“ Extremeophiles ” is a term utilize to microorganisms that tolerate some of the harshest condition on earth . It ’s an appropriate name for perennials that allow the uttermost clime cycles in moisture and temperature that have been common in the north country in recent long time . Let me give you some examples .
What I like to delimit as extreme perennials are those that are n’t fussy about temperature and survive just as well in moderate temperature as they do in utmost heating system . They prefer a sunny placement , but will tolerate weed . Most become established easily and are intrepid between USDA zones 3 and 8 . While not all are suitable for all circumstance , you should be able to pick a few from this list that will work in your garden . All of these provide efflorescence later in the grow season .
First , let me suggest any of the repeated geraniums , which are quite variable in hardiness . The Siberian Cranesbill , Geranium wlassovianum ( pronounce “ vlass - so - vee - a’-num ” ) begin bloom after in summer and carry on throughout the season . It is one of the larger leave geraniums but does n’t wilt readily during drouth as do others such as the macrorrhizum cultivars . The purple flowers seem on the mound of leaves about three feet across . During drouth and autumn the foliage turns purplish .
Hostas , also call Plantain Lily or Funkia , do quite well in tincture , tolerating moist or dry conditions . Many can be grown in sunshine in the Union if throw sufficient moisture . There are century of cultivars , from one to four feet across , with blue to green to gold or motley leaves . Some even may have attractive or fragrant flower spikes later in the summer . This genus is one of the most foolproof and requires the least maintenance . The only real problem may be slug chew leaves if it is too pie-eyed and there is misfortunate air circulation .
The other four choice I recommend are decorative grasses , a group deserving wider consumption especially in the north . No , these are n’t the grasses you mow . No , they do n’t have colorful flower , but yes , they do have attractive foliage and some flowers . No , not all grasses are hardy , but yes , many are quite fearless in the north or south .
The sedges ( Carex genus ) are n’t really grasses , but since they face like short ones ( normally one to two foot tall ) , they are aggroup with them . Most tolerate hot or cool , ironical or tight , and sun or specter . Some have vary leaf and may be marginally hardy , like ‘ Ice Dance . ’ One of my favorites imprint nice abject clumps of waxy blue foliage ( glauca coinage ) .
The Eulalia pot ( Miscanthus ) , depending on mintage and location , may be invasive or not hardy . Another specie ( purpurascens ) forms clumps about five feet high . It is hardy and , at least in the Frederick North , does n’t have enough of a time of year to mark seed . It does n’t really have purple leaf but turns carmine in the drop . It ’s another carefree perennial .
Another upright pot , which is generally quite unfearing , is the Feather Reed Grass ( Calamagrostis ) . It may get to be four to six feet high and gradually form large clumps a foot or two across . From mid - season through winter it has tan spikes ( the Gunter Grass bloom ) . One selection , ‘ Karl Foerster , ’ is a Perennial Plant of the Year selection for 2002 .
The Moor Grass ( Molinia ) is a bit different from most ornamental grasses , forming mounds of finely textured leaves about two infantry high and two feet across . From these arise tall stalking from four to eight metrical unit gamy , count on cultivar , of delicately textured “ prime . ” It ’s another slaphappy perennial grass , good in mass or for its fine grain in borders . It is fearless and liberal of “ extreme ” conditions , constitute it an ideal choice for northern New England .
By Dr. Leonard PerryExtension Greenhouse and Nursery Crops SpecialistUniversity of Vermont
