Top 10 perennials

Story by Joy Gregory

In a climate characterized by extremes, it's not always easy for Albertans to pick the best plants to thrive in their gardens. But the results of a three-year study should help gardeners make some savvy perennial picks this year.

The Alberta Perennial Trials looked at the hardiness and adaptability of about 150 of the newest perennials available for purchase in Alberta, says Olivia Johns, horticulturist at the Calgary Zoo. The plants were tested at three sites across the province - the Calgary Zoo, Olds College and the Muttart Conservatory in Edmonton - and information was gathered on size, bloom time, ornamental value and winter hardiness. Based on the research results, Johns and Wendy Daley of Olds College helped compile a Top 10 list of their personal favourites:

Top 10 Perennials

1. Bugbane: Hillside Black Beauty - a late-blooming perennial with pale-pink flower spikes that reach more than 1.5 metres high.
   
2. Broad-petaled Geranium (Cranesbill) - long-blooming and low maintenance with rich violet flowers. 
   
3. Cranesbill Phillip Vapelle - a geranium with dark-veined rosy-pink petals and distinctive silver-grey foliage.
   
4. Chinese Astilbe: Visions in Pink - a midsummer bloomer with plumes of pale pink.
   
5. Hosta: Sun Power - a popular hosta with uniquely pointed, bright golden leaves.
   
6. Russian Sage: Little Spire - produces bouquets of small lavender-blue flowers. 
   
7. Purple Coneflower: Magnus and Ruby Star - large petals in dark rose and carmine red surround a coppery orange central cone.
   
8. Bee Balm (Bergamot): Violet Queen - deep lavender flowers that are a favourite for hummingbirds. 
   
9. Daylily: Pardon Me - fragrant cranberry red flowers that bloom in mid-season and again in the fall. 
   
10. Frikart's Aster: Monch - lavender daisy-like flowers with silvery foliage.