Question

backyard diningroom an   QUESTION: Hi Gina,
I would like to plant low maintenance perennials, that do well in sunny areas and don't require too much water. I want something if possible with color not longer than three feet.I would like to plant them in my backyard by my dining room window and kitchen window and would like any suggestions on what would look nice. I posted a picture for an idea. Thank You.


Echinacea   ANSWER: Dear Elsa,

What a great spot for some color!

You have a lot of choices in plants that will do well there with little to no maintenance.

Echinacea, or Coneflower, is a great choice.  You can find varieties in many shades and predominantly pinks and oranges.  Echinacea 'Tikki Torch' is one of my favorites and is readily available from many growers across the country.  If you prefer pink, try Echinacea 'Pink Double Delight'.

Another sure fire plant for hot dry spaces is Sedum 'Autumn Joy'.  Fleshy, interesting foliage gives way to huge heads of florets that begin as a pale rose color turning deeper before glowing burgundy as autumn begins.

Take a look at those and let me know what you think!

Gina

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QUESTION: Hi Gina, those are very pretty plants. My only concern is that I read that they attract bees and I recently had a bee problem in which I had to call a bee company to remove the hive. Also, my children play in the backyard all the time and wouldn't want them to get stung by bees. I would truly appreciate any other suggestions.

Answer
Hi Elsa,

Unfortunately, anything with bloom that thrives in full sun will also attract bees.  But with that said, you're going to get honey bees and bumble bees, not wasps or yellow jackets.  

If you want to preclude bees in general, you can opt for some pretty plants that don't bloom at all but bring textural interest.

Gina