Top Perennials in Chicago

Thanks for bringing up a hot topic, Duncan!

Here in Chicago (listed as 5b, more like 6 near Lake Michigan,
last year zone 7, always challenging), I look for perennials that have
goodlooking foliage all season, a long bloom season, easy care and not
too fussy.  A few need staking in my part shade and of course a couple
deserve all the fussing they need: (Excuse mix of Latin & common names
--
no time to check this morning)

For Sun (listed from early to late blooming)
Iberis (great edging)
Amsonia
Iris, bearded & Siberian
Peonies
Clematis (both shrubby & vining)
Baptisia
Daylilies (early to late varieties)
Alliums (early & late)
Campanulas
Platycodon
Phlox (Starfire, Prime Minister)
Coreopsis vert. Moonbeam (also the rosea)
Hardy Geraniums
Echinacea (both pinks and whites)
Echinops
Butterfly Weed (orange)
Achilleas (esp. taygetea)
Liatris
Sedum (Autumn Joy & others)
Grasses
Heucheras (some for flowers, dark ones for foliage)
Boltonia
Patrinia
Asters
Artemisias (foliage)
Calamintha (latest to bloom here -- just cut mine down yesterday, still
blooming, great bee plant)
Lilies (esp. Regale and Orientals)

For Shade (not in any order)
Hostas (many varieties)
Ferns
Astilbe
Kiringeshoma
Rodgersia
Tellimia
Iris Pseudacorus
Miniature Goatsbeard
Epimediums
Solomon's Seal (variegated)
Hellebores
Meadowrue (will take sun also)
Heucheras, again
Anemones, Japanese

As I think of these, I have to say that the gardens would not be as
beautiful as they are without the many woody plants mixed with the
herbaceous perennials -- e.g., holly, rhododendron, azalea, hydrangea,
viburnum, juniper, roses, lavender, etc., etc.  Probably dozens more
I've missed!

Anne - Chicago


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