What Are Good Perennials for Alabama?

Purple Coneflower

• All of Alabama supports the purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea), a wildflower perennial that grows to 5 feet in the largest individuals. Purple coneflowers attract both birds and butterflies, with the former eating the seeds and the latter craving the nectar from the flower head. Purple coneflowers bloom during the hot Alabama summer, from June through August. The flower resembles those of the daisy, with purple rays around an orange-coppery cone-like projection. The sturdy stems and coarse, green leaves are other features of this plant. Place purple coneflowers in perennial borders and native wildflower gardens in Alabama. Full sun is best for this species, which is a good specimen for gardens because of its tolerance of humidity, heat and dry conditions

Swamp Sunflower

• The swamps, river floodplains, coastal salt marshes and pine forests of Alabama are home to the swamp sunflower (Helianthus angustifolia). A member of the Aster family, this perennial is a good plant for your landscaping needs because it attracts butterflies and blooms late in the growing season, bringing its yellow color to your property from September into November. The species features a multibranched stem, and it can grow as tall as 6 feet. Swamp sunflowers grow across all of the Deep South. The perennial will die to the ground after a freeze, but comes back to life in spring. Keep them in the sun, since Floridata warns that those growing in the shade often require some support to prevent them from falling over.

Rain Lily

• Growing from underground bulbs, the rain lily (Zephyranthes atamasca) attains heights to 15 inches. The leaves resemble large blades of grass and the flower of this Alabama perennial has a funnel shape, with the white lobes surrounding yellow stamens. Rain lilies can grow in the shade, making them good options for woodland gardens in Alabama. The plant requires a damp, but not constantly waterlogged, site in which to grow. Refrain from planting them in a dry area, since they will not flower if you do. The rain lily blooms early in the spring, with some opening up during March. In the wild, this perennial inhabits moist woodlands and wet meadows.