Perennials For Your Garden

Perennials, in its literal meaning, is something that’s long-lasting; something that shows a continuity. The sense holds true for ‘perennials’ in gardening too. Perennial plants those that last for several years. Plants are classified according to their life cycle. Annual plants are those which last only for one year, biennials for two, and perennials last for several years. Perennials return year after year, as they follow the process of self-seeding. Overgrown perennial clumps are divided and transplanted every few years. This has a two-fold advantage: growth of parent perennials and populating additional perennials. The perennials re-grow quickly and can be used to expand your garden further, to trade with other gardeners, or just to give them to your friends! Perennials last for years and years, but some of them may tend to lose their healthy growth after 3-4 years. They generally need an inch of water each week to survive. As roots of perennials are wired deeply in soil, the plants are tolerant to heat or extreme cold.

Etymology

Latin words ‘per’ ( through ) and ‘annum’ ( year ) make up the roots of the word – Perennial.

Herbaceous & Woody Perennials

Perennial plants with no woody stems are herbaceous perennials, and the plants that develop woody roots and stems are woody perennials. But the term ‘perennials’, is better used for the former only, as woody plants such as trees and shrubs are always perennials i.e. long-lasting.

Monocarpic & Polycarpic Perennials

Perennials that blossom flowers and fruits only once in their life-time, are called ‘monocarpic perennials’ or ‘semelparous perennials’. However, most perennials blossom over the changing seasons and are called polycarpic perennials.

Deciduous & Evergreen Perennials

In moderate regions, perennials may grow during spring only. These perennials are called ‘deciduous perennials’. The perennials adhering to their foliage throughout the year are known as ‘evergreen perennials’. Examples of deciduous perennials are goldenrod, mint etc. Examples of evergreen perennials include begonia, banana etc.

Gardening Perennials

# Selecting Perennials

A wide variety of perennials are available in the market – choose your plant with care. The right combination of perennials can give your garden a soul of its own.

# Planting Perennials

June is the ideal month to plant perennials. However, the perennials planted in June and later months, need a little extra attention. Also, when perenials are to be planted, make sure that your plants will be at the same spot for several years. After this, soil-preparation should be done. Mulching should follow planting. It helps in retaining moisture and reducing weed growth.

# Maintaining Perennials

Shearing off the tops of spring plants in June often helps. It’s also a time to cut back tall perennials from the middle, to control their height.

Perennial of the Year 2007

The Perennial Plant Association has awarded the Nepeta ‘Walker’s Low’, as a ‘Perennial Plant of the Year 2007’. The plants contains beautiful blue-violet flowers and attractive grey-green foliage. This variety of perennials is easy to breed, immune to diseases, and has low maintenance requirements.

Organic Gardening - The Healthy Alternative

Perennials For Your Garden

Heard Of Grey Gardens?

Looking for Garden Statues?

Gardeners Are Also Famous!