Gardening Help! ~ Looking for perennials for Zones 8a ~ 8b.?

Question

I soooo do not have a green thumb! I don't even have a yellow thumb...

However, I do have a spot in the front of my house that is absolutely screaming for some flowers and I'm determined that Gardening is going to be on my list of 2008 resolutions...

So, what I need...
I am looking for good cutting flowers; Iris, Daffodil, Tulip or the like for a space that gets ALOT of direct sunlight. Drainage is fair but can be improved. I would prefer, to begin with, not to have to deal with bulbs that have to be dug-up every year.

I have asked around at several of the local gardening centers and haven't really found anyone who could adequately answer my questions.

I live right on the edge of Zones 8a & 8b, or more to the point, on the very eastern edge of Williamson County, TX. About 20 miles northeast of Austin.

Thanks!

Answer 1

The answer to your Q is too large for this site. In your zone almost anything will grow. The World is your oyster. Get a good book like I did, there are dozens

Answer 2

Hi:
There are so many different perennials you can plant in your zone. You are considered a sub - tropical zone and many varieties will do well in your geographic location.

Verbena
Dianthus
Balloon Flower
Gerber Daisies
Day Lilies
These are only a small handfull.

Another great plant family that flowers is the herb family. Most herbs love full sun, low maintenance, and flower. I will direct you to my site map of the website. This page has everything that is on the website. Browse through and get some tips and techniques of planting flowers and other plant specimens. I will also link you to my gallery of plants section. There is a page on perennial flowers that will show you photos as well as descriptions and zones. Best of luck to you and if you need any further suggestions, please feel free to contact me at the website. Have a great day and Happy New Year!
Kimberly
http://www.landscape-solutions-for-you.com/Site.html

http://www.landscape-solutions-for-you.com/Gallery.html

Answer 3

This is my favorite website for gardening questions. I'm waiting for a sunny area for echinacea (coneflower) and verbena. Tulips didn't do too good for me...They came up but they were stunted, and short-lived. My irises and daffodils are in part sun, and don't bloom very long--a few weeks each year. I'm not too far from you, so hope this helps.
Coreopsis, sunflowers, and zinnias do great in my full sun spot, without needed much water or effort.

Answer 4

dianthus,purple coneflower,black-eyed susan,sunflowers,goldenrod, verbena, lantana,salvia,yarrow,russian sage,daisy,bluestar

Answer 5

I know very little abt flower gardening, but your state university system probably has a Co-operative Extension service.(see source) You can contact them usually through your county government website, or do a search for "Extension Service Texas". They usually have a master gardeners program that can help.
You can also do a search for mail 0rder Flower companies...they usually list the appropriate zones(and the right time to plant) for each variety.
Don't forget your local library, and the local Garden Club(most gardeners LOVE to share their knowledge).
Oh---another good internet site is About.com try there.
I JUST DID A SEARCH FOR-- perennials zone 8 texas AND GOT WHAT LOOKS LIKE A LOT OF GOOD LINKS GIVE IT A TRY.(see source)
I hope you enjoy your project..start small so you don't get discouraged ! good luck