Names of Outdoor Flowering Plants

Purple Coneflower

• Purple coneflower, or Echinacea purpurea, is a member of the Asteraceae family. It is a hardy perennial plant. While it is a wildflower native to the prairies of the United States, it is largely cultivated because of its showy blooms. The plant grows in clumps that can reach 3 feet tall and spread 3 feet wide. The flowers resemble that of a daisy, with lavender petals and a cone-shaped center -- hence the common name. Foliage of the plant is dark green, course and typically appears at the base of the plant. The purple coneflower is hardy from USDA zones 3 through 9, does best when planted in full sun, and is drought tolerant.

Bigleaf Hydrangea

• Hydrangea macrophylla, more commonly known as bigleaf hydrangea, is a very popular flowering shrub in the United States. As the name suggests, this deciduous plant produces large leaves that are waxy and dark green in color. These plants can produce one of two types of flowers: mophead or lacecap. Mopheads produce large clusters of flowers that are round in shape, while the lacecap variety grows clusters of flat flowers. The flowers of bigleaf hydrangea range in color from light to deep pink, to light to dark blue. The flower color changes based on the pH of the soil; acidic soils produce pink flowers, while soils that have a higher level of aluminum produce blue flowers. These plants grow an average of 4 to 5 feet tall and spread approximately 5 to 6 feet wide. They thrive when planted in partial shade and require sufficient moisture to prevent wilting. They are hardy in USDA zones 6 to 9.

Daylilies

• Daylilies, or Hemerocallis, are a perennial plant ideal for a variety of landscape settings, as they thrive in an array of soils and light exposures. This plant is called a daylily because the flowers it produces last for only one day; however, it produces so many buds that it blooms the entire length of its summer growing season. The base of the plant produces dark green, fleshy foliage, while the blooms are shaped like a cup, with pistols emerging from the center. There are a number of flower colors available, including red, white and yellow. The plant grows an average of 1 to 4 feet tall. Though they adapt to a variety of conditions, they do best when planted in an area that receives full sun exposure and prefer rich, moist soil. Daylilies are hardy in USDA zones 3 through 10.