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Which seed is right for me?
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The most practical differences that actually affect garden success!
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Want order & control → choose clump-forming perennials
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Want natural meadow feel → choose reseeding annuals
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Have space & restoration goals → fireweed or goldenrod
👉 Best single plant for bees: Varileaf phacelia
👉 Best late-season support: Western goldenrod
👉 Best hummingbird plant: Giant hyssop, fireweed
Pollinators & Timing (who you’re helping and when)
| Plant | Bloom Timing | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Blanketflower | Long summer | General pollinators |
| Bluehead gilia | Late spring | Early native bees |
| Winecup clarkia | Spring–early summer | Small native bees |
| Varileaf phacelia | Spring–summer | Top native bee plant |
| Nodding onion | Early–mid summer | Bees + deer resistance |
| Giant hyssop | Late spring–summer | Bees + hummingbirds |
| Coast penstemon | Late spring | Early-season bees |
| Fireweed | Summer | Bees + hummingbirds |
| Western goldenrod | Late summer–fall | Critical late-season food |
🌱 Growth Style & Behavior (this matters most)
| Plant | Lifespan | Spreads? | Garden Personality |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blanketflower (Gaillardia pulchella) | Annual / short-lived | Reseeds lightly | Cheerful, tidy, colorful |
| Bluehead gilia (Gilia capitata) | Annual / short-lived | Reseeds gently | Light, airy, soft |
| Winecup clarkia (Clarkia purpurea) | Annual | Reseeds | Delicate, meadow-like |
| Varileaf phacelia (Phacelia heterophylla) | Short-lived perennial | Reseeds | Pollinator magnet, relaxed |
| Nodding onion (Allium cernuum) | Perennial | Clumps (no spreading) | Polished, well-behaved |
| Nettleleaf giant hyssop (Agastache urticifolia) | Perennial | Clumps | Tall, fragrant, bold |
| Coast penstemon (Penstemon serrulatus) | Perennial | Clumps | Elegant, structured |
| Fireweed (Chamaenerion angustifolium) | Perennial | Spreads strongly | Bold, fast, expansive |
| Western goldenrod (Solidago lepida) | Perennial | Moderate spread | Late-season powerhouse |
👉 If you forget to water sometimes:
Blanketflower, nodding onion, penstemon, phacelia
👉 If your site stays moist:
Fireweed, goldenrod, giant hyssop
Sun, Water & Maintenance (the “will it survive?” test)
| Plant | Sun | Water Needs | Maintenance Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blanketflower | Full sun | Low | Very easy |
| Bluehead gilia | Sun–light shade | Low–moderate | Easy |
| Winecup clarkia | Sun–light shade | Low | Easy |
| Varileaf phacelia | Sun–part shade | Low | Easy |
| Nodding onion | Sun–part shade | Low | Very easy |
| Giant hyssop | Sun–part shade | Moderate | Easy |
| Coast penstemon | Sun–part shade | Low–moderate | Easy |
| Fireweed | Sun–part shade | Moderate | Moderate |
| Western goldenrod | Sun–part shade | Moderate | Easy |
“Just Tell Me What to Pick” Garden Scenarios
🌼 Small home garden, neat look
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Nodding onion
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Coast penstemon
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Giant hyssop
🌾 Meadow or wildflower mix
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Bluehead gilia
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Winecup clarkia
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Blanketflower
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Varileaf phacelia
🐝 Maximum pollinator impact
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Varileaf phacelia
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Giant hyssop
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Western goldenrod
🌲 Large space / restoration / rewilding
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Fireweed
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Western goldenrod