Fast-growing perennials
- BBC Gardeners' World Magazine
Published: Monday, 8 April 2019 at 7:05 am
Need some plants that will get going fast? Then try these speedy perennials.
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Some perennials can take a while to establish so if you can't wait, need an area to look good fast, or are creating a new border or garden from scratch, you might want to choose some fast-growing perennials.
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Fast-growing perennials should bulk up and produce flowers within a couple of growing seasons. They'll create an impact while slower-growing plants catch up.
Perennials will establish quicker if they are planted correctly, getting them off to the best possible start.
Here are 10 fast-growing perennials to consider.
Crocosmia
Crocosmias, such as Crocosmia 'Lucifer' form dense clumps of upright, sword-like foliage and flowers in a range of fiery hues in late summer. They look especially good in 'hot' borders or tropical and jungly planting schemes, and make good ground cover.
Height x Spread: 150cm x 50cm
Lily-of-the-valley
Lily of the valley, Convallaria majalis, bears bell-shaped flowers with a powerful fragrance from late spring. It establishes quickly in a woodland garden or shady border. Convallaria majalis var. rosea is an unusual pale pink variety.
H x S: 30cm x 20cm
Hardy geraniums
Hardy geraniums get established quickly and weave their way pleasantly through plants without overwhelming. Geranium psilostemon is a vigorous grower and 'Catherine Deneuve' is an unusual variety with eye-catching star-shaped flowers. Grow in sun or shade.
H x S: 50cm x 30cm
Erysimum 'Bowles's Mauve'
Erysimum 'Bowles's Mauve' bulks up quickly to form a large, bushy mound. It flowers almost all year round, even in winter, and is popular with bees and butterflies. Although it only lives for a few years, it is easy to propagate from cuttings.
H x S: 45cm x 50cm
Acanthus mollis
Acanthus mollis (or Acanthus mollis 'Whitewater', shown here) has large leaves and tall flower spikes in late summer. It has a striking, architectural look. Grow in fertile, well-drained soil in partial shade. Divide congested clumps in spring or autumn.
H x S: 1.5m x 90cm
Geum
Geums are charming perennials that flower in May and June and look good in any planting scheme. Geum 'Totally Tangerine' is a Chelsea Flower Show favourite that looks good with many other plants, including other perennials such as delphiniums and roses.
H x S: 30cm x 45cm
Lupin
Lupins are classic cottage garden plants which are making a comeback – they can often be spotted at the top flower shows. Their tall spikes of flowers come in a range of colours. Grow in a sunny spot and be sure to protect them early from slugs and snails.
H x S: 90cm x 75cm
Penstemon 'Andenken an Friedrich Hahn'
Penstemon 'Andenken an Friedrich Hahn' bears wine-red, foxglove-like flowers from June to October and is perfect for the middle of a sunny border. It establishes quickly and is hardy in all but the harshest winters – take a few cuttings in summer as a back-up.
H x S: 60cm x 60cm
Bronze fennel
Foeniculum vulgare is a fast-growing culinary herb that looks fabulous at the back of a border, where it adds height and an airy feel. The flowers are attractive to hoverflies and birds eat the seeds. Grow in moist but well-drained soil, in a sunny spot.
H x S: 1.8m x 60cm
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Euphorbia amygdaloides 'Purpurea'
Euphorbia amygdaloides 'Purpurea' has attractive, purple-tinged flowers and acid-yellow flowers. It's a fast-growing choice for the middle of a border in a dry spot, or in an area in partial shade.
H x S: 30cm x 60cm
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