Gone wild; flowers that almost take care of themselves

Sunset, May, 1984

For the easy-going gardener, the best flowers are ones that practically take care of themselves. Here we show and describe five groups of plants that deliver masses of bloom from spring into fall, and thrive despite heat, poor soil, and infrequent watering. In most climates, plants come back larger and wider each year. You might all them impressive weeds.

May is a good time to plant. Small seedlings in sixpacks are most economical but may not bloom until late summer or fall. While larger plants give instant results, ones already in peak bloom may not continue very long, especially if you try to transplant them. Four-inch pots to gallon cans will probably give the longest and most satisfying performance this season.

All grow best in bright sun and well-drained soil that's not too rich. In desert climates, partial shade is best. When flowers fade, clip stalks back to the base, or to the next lower set of buds if more shoots have already formed. With moderate watering (roughly every 7 to 14 days, depending on climate), some will bloom all summer; others bloom now, and again in flal. All yield quantities of cut flowers. Five rugged bloomers

Yarrow (Achillea). These flat-topped flowers come in yellow, rose, or white, on plants that range from 6 inches to 5 feet high. The tall kinds are the most long-lived and vigorous. Plant them in clusters or mixed perennial borders.

The long, sturdy-stemmed yarrows you see in dried arrangements usually come from two varities of A. filipendulina: 'Coronation Gold' has 4-inch-wide, tightly clustered heads of yellow flowers on 2-1/2- to 3-foot stems. 'Gold Plate' is similar but grows 5 to 6 feet tall. A. taygetea 'Moonshine' is shorter--under 2 feet--and pale instead of dark yellow.

Red and white yarrows (A. millefolium and A. ptarmica) have the muted, antique look of old calico. They grow 1-1/2 to 3 feet tall. Seedlings volunteer readily--an asset if you want a carefree-looking medley, but a drawback if you prefer plants that stay in place.

Shasta daisy (Chrysanthemum maximum). The old-fashioned classic with a single row of white rays surrounding a yellow center is still the favorite form of this perennial. In addition, you can buy dwarf, double, quilled, and shaggy-flowered forms. 'Little Miss Muffet' is a 12- to 15-inch-tall dwarf single. Favorite doubles include 'Esther Read', 'Marconi', and 'Aglaya'. Try planting alternating clumps or drifts of single and double varieties for an intriguing display of white on white. Or make your driveway or walkway pop out at night by planting a white border of daisies along one or both sides.

Purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea). The eccentric color combination of these flowers delights flower arrangers. Deep pinkish purple rays surround a cone of red-tipped yellow spines. Sometimes the "petals" are a rather insipid pink--simply pluck them off and use the spiny cone fresh or dried.

In the garden, plants resemble Gloriosa daisies in size, shape, and texture. Use them is similar ways--in large drifts or small clusters--but be alert for color clashes. Plant with white daisies or yellow yarrow to smooth the transition between their electric coloring and other parts of the garden.

Check nurseries for plants in bloom in gallon cans or larger containers. You can also order plants from Geo W. Park Seed Co., Greenwood, S.C. 29646. For bloom next year, order seeds from Park or from Thompson & Morgan, Farmingdale, N.J. 17727. Both firms have free catalogs.

Poker plant (Kniphofia uvaria). This graceful fountain of grassy leaves. Depending on the variety and your climate, flowers appear any time from June to late summer. With some watering, they last a month or more, and may bloom several times a year. Cut back all leaves during winter--a new crop will appear in spring. In cold-winter climates, they are not reliably hardy.

Plants are available in some nurseries, or order from mail-order catalogs. You can blend poker plants in a mixed perennial border or emphasize their form by clustering them alone or with aloes and other succulents.

Gloriosa daisy (Rudbeckia hirta). These gold- to rust-colored daisies are 4 to 7 inches across and bloom in profusion on 2- to 3-foot stems. Centers may be black, green, or covered under fluffy rows of "petals." With occasional watering, the show continues from June into fall, then plants die back for the winter.

Although most people grow them in clumps or borders, these daisies also make a handsome ground cover for a large area. In warm climates, plants tend to be short-lived perennials, lasting a few years. In cold-winter areas, they often reseed and come up year after year with no more care than wildflowers.