Perennials
Perennial plants come back year after year, bringing seasonal color to your garden. Perennial flowers add fragrance, attract wildlife, and create rhythmic change.
Things to consider
Most perennials bloom for a two to three month period, with a handful of long season bloomers out there. Refer to the Perennial Bloom Calendar to help you plan a year full of perennial color. Not only do perennials offer a wide array of flower colors and form, but they can also add structure and texture with their foliage and growth habits. Tall, spiky Delphinium add spots of colorful vertical punctuation in a sunny border. The robust leaves of Hostas add a lush, dense feel. Whether you are planting containers or in the ground, there is sure to be a perennial or two to fit your garden’s needs.
Learn More
- Plants requiring full sun need at least six hours of direct sun per day at peak season.
- Shade perennials have a huge range of light needs. Make sure to check if a plant can take full shade if your area does not receive any direct sun.
- Most, if not all perennials prefer amended soil. This means adding 1-3″ of compost to the planting area (depending on original soil structure).
- Use plants that require the same kind of light, water and soil.
- It is common to plant perennials in odd numbers, though not required. Your garden is your own work of art and learning experience.
- Perennials generally take one to two full years to establish.
See our Perennial Bloom Calendar page.
Need some help with Shade or Sun Perennials? Try our guides.
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Need some help with Problem Areas? Try our Planting Solutions and Garden Project sections:
- Planting Solutions
- Garden Projects
Spring flowers are such a delight after a cold, dark winter; snowdrops can poke up even in the midst of a late winter snowfall. Combine bright, cheerful blooms such as Crocus, Eranthus hyemalis (Winter Aconite), and Galanthus nivalis (Snowdrops) with Hellebores and Andromeda to herald the first signs of spring.
Continue reading about bulb planting.
Read more about specific bulb planting:
Part of the pleasure of gardening is being able to look at, smell, and enjoy the results of your labor. When you cannot be in the garden, bring the garden to you with cut flowers!
Continue reading about cut flower gardens.
Build sun and shade containers with a few quick tips! Whether you like to do it yourself, need something quick or would like a custom professional design, we have you covered. Just use our plant lists and tips. In three easy steps, you’ll create perfect sun or shade containers and dramatic combinations in the garden.
Continue reading about Thriller Spiller Fillers.
Print out our helpful lists of shade and sun plants for “Thriller, Spiller, Fillers”:
