Podcast: Let's Argue About Plants

Episode 112: Best Cutting-Garden Flowers

In late May and June, we can’t help wandering out into the garden with a pair of shears in hand. Bringing fresh flowers into the house seems like a seasonal rite of passage for most gardeners (at least those that don’t have allergies). But it can be hard to cut those precious blooms and take them away from the landscape. That’s why today we’re talking about plants (perennials, annuals, and even shrubs) that we grow specifically for their flower power. These options provide plenty of blooms for the garden AND the vase, and that’s why they’re our favorites. We span the color spectrum as well, with recommendations for every hue imaginable. And we even have several selections that are deliciously fragrant. If you’re looking to add some cutting-garden oomph to your beds and borders, give this episode a listen.

Special guest: Christine  Alexander, digital content editor for Fine Gardening.com

Carol’s Plants

‘Benary’s Giant’ zinnia, mixed colors
‘Benary’s Giant’ zinnia, mixed colors

‘Benary’s Giant’ zinnias (Zinnia elegans ‘Benary’s Giant’ series, annual)

‘Blue Glitter' sea holly
‘Blue Glitter’ sea holly

‘Blue Glitter’ sea holly (Eryngium planum ‘Blue Glitter’, Zones 4–9)

‘Peter Cottontail’ yarrow (credit: Walters Gardens, Inc.)
‘Peter Cottontail’ yarrow. Photo: Walters Gardens, Inc.

‘Peter Cottontail’ yarrow (Achillea ptarmica, Zones 3–8)

 

Danielle’s Plants

Grape hyacinth
Grape hyacinth

Grape hyacinth (Muscari armeniacum, Zones 3–9)

Eternal Fragrance ® daphne
Eternal Fragrance® daphne
Simple arrangement using all Danielle’s cutting garden favorites
Simple arrangement using all Danielle’s cutting-garden favorites

Eternal Fragrance® daphne (Daphne × transatlantica ‘Blafra’, Zones 6–9)

‘Miss Kim’ Korean lilac
‘Miss Kim’ Korean lilac

‘Miss Kim’ Korean lilac (Syringa pubescens subsp. patula ‘Miss Kim’, Zones 4–8)

 

Christine’s Plants

‘Limelight’ panicle hydrangea (credit: Proven Winners ® Color Choice ® )
‘Limelight’ panicle hydrangea. Photo: Proven Winners Color Choice
‘Limelight’ panicle hydrangea
‘Limelight’ panicle hydrangea

‘Limelight’ panicle hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata ‘Limelight’, Zones 3–8)

‘Stargazer’ lily
‘Stargazer’ lily

‘Stargazer’ lily
‘Stargazer’ lily

‘Stargazer’ lily (Lilium ‘Stargazer’, Zones 5–8)

'Strawberry Ice' dahlia
‘Strawberry Ice’ dahlia

'Strawberry Ice' dahlia
‘Strawberry Ice’ dahlia

‘Strawberry Ice’ dahlia (Dahlia decorative ‘Strawberry Ice’, Zones 3–10)

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Comments

  1. prnfan99 06/07/2022

    The photo labeled limelight panicle with the fountain does not look like a limelight. It looks like Annabelle or Incrediball.

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