University of Vermont Extension
Department of Plant and Soil Science
Anytime News
Article
SMALL MOUNDED
PERENNIALS
Dr. Leonard Perry, Extension Professor
University of Vermont
There are quite a few small
perennials forming low mounds that are suitable for use along walks, rock
gardens, and small spaces. All prefer full sun and well-drained soils.
Victor Reiter Common Thrift (Armeria
maritima) forms a dense bun or dome less than 6 inches high, and about 4
inches across. Pink flowers are held
above the leaves on stalks in early summer for about 3 weeks. The bun is made up of narrow leaves less than
a quarter inch wide. It is hardy to USDA zone 4a (-30F air temperature) with
snow cover, and has proven hardy to a soil temperature briefly of 11F.
The species name indicates that the
original species can be found growing along coasts in sandy soil (this plant
needs good soil drainage) where it tolerates salt and drought. In the north, plants prefer full sun to grow
best. There are many other selections of
Thrift, such as the cultivar Rubrifolia which is slightly taller, and has
rose-red flowers.
Miniature Stonecrop (Sedum
requienii) is one of the many low stonecrops you might choose, although it
is slower growing than most only reaching about 6 inches high and wide. Its tiny green leaves are very small,
slightly resembling the herb thyme. Tiny
yellow flowers may appear in summer. It
too tolerates drought. It is hardy to
USDA zone 4a with snow cover, or to 11F
soil temperatures at least for brief periods.
Mountain rockcress (Arabis x
sturii) reaches about 6 inches high and wide, the shiny green leaves
(under
2 inches long) and small white flowers (spring) making this plant very
attractive. It is hardy to USDA zone 4a
with snow cover, and to at least 18F soil temperature for brief
periods. Can't find this species? The rockcress cultivar Glacier is
similar.
Of the many low speedwells you might
choose, Mann's Variety (Veronica stelleri) forms a mound about 6 inches
high and slightly wider the first growing season. Dark green leaves have flowers spikes of dark
blue rising above them in early summer.
It is hardy to USDA zone 4a with snow cover, and to soil temperatures of
11F for brief periods. It will tolerate
part shade.
Alpine or Meadow Moss campion (Silene
alpestris) reaches about 6 inches high and wide. Bright green leaves are covered with double
white flowers above them on spikes in early summer. Plants are hardy to USDA
zone 4a with snow cover, and for brief periods to ground temperatures of
11F. They may tolerate part shade.
Archer's Gold thyme (Thymus
pulegiodes) reaches about 6 inches high and slightly more wide. As its former species name indicates (citriodorus),
it has leaves scented of citrus, more specifically of lemon. Light lavender flowers appear in late summer
above the gold leaves. It is hardy to at
least USDA zone 4a with snow cover, and for brief periods to ground
temperatures of at least 18F. Try this
one in raised stone walls where foliage may be brushed, or between patio stones
where it may be walked on, to release the aroma. It grows well in sandy and rocky soils.
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