Winter is almost here, but before the first hard freeze of the season, you may want to plant some perennials that you hope to see on your lawn in the spring. When planted in the ground, these colorful flowers will continue to develop roots until the ground freezes solid and causes them to go into a dormant state. Here are a few selections that look beautiful and are known to thrive in the North Carolina weather. 

What Perennials Can You Plant Before the Ground Freezes?

1. Bearded Iris (Iris Germanica)

The tall, bearded iris is a beautiful plant that comes in an array of colors. You’ll distinguish it from other iris species by the soft hairs that run along the center of the three hanging and three upright petals. 

This flower typically blooms in June but can be planted anywhere from the middle of summer to fall. Pick a spot that will receive direct sunlight for at least half of the day, as irises need a lot of light to bloom. The soil should also be neutral to slightly acidic with good drainage; they won’t last through the winter if the soil is wet. 

2. Foxglove Beardtongue (Penstemon Digitalis)

The foxglove beardtongue is another sturdy and tall plant. Like the bearded iris, this plant gets its name from the small hairs that line the stamen.

It will reach between 3 and 5 feet when it’s done growing and produces tubular-shaped, white flowers around June or July. While it can be planted in clay, this plant prefers well-drained loam and sandy soils in mostly sunny areas. 

3. Leading Lady Charlize Tickseed (Coreopsis)

Give your garden a pop of yellow with the broad-leaved Charlize, named after the actress Charlize Theron. This plant tends to grow 10 inches tall and 12 inches wide. It produces daisy-like flowers, which have two compact rows of petals surrounding a mounded gold disk. 

Plant the Charlize in fully sunny locations that receive at least 6 to 8 hours of sunlight each day. The soil should be moist, but avoid planting it in areas that are known for having standing water after rainstorms. Also, try to plant it in rocky and sandy soil, though it’s not too particular about these or the pH conditions.

If you’re trying to squeeze in some last-minute gardening before winter strikes, visit Edgefield Plant & Stone Center in Greensboro, NC. Since 2004, they’ve provided personalized consultations and landscape design services to those in Guilford County. Their team has over 30 years of combined experience and will help you select the best perennials, trees, grasses, and other plants to meet your gardening and design goals. Call (336) 662-0081 with any gardening questions, and visit their website to learn more about their services.