Ohio has a USDA hardiness zone range of 5 to 6, meaning winters are cold and the summers are warm. These temperatures are just the ticket for some plants and why checking hardiness ratings can ensure the gardener a rich vibrant garden instead of disappointment. Flower choices come from a range of flowering plants, some of which are listed here.
Autumn Crocus
The Colchicum autumnale from the lily family, commonly known as autumn crocus or meadow saffron, is a perennial. It will be hardy throughout the USDA hardiness zones of 4 to 8. The leaves are strap-like, 6 to 12 inches long. The flowers are glass-shaped, 2 to 3 inches wide. Blooms are in the pink, white, lavender and purple hues. Growing conditions for an autumn crocus should be full sun or partial shade and well drained soils. Propagate by dividing every three years.
Coreopsis
The Coreopsis grandiflora from the aster/daisy family, commonly the coreopsis or tickseed, is an easy to grow perennial that is fast growing. It will attract butterflies to the landscape. Prime planting conditions are in mid to full sun and in regular garden soil. It will be hardy in zones 5 through 10 on the USDA hardiness map. It grows 1 ½ to 4 feet tall with 2 to 3 inch wide yellow-gold flowers and dark green leaves. Propagate via clump division and seed.
Orange Cosmos
Orange cosmos (Cosmos sulphureus) is a drought tolerant annual that is both easy to grow and fast growing. It will attract butterflies. Leaves are feather-like and flowers are bowl-shaped in hues of yellow and orange. The plant grows 1 to 7 feet tall. Propagate via seed. Plant an orange cosmos in bright sunlight and in sandy well drained soil. It will be USDA hardy in zones 5 through 10.
Blanket Flower
The blanket flower (Gaillardia pulchella), while a short lived perennial, is an easy to grow and drought tolerant plant. Flowers are 2 to 3 inches wide and are orange, yellow, copper-scarlet, and crimson. The mound will grow to 14 to 24 inches tall and spread 12 inches wide. Hardy zones for the blanket flower will be 5 through 10. Plant it in good drained soil in a sunny spot. Propagate via division or by seed.
Sweet Alyssum
From the cabbage family the sweet alyssum, or Lobularia maritime, is a fragrant perennial that is grown like an annual. It only grows 9 inches tall but has profuse white, purple, or pink blooms. Leaves are hairy and 1 inch long. Plant this in full sun and light soil. Propagate via seed. It will be hardy in USDA hardiness zones of 4 through 9.
These choices are just starters to get an Ohio garden off to a great start. Gardens and landscapes should always reflect the gardener’s personal style and choice.
Source:
Tina Samuels - Tina Samuels specializes in health, animal, and gardening articles. She authored "A Georgia Native Plant Guide".
