Perennials – What you should know about Perennials

March 27, 2012

Foxglove (Digitalis) Perennial Flowers

If you are planning for a healthy and thriving garden then you must aim towards growing perennials in your garden. They are used extensively in most gardens and man made landscapes. From beautiful peonies found in gardens of manicured yards to beautiful bearded Iris that show off their blooms in the spring, to the lush green carpet look of Pachysandra (my personal favorite perennial groundcover). Perennials come back year after year and help make spring time a fresh. Perennials are plants or shrubs that have a life span of more than two years. Many gardeners get confused while deciding which perennials they should choose for their garden as there are many varieties available. Whether you want to create a Gertrude Jekyll like herbaceous border or a more monochromatic Japanese garden look with varying shades of green, perennials are an important part of our garden projects.

What makes perennials special and why should you use them in your garden? Unlike annuals, perennials do come back year after year. They do not bloom all the season like annuals but some features of them like texture, foliage and form will overcome this. Some perennials like Artemisia and hosta are specifically grown in the garden only for the beauty of their Foliage. Perennials are most versatile and can be grown anywhere in your garden. You can use them in beds, in containers, hanging baskets, in cutting gardens and along the borders of your garden. There are types of perennials which can survive in different sites like hot, cold and damp and dry.

You can plant perennials in your garden anytime during the gardening season. There is no time specification for growing these perennials. They can be planted at anytime throughout the year. Only while planting the perennials for summer, do take care that you will give them enough water till they start sprouting.

How can you choose the perennials that are right for your garden? The soil that is present is an important factor when choosing the perennial that is right.  Is the area of your garden sunny, or is it in the shade and is the soil in an area that is often wet, or dry. After all these conditions are accounted for you then have to pick the plant with the look that is right for you.  You have to decide what color blooms, shade of the foliage, texture and the size plant you want for your garden.  Combine this information along with the overall look and style you want to create and have fun designing and installing your garden.

Do perennials require any special care? Perennials demand the same care you give other plants in your garden. But to make your garden more elegant and lush, you can fertilize your garden and remove any weeds. Disinfect the surroundings occasionally to help them from insect problems. Mulching is also a good choice and helps to provide sufficient nutrients. Remove the dead foliage late in the fall, or after the winter season, before new growth starts again in the spring.

How are perennials useful for you and your garden? Perennial plants can serve many purposes for you in your garden. If you use them properly they can be used as specimens, focal points, groundcovers and border plants. There are also some great perennial plant choices for shady gardens.

Below are a few perennials worth considering for Minnesota gardens:

If you would like our help with your perennial garden please contact us, Niwa Design Studio, at 952-470-1882.

Posted in Flower Gardens, Perennial Gardens, Perennials, Plant Materials