| We just moved into a new home in Myrtle Beach SC. On either side of the backyard, there is a half-moon shaped bed. In the middle of each bed is a crape myrtle. At either end is some sort of ornamental grass. The stalks have curly heads. I would like to add either perennial flowers or 2-3 small flowering shrubs in front of the crape myrtles. The beds get full sun every day. Any suggestions? |
| Spireas, barberries and caryopterises are all sun lovers and will do great in your situation. You can plant dwarf cultivars and they should remain small enough not overcrowd the bed. How about some perennials? Salvia elegans (Pineapple sage) flowers summer through fall; Deep red flowers on three foot tall stems. Aster divaricatus (White Wood Aster) Dark purple flowers in the Summer to Fall of the year. This plant keeps it shape very well. Twelve to twenty-four inch perennial. Rosmarinus officinalis (Rosemary) has small light blue flowers in spring and periodically through the summer. Evergreen, can be pruned into a small mound or allowed to grow 3-4 feet tall. Coreopsis verticillata "Moonbeam" (Tickseed) is a low growing perennil with small yellow flowers atop dainty foliage. There are lots and lots of other possibilities so check to see what's available in your local garden center. Enjoy your garden! |
