Choosing the right plants for your location is one of the keys to successful perennial culture, notes George Killgore, a home-garden expert with the University of Tennessee Agricultural Extension Service. Perennials for Dry Soil Mexican bush sage (Salvia leucantha) (figure A) reaches a height of 2' to 4' and produces long, velvety purple flower spikes in late summer. It prefers full sun. Bachelor's button (Centaurea cyanus) (figure B), also known as cornflower, also prefers full sun and tolerates dry soil. It grows to a height of 1' to 2 1/2' and is easy to propagate from seed. Hollyhock (Alcea rosea) (figure C) is an old garden favorite. Hollyhocks grow 4' to 8' tall and produce blooms ranging in color from light yellow to deep purple. Hollyhocks require full sun. Plant them where they have some protection from the wind; tall varieties may need staking. Perennials for Shade Many shade-loving perennials are prized more for their foliage than their blooms. The low-growing lungwort (Pulmonaria) (figure D) makes an excellent border plant or small-scale groundcover. Its variegated leaves add brightness to dark spots. Bugleweed (Ajuga) (figure E), also low-growing, sends up spikes of blue flowers in late spring or early summer and may become invasive if not well contained. Jacob's ladder (Polemonium caeruleum) (figure F) produces clusters of lavender-blue flowers on leafy 1' to 2 ' stems. Perennials for Poor Soil Blue fescue (Festuca glauca), a short, clumping ornamental grass, requires full sun and well-drained soil but will withstand some aridity. If the foliage begins to look ratty, cut it back to the ground. Hen and chicks (Echeveria elegans) is a succulent perennial that requires full sun or partial shade. An excellent choice for growing in rock gardens or containers, it blooms in early summer, producing spikes of yellow-orange flowers. Perennials for Boggy Soil Soggy, damp soils present a gardening challenge. Nonetheless, some ferns, umbrella plants (Cyperus alternifolius) (figure G) and certain irises thrive under boggy conditions.
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