Easy' plants for Southern gardens

Gardening expert Pamela Crawford of Canton helped test and document thousands of annuals, perennials, vines, shrubs and trees, all in the name of "easy" and co-authored "Easy Gardens for the South." She shares her favorite blue-ribbon plants, ones that require trimming or deadheading no more than once a year and need water no more than once or twice a week after establishment.

Between the average person's work schedule and tightening wallet, finding the right plant for the right place that requires minimal care is key, says gardening expert Pamela Crawford. "I'm talking about plants for people who really want to do almost nothing," the Canton-based gardener says. She teamed with Harvey Cotten of the Huntsville Botanical Garden and garden writer Barbara Pleasant to test and document thousands of annuals, perennials, vines, shrubs and trees, all in the name of "easy."

"Easy Gardens for the South" gives the skinny on the best plants by type, size, water requirements and more. If awarded a blue ribbon by the authors, the plant requires trimming or deadheading no more than once a year and needs water no more than once or twice a week after establishment. If a red ribbon, the plant requires touching at maximum three times a year (though red-ribbon annuals need it monthly). Crawford shares her favorite blue ribbon plants.

Crawford says if you pick only one annual for your garden, make it annual lantana. Lantana, which comes in a variety of colors such as yellow, white and red, thrives in the hot sun and blooms from April until the first frost. Loaded with flowers, it grows to nearly 3 feet tall and 2 feet wide. Crawford cautions against purple-hued lantana, which seemed to do best in cooler temperatures. Plant in the spring.

Daffodil are the workhorses of the South. These perennial bulbs can grow anywhere, thrive without irrigation and require almost no care. Because blooms last only a month, Crawford suggests buying different varieties to stagger bloom times. Favorites include 'Pink Charm,' 'Rijnveld's Early Sensation' and 'Fortissimo.' Plant bulbs in November or December for Atlanta.

Ice plant, a deciduous perennial, makes a funky flowered ground cover and is perfect for retaining walls, walkways and dry, hot places. Fuschia or red flowers bloom sporadically in late spring through fall. Ice plant lives solely on rain water after established, and needs deadheading, thus awarded a red ribbon. Plant in the fall.

Dwarf crapemyrtle is among Crawford's all-time favorite plants. This deciduous shrub keeps its clusters of blooms for three to four months each summer and looks like a small flower ball. The dwarf crapemyrtle is easily maintained with pruning every few years to keep its size of 3 to 5 feet tall. Crawford's team mostly tested the 'Victor' crapemyrtle but also found success with the 'Cherry Dazzle' shrub. Plant in the fall in full sun.

One of few evergreen perennials, Lenten Rose blooms for roughly 11 weeks in late winter into spring in shades of pink, purple, burgundy, green and more. Crawford recommends this low-water plant because it keeps its foliage, is deer resistant and is an ideal plant for building a seasonal color garden. Plant in a shady spot anytime, though fall is ideal.

'Dragon Wing' begonia bursts with pink or red blossoms from spring through fall without fail. The annual can tolerate light to medium shade, and while it needs periodic watering, this begonia thrives with little care. Also attracts butterflies and hummingbirds. Plant in the spring.

An evergreen shrub now available in dwarf varieties -- 3 to 5 feet tall -- 'Rose Creek' abelia is perfect for attracting butterflies and hummingbirds to the residential garden. 'Rose Creek' thrives without irrigation (after establishment) and blooms from May until the first hard frost. Best part? No pruning required. Plant in the fall.

Perennial 'Miss Huff' lantana is known for its pink, orange and yellow clusters of color and grows to about 3 feet tall by 3 feet wide. Crawford notes 'Miss Huff' doesn't bloom as long as annual lantana -- five months compared to seven -- but is proven to return each spring with an annual trimming. Thrives on little water, attracts hummingbirds and butterflies and is deer resistant. Plant in the spring.

One of the most widely planted trees in the South, the magnolia is known for its fragrant rose-like blossoms and red fruits. Both the Southern and 'Little Gem' need just rainwater after establishment and bloom for about 9 weeks starting in May. Because of their poor drainage, avoid planting them in any area where water will sit for more than 24 hours. For the home landscape, try 'Little Gem' for its smaller stature at 20 to 30 feet tall. Plant in the fall.

'Gateway' Joe Pye Weed is a gangly deciduous perennial is commonly found in North Georgia and grows to 6 feet tall. The native plant is known for its soccer ball-sized pink blossoms that emerge in August through September. Tolerates wet spots well, yet has low water requirements after establishment. Requires an annual trim. Plant in the fall.

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Between the average person's work schedule and tightening wallet, finding the right plant for the right place that requires minimal care is key, says gardening expert Pamela Crawford. "I'm talking about plants for people who really want to do almost nothing," the Canton-based gardener says. She teamed with Harvey Cotten of the Huntsville Botanical Garden and garden writer Barbara Pleasant to test and document thousands of annuals, perennials, vines, shrubs and trees, all in the name of "easy."

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