Living Landscapes in South Dakota - Plant Materials Program - US ...

WILDFLOWERS
Perennial wildflowers live for more than two years. They offer something for everyone and are relatively
easy to maintain.
• Seeding: Wildflower seeds are often very small, fluffy, or irregular-shaped, making it difficult to control the total amount
dispersed. For example, aster and yarrow are better interplanted as small plugs of rooted plants. That way, there is less chance
of overseeding and crowding out other species in the garden.
• Potted Plants: Containerized material should be healthy—leaf and stem colors appear normal with little or no yellowing or
discoloration. Smaller containers are less expensive but greater numbers are required to fill an area. Larger material will be
readily noticeable, but cost more to install.
• Planting: Prepare the soil well ahead of planting. Avoid planting during the hot, dry months of summer. For potted plants, follow
spacing recommendations and keep watered prior to and after transplanting. Sow seed into a firm, moist seedbed, mulch lightly,
and apply frequent, light sprinkler irrigation. Monitor and inspect for insect pests and control weeds as they appear.
• Maintenance: Extend the flowering period and promote re-bloom by “deadheading” the flower after it dies. Use sharp pruning
shears to cut and remove the dead blossom. When plants reach maturity, divide the crown into smaller portions and transplant
into another area, recycle to a like-minded gardener, or add to the compost pile. In late fall or early spring, cut back all dead
plant parts. Remove debris to reduce pest and disease problems.
Landscape Uses
Wildflower use in the landscape is unlimited, as plants are available in many sizes, shapes, and colors. Plants that have similar
water and light requirements should be grouped together. The development of a landscape plan is recommended and landscape
design professionals can be consulted for assistance.
Poisonous Plants
It’s wise to inquire about a plant’s potential
toxicity before placing it in a landscape.
The foliage of some plants is known to be
poisonous to people, pets, and domestic
livestock. A few of the more common ones
include bleeding heart, buttercup, clematis,
foxglove, goldenrod, horsechestnut, larkspur,
locoweed, lupine, milkweed, monkshood,
oak, poppy, and water hemlock. Visit your
local bookstore or library, or the website
provided in the reference section.
Specimens
Borders
Mass Plantings
Ground Covers
Blazing star
Maximilian
sunflower
Lewis flax
Heath aster
Specimens are separate, individual plants Border plants are used along the edge of Massing similar plants in a group mimics
that attract attention to their ornamental a structure, hard surface, or lawn area. nature and creates a sense of unity in
beauty. They are generally selected for They function as hedges, screens, traffi c the design. Natural environments have
large size and stature, or for unusual guides, and foundation plantings. Open clusters of vegetation that slowly shift in
shape, color, or texture. Specimens and semi-open space can be defi ne d with composition with altering conditions. Mass
function as solitary elements for viewing the use of borders. Limit number of plant plantings act as an orderly connection
from all sides or as a dominant feature types to avoid visual chaos. among other planting groups.
in a mass planting. They should be used
sparingly to avoid attracting attention to
many different points.
Heath aster, when mowed short, provides
late season color and ground cover.
Spreading and low-growing plants cover
areas that are impractical to maintain
as a lawn. They are used on slopes,
along pathways, under shade or tree
canopies, and between plants in fl ower
beds. Consider converting lawn space
to a ground cover for reduced water
consumption.
Living Landscapes in South Dakota: A GUIDE TO NATIVE PLANTSCAPING
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