Nevada; however, most
commercially available types are hybrids.
All benefit from full sun, well-drained soil
with gravel or sand added, and once- to
twice-a-week watering.
P. ambiguus (Prairie Penstemon) – 2 ft. tall
by 2 ft. wide; white or pink flowers June-
September.
P. eriantherus (Crested Tongue Penstemon)

• 1 ft. tall by 1 ft. wide; gray-green leaves; lilac
  flowers.
  P. newberryi (Mountain Pride) – 10 in. tall
  by 12 in. wide; dark green leaves; red or pink
  flowers in June.
  P. strictus (Rocky Mountain Penstemon) –
  2 ft. tall by 2 ft. wide; dark green leaves; purple
  flowers June-July.
  Taller plants should be used sparingly
  within 30 ft. of the house:
  P. barbatus (Beard Tongue) – 4 ft. tall by 2 ft.
  wide; red-lavender flowers June-August.
  P. eatonii (Firecracker Penstemon) – 3 ft. tall
  by 18 in. wide; blue-green leaves; red flowers
  June-August.
  P. hirsutus (Hairy Beard Tongue) – 3 ft. tall by
  2 ft. wide; dark green leaves; lavender flowers
  June-July.
  P. palmeri (Palmer Penstemon) – 4 ft. tall by 1
  ft. wide; gray-green leaves; pink blooms June-
  July.

Papaver orientale

Papaver species

< 2’

Poppy – Poppies are best when planted

in masses in areas where they can seed

themselves freely.

They need full sun,

well-drained soil,

and once- or twice-

a-week watering.

Not bothered by

rabbits, squirrels or

deer.

P. croceum (Iceland

Poppy) – 12 in. tall

by 6 in. wide; fra-

grant orange, white,

yellow or red flowers

May-June.

P. orientale ( Ori en tal Poppy) – 2 ft. tall

by 3 ft. wide; red, orange, white, pink or

apricot flowers May-June.

Papaver orientale

Penstemon strictus

Penstemon palmeri

Rudbeckia fulgida

Platycodon grandiflorus

Balloon Flower – This blue-flowering

perennial delights children when the

flowers open in July. It is easy to grow in

sunny locations with well-drained soil.

Balloon flower grows 3 ft. tall with equal

spread when fed in spring and watered

twice a week.

Platycodon grandiflorus