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Spring is the perfect time to divide and plant perennial plants. Cooler air temperatures and moist soil create the ideal environment for plants root systems to quickly establish themselves. Transpiration, or loss of water from the plants leaves, is lessened during the spring months since most perennial plants are just emerging from the ground. Cool air temperatures, moist soil and less transpiration means a greater chance of successful plant establishment.
Perennial plants survive winter and live more than one year. Some are tender perennials that live only a couple of years while others are hardier and can live for decades. A perennial's root system is a key element in determining whether or not the plant will keep coming back year after year because the roots store nutrients to help the plant survive dormant seasons.
Growing trailing perennials in containers allows you to display them outside during the summer and bring them inside in the fall to over-winter in the cellar or garage. By spring, your trailing perennials are ready for outdoor display without the fuss of filling planters and containers with new plants.
Xeriscaping is the practice of gardening with little or no water. It is widely used in arid areas. The green movement advances it as a water conservation method. The technique relies heavily on grasses, native plants and wildflowers, but any drought-resistant plant is acceptable. Being waterwise does not mean a boring garden. Perennials of all shapes and sizes that never need a sprinkler system create colorful landscapes.
Of the more than 200 species and several types of hibiscus, each handles freezing weather differently. You need to determine what type you have to know how to protect it. While some hibiscuses are perennials that die down in the winter and come back in the spring, some are killed by temperatures below freezing. Steps to protect each type may be different, and doing it right can save your hibiscus plant.
Silvery bladderpod has undergone an identity crisis. It used to be listed as Lesquerella but is now known as Physaria ludoviciana. The plant is a native North American wildflower that is listed as endangered. Its native habitat is dry and sandy prairies where fertility is low and moisture is minimal. This is why it is found in blowouts, which are sandy depressions in the sand, eroded by wind and lack of moisture.
Fungal wilt disease is a serious ailment that plagues asters (Aster spp.) and Chinese asters (Callistephus spp.) in the United States. Asters are attacked by a number of fungal pathogens, but most do not produce serious symptoms and are not widespread enough to spark concern over their economic impact. However,at time of publication, a particular fungal strain has received attention from agricultural researchers and cultivators as a potent threat to aster populations around the country.
Asters are colorful perennial flowers that thrive in most moist, well-drained environments. They produce clusters of blooms that range from whites to purples, always with a yellow center. These late-bloomers are easily grown from seed and bloom from late summer through early winter. Though these flowers bloom through the first frost, they are intolerant to cold temperatures and susceptible to an array of diseases.
The artichoke is a perennial in the thistle group of the sunflower family. The edible part of the artichoke plant is actually its flower bud. Artichokes come in three sizes: baby, medium and jumbo. Baby artichokes weigh 2 or 3 ounces, while jumbo artichokes can weigh as much as 20 ounces. There are more than 140 artichoke varieties.
Aster yellows is a common plant disease that infects approximately 300 species, including asters, echinacea, marigolds, dandelions, celery and potatoes. The symptoms vary depending on the type of plant, the time of year, the temperature and the strain of aster yellows pathogen. No cure exists for the disorder as of 2011.
Jasmine (Jasminum officinale) is one of those plants that practically dictates where it should be planted. Because of its highly fragrant flowers it deserves a spot next to a frequently opened window or where folks like to congregate outdoors. Jasmine is a fast-growing shrub, or vining shrub, that quickly reaches a height of 10 to 15 feet. If grown as a vine, it requires a sturdy support, such as a trellis or arbor. It blooms from summer to fall with sweetly scented white flowers. Grow jasmine in zones 7 through 10 on the U.S. Department of Agriculture Plant Hardiness Zone…
Glysophila, also known as baby's breath, is a flower commonly used as filler in flower arrangements. It does well as a cut flower, and dries easily. When dried, the glysophila does not look very different than a living version. Baby's breath is susceptible to fungal infections while in vases, so inspect the flowers for damage before you try to dry them.
False spirea, or astilbe, is often the plant of choice for areas of the garden that are shady and have moist soil. This mound-shaped perennial with spikes of feathery flowers on fernlike foliage adds frilly color and texture in the summer garden. It can remain in bloom for four to six weeks when grown in the right conditions.
A more wear-resistant and heat-tolerant alternative to Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne) grows its best and remains emerald green during the moist, cooler months of the year. Perennial ryegrass, sometimes called winter ryegrass, is best suited to the Northern United States and high elevations where summer heat and drought isn't frequent or severe. Proper mowing height keeps the lawn grasses vigorous and does not cause stress that reduces growth rate or induces dormancy.
Also known as spreading aster, spread-leaf aster and sky-drop aster, late purple aster (Aster patens) is an herbaceous perennial belonging to the aster/daisy family. A coarse, shrubby habit and violet or blue flowers characterize the plant. A native of the United States, late purple aster is a wildflower considered easy to grow.
Teaching kids how to grow climbing perennial vines can be a fun project. It gives them a chance to see how plants develop and gets them outside to take care of the plant. Select a vine that appeals to kids, which usually means one that has edible fruit or is unusual in some way. The hardy kiwi, for example, has loads of small fruit in the fall and will cover a trellis or wall up to 30 feet high. Kids also enjoy growing the chocolate vine, another perennial vine that has chocolate-colored flowers in the spring and 4-inch-long edible fruit…
Dry, shaded sites can challenge gardeners. Fortunately, several species of mid-sized evergreen shrubs -- which grow from 4 to 8 feet tall -- tolerate, or even prefer, shaded sites with very well-drained soil. Such species tend to require little maintenance and make appropriate choices for xeriscaped landscapes. When choosing shade-tolerant evergreen shrubs, select species that tolerate temperatures compatible to those within your region's U.S. Department of Agriculture Hardiness Zone map rating.
Commonly called Indian tobacco, Lobelia inflata is classified as an herb forb. It is indigenous to the United States and was used medicinally by native Americans. Lobelia contains volatile oil, alkaloids and glycoside, useful in the practice of herbal medicine.
The best perennials to plant in window boxes are determined by the size and style of the window box you choose, as well as your U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zone. Perennials are plants that come back from their own root system year after year. The secret to successfully accomplishing this when growing them in a window box is to make sure you select ones that are hardy to at least two USDA hardiness zones colder than the one you reside in.
Perennials are one of the best gardening investments you can make. Most are long-lived, requiring little care. They offer interesting foliage and beautiful blooms throughout the growing season. Perennials, however, are not for the impatient. Most grow slowly the first year or two as they develop strong roots, but then take off. Many spread as much as 2 to 4 feet once they become established.
Willow amsonia derives its common name from the slender shape of its foliage, but is also known by its scientific name Amsonia tabernaemontana. It is native to the moist woodlands and meadows of the eastern United States and is sometimes grown as an ornamental flower for the showy, bluish-gray flower heads it bears in summer. Willow amsonia propagates from seed and division equally well, but the seeds germinate best when sown directly outdoors immediately after harvest.
You can grow as many specimens of a plant as you like when you know how to divide the plants for transplantation. Learn a valuable new technique in this free video on gardening basics.
Monkshood (Aconitum napellus) is a pleasant landscape ornamental and member of the buttercup family. Monkshoods flower around July with tall spikes that produce small but beautiful blue, purple, or white flowers, depending on the cultivar. If you deadhead the monkshood's flowers after they die, you can get the plant to produce a second flush of flowers that will last until October. Wear gardening gloves as you work -- all parts of the monkshood plant are poisonous.
Asters are desirable for their colorful, late-summer blooms that last well into fall in many climates. The purple English aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae) is a wildflower native to the Northeastern United States. For this reason, it is also often called the New England aster. The plant features showy flowers with bright yellow centers ringed by multiple, slender purple petals.
More than 300 species of dianthus exist with hundreds of named hybrids. Although not named for their color, several pinks are pink in color, ranging from white through red with pale pink and magenta included. Cheddar pinks (Dianthus gratianopolitanus) are named for Cheddar, Somerset, U.K. where they grow wild at Cheddar Gorge. Pinks are garden perennials, providing color, fragrance and foliage interest in easy-to-grow plants for the home garden.
Asters are a family of flowers from the Asteraceae family, and they may also be called Michaelmas daisies. The family includes plants that range from 8 feet tall to only a few inches high, but when asters are mentioned, it's typically in conjunction with the common aster, which is a standard garden plant in the United States and Europe. The aster does well in gardens and containers.
According to the Encyclopedia Britannica, dewberries are any blackberries in the Rubus family. The fruits grow low to the ground, are common in the southern and eastern regions of the U.S., and can be grown on trellises as a decorative feature for the front and back of a home.
Spraying weed killer is a very common way to deal with areas infested by weeds. Many people spray their gardens before planting time -- to remove unwanted growth and to make room for their chosen plants. The question then becomes, "How long do I have to wait to plant?"
Gypsophila is a moderately fast-growing plant that was introduced to North America in the late 1800s as an ornamental. Commonly called baby's breath, this flowering perennial herb is a member of the Caryophyllaceae family. Today's flower industry uses it in bouquets and other formal flower arrangements. It can also be used as a houseplant or border, in rock gardens or hanging baskets and as part of summer bedding.
Jasmine is a fast-growing deciduous shrub or vine that produces fragrant white blooms during the summer months. Growing in US Department of Agriculture hardiness zones 6 to 10, the jasmine can grow up to 15 feet tall and 8 feet wide. You can replant an outdoor jasmine during the summer months so it can re establish its roots before the winter season.
Many septic systems have unattractive visible pipes and mounds. Plants can hide equipment, but it's important to choose species that won't interfere with the septic system itself. Choose low-maintenance, herbaceous plants with shallow root systems and avoid trees and shrubs, as their roots can grow into drain lines. Areas over septic systems tend to be dry, so choose plants that tolerate dry soils. While working in a septic tank planting bed, always wear gloves to protect your hands from unsavory materials. .
Having a yard with large, mature trees is the goal of many homeowners. They enhance your property while providing shady areas on hot summer days and helping protect you from the elements. Although they limit what you can grow in their shady undergrowth, a number of hardy and beautiful perennials thrive in the shade.
Perennial plants are those that return each growing season. The roots remain alive during the winter, and re-sprout foliage each spring. Some gardeners cut back their perennials at the end of the growing season, but leaving the foliage on the plant as the temperature drops can help it adjust to the winter season. Once the frost kills the foliage, cutting the plants back to just above the soil will clear your garden space but still let you know where the plants are located.
Amsonia, commonly known as blue star, is a hardy perennial plant. With a compact growth habit, attractive blue star-shaped flowers and a resistance to deer, it serves as an attractive addition to any landscape. Ranging in height from 12 to 36 inches, blue star has dense green foliage that turns yellow in the fall. Its flowers range in color from pale blue to rich blue, depending on variety. It is hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture zones 4 to 8. Blue star is easy to plant and requires minimal care.
Geraniums are widely grown for their resistance to insect infestations and the sheer variety of the plant available today. Flowers come in single and double form, all sorts of colors from white to fuschia to deep red--there are even scented geraniums that smell like citrus, like chocolate, like rose, as well as many other scents. Geraniums look best when lots of them are planted together. If you can't wait to get those geraniums in the ground, tell yourself to hold off: geraniums need warm soil to perform well.
Dry shade is a difficult growing environment for plants. Plants require sun and water to grow. Dry, shady conditions lack both. However, gardeners can fill problematic areas with a select group of hardy perennials with lush foliage and beautiful blooms. (Reference 1)
No secret formula exists for speeding the growth of blackberries. However, a few simple tricks help ensure vigorous growth and heavy yields. Select a sunny location, fertilize blackberries in the spring and water at least weekly or more to increase plant growth and fruit production. Pay attention to pruning and trellising tasks, as well, for strong, healthy plants.
Zinnia is a member of the Compositae family of plants, while lavender belongs to the Labiatae family. Both plants are deciduous and bloom continuously throughout the summer, which may make them compatible landscape partners. But combining plants of different species in a garden plot isn't always so cut and dried. Careful planning and a solid understanding of the needs of both zinnia and lavender are necessary for both to grow harmoniously in the same soil.
A mound-forming European Alpine perennial commonly called cheddar pink Dianthus gratianopolitanus "Firewitch" is known for its prolific and long flowering season. Originally selected in Germany in 1957 and given the cultivar name "Feuerhexe," Americans know it better by its translated name of Firewitch. This cheddar pink demonstrates a good tolerance of summer heat and humidity, setting it apart from other cheddar pink plants for lowland gardens. Grow it in U.S. Department of Agriculture Plant Hardiness Zones 3b through 9a.
The plant family Rubiaceae includes over 600 genera and 10,000 species. Also known as the madder family, this group of plants is found around the world. Tropical members of this family often have woody stems, while those found in temperate areas have herbaceous stems and foliage. Included in this diverse family of plants are shrubs such as bouvardia, gardenia and coffee. The most recognizable madder family perennial is bedstraw (Galium sp.). Using a few features, you can learn to identify perennials from the Gallium genera of the Rubiaceae family.
"Lunaria annua," also known as the money plant or honesty plant, grows in U.S. hardiness zones 5 to 10. The plant grows to a height of 2 to 3 feet and produces purple blooms during the summer. The seed pods, referred to as silver dollars, are used in floral designs. The pods are thin wafers with a paper-like film protecting the seeds within. Once dried and cleaned, the silver dollars become brittle. Handle the dried stalks with care.
Perennials are plants that live more than one year. Different species are hardy in different U.S. Department of Agriculture planting zones. Growing plants hardy for you zone is the best way to ensure they stay alive during the winter. A plant deemed hardy for your zone is able to withstand the coldest average winter temperatures in your area. Keep in mind that perennials that are not evergreens naturally go dormant after flowering and setting seed, appearing to die off down to the soil, but will re-sprout from the roots in the spring.
Perennials are plants that grow year after year without replanting. Gardening in dry areas requires one of two things: either using a lot of water, which can be costly and rationed, or choosing plants that can thrive in drought-like conditions. Choosing plants native to your area is the easiest way to assure the plants will thrive in dryer climates, but there are plants from other areas that will thrive in dryer conditions as well.
Blue enchantment Convolvulus (Tricolor "Blue Enchantment") is a sun-loving bloomer native to the warm climates of the Mediterranean. Butterflies and hummingbirds love the octagonal, trumpet-shaped flowers in a stunning shade of intense blue with bright yellow centers surrounded by a white border. Blue enchantment Convolvulus, also known as dwarf morning glory, is perennial in U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zones 9 to 11. In cooler climates, Convolvulus is grown as an annual.
There are many reasons to cut back a perennial: remove dead foliage, control size, encourage additional flowering or just make things look neater. The methods vary slightly depending on why and what you are cutting. The techniques will also will vary depending if you have a little or a lot to do. For a small plant, taking the time with pruners to cut above a leaf node (point on a stem where leaves are attached) may be ideal, but for several mature plants, hedge clippers will be more practical.
While lemon geranium (Pelargonium crispum) is an attractive, upright plant with curly leaves and lavender blooms, lemon geranium is valued primarily for the lemony scent that is present all year round. Lemon geranium is perennial in climates with frost-free winters, but in cooler climates, the plant is moved indoors in autumn.
While seed starting is more common with annual plants, herbaceous perennials and can also be started indoors, though it may take longer for them to be garden-ready as they are slow-growing by nature. All plants develop at a different rate; therefore, as a general rule of thumb, when a seedling develops its second set of true leaves, it is large enough to be transplanted into the garden.
Garlic's fragrant, white bulbs can make your sauces, stews and favorite dishes irresistibly tasty, and it is even good for you. Garlic is known throughout the world for its medicinal properties and may heal upset stomachs and even some infections. Fortunately for gardening enthusiasts, garlic is also very easy to grow at home. You just need a few regular bulbs that you can pick up from your local grocery store to get started.
Purple is a great color to add to perennial beds. It makes a natural transition between blocks of blue and red flowers, and it also helps cool down bright yellow and orange perennials. There are many medium-sized, purple-flowered perennials available for the middle of the garden.
A meditation garden is a great way to grow a few different types of plants. Learn about plants for a Meditation garden with help from a registered herbalist in this free video clip.
Shady perennial gardens are a delight, but there's no denying that the range of flowers suitable for such sites is smaller than it is for sunny gardens. Most shade gardeners are familiar with daylilies (Hemerocallis) and hostas (Hosta), two common perennials that multiply quickly. There are other, less-familiar plants available, as well.
Perennial hibiscus plants, including Rose of Sharon, Hardy hibiscus and Chinese hibiscus, benefit considerably from pruning. Using a heavy hand with the pruners results in bigger flowers and better growth in the long term. Being a shrub that blooms on new wood, hibiscus does best when pruned early in the year. This encourages new growth and keeps the plant much more compact and tidy.
Perennial geraniums bear little resemblance to the potted annual geraniums (Pelargonium) that share their name. There are many different species of perennial geraniums, some short, some tall, but one thing they all have in common is their charming growth habit. They form loose mounds of attractive foliage that are topped with five-petalled flowers, usually in early summer. All the low-growing geraniums listed here are hardy to U.S. Department of Agriculture zone 4, except for Renard's geranium, hardy to zone 5.
The earth is home to a half-million plant types. To simplify such a large number of specimens, plants with similar traits, such as deciduous trees, evergreen shrubs and flowering plants, are grouped together. These broad classifications help people plan gardens, design landscapes and keep their greenhouses, garden plots and flowerbeds orderly and well organized. Houseplants and garden flowers are sorted into two main categories: annuals and perennials.
Ryegrass is used for several applications, the main one being as a cover crop. Rye, if planted in fall months, grows over winter in U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zones 7 through 9, preventing soil erosion. Rye also protects other lawn grasses, such as bluegrass that only survives during summer, from diseases common in winter months. If you have animals, rye can be food during winter. Ryegrass is suitable to growth as forage from Texas to the Atlantic Coast in USDA zones 8 and 9 and can be seeded into warm-season grass in fall throughout zone 7.
Whether growing wild along the side of the road or featured in a fall perennial bed, asters (Aster spp.) are standouts in the autumn landscape. These easy-to-grow plants are covered with hundreds of small, daisy-like flowers for an extended period in late fall, often blooming until cut down by frost. They come in lots of colors, including many shades of purple.
The Amsonia Blue Ice plant, sometimes called the Blue Star, gets its name from the light blue blossoms it produces during its extended blooming season, which lasts through both the spring and summer seasons. Not technically a shrub, the Blue Ice plant grows in a compact, dense manner that resembles a shrub. The plant doesn't require much tending, but a little care will help your Blue Ice thrive.
It might be hard to think of more than a couple perennial vegetables, but the list is actually long. A perennial vegetable returns for at least thee seasons and is grown for culinary, not decorative use. Having a few vegetable perennials in the garden can extend your growing season by providing early vegetables and some to harvest after the weather grows colder. Vegetable gardeners work hard to produce annual garden vegetables. Having a few that grow on their own can be a treat.
Herbs make an aromatic and beautiful addition to your garden. Best of all, herbs will bring a freshness and vibrant flavor to your favorite recipes. Herbs such as lemon balm thrive in the shade. Varieties of both parsley and chives need little sunlight. In addition, hardy rosemary and mint varieties grow quickly in a shady corner of your garden, or in planter boxes placed in the shade.
There are two basic viewpoints when it comes to creating a perennial cutting garden. One concept favors setting flowers out in tidy rows with footpaths to encourage easy access to the blooms. The other favors an informal arrangement, so that flowers snipped for bouquets will not be missed. In either case, select a balanced assortment of compact, easy-to-grow, spring-, summer- and fall-blooming plants as this will ensure a succession of color and an ongoing supply of fresh blossoms.
Homeowners with a hill or slope have a problem to solve or an opportunity to seize, depending on their point of view. A hillside full of perennial flowers and ground covers serves the utilitarian functions of controlling runoff and preventing erosion. It also provides a third dimension upon which to place foliage and blooms that creates a sense of movement that is not present in a flat garden or border.
The Maximillian sunflower is recognizable by its multiple bright yellow flowers that run up and down the stem. Aside from ornamental qualities, the sunflower is grown for its edible roots. A detriment of the Maximillian sunflower is its invasive habit, which sometimes can take over a small yard or garden. Maximillian sunflower control is most effective with prompt action, before the flowers begin to reproduce and consume yard space.
Although many are familiar with the tall, yellow annual sunflower, there also is a perennial variety. Although perennial sunflowers still grow to tall heights, they often form bushes and have smaller, more colorful blooms. They bloom in the summer months, just like the standard sunflower variety, and begin to look ragged in the early fall. Pruning them back improves the appearance of the landscape until the next spring.
Convolvulus plants represent a genus of flowering plants commonly called bindweed or morning glory. Some 200 species of these climbing vines make up the Convolvulus family. They grow mostly wild, but some are cultivated. Many gardeners consider them to be problem weeds. Convolvulus species do produce lovely blue, violet, purple or yellow flowers and attract butterflies, but to be fair, they do have a tendency to climb fences, and can quickly overwhelm formal plantings.
Roses are often the focal point of a quaint cottage garden. The All-America Rose Selections joked that there are a "gazillion" rose varieties in the world; while that may be hyperbole, the known rose varieties do number in the thousands. Known as the genus "rosa," roses are grown for their brilliant, showy color, and the fact that they are perennial, so their gorgeous blooms return every year.
If you have spent hours preparing soils and planting perennial flowers to beautify your landscape, it can be frustrating to find deer treating your hard work like a supersized deer salad bar. Planting species of perennial flowers that deer do not find appetizing is the key to saving your flower garden and maybe even a little of your sanity.
Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea) is grown as a medicinal herb and low-maintenance perennial garden plant. It is appropriate for planting in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 3 through 9. A native American plant, echinacea is often found growing in moist prairies or at the edge of the woods in the Midwest and Southern parts of the U.S.
Send a jasmine plant to your loved ones through a courier service, flower delivery service or ship it in a package. Jasmine plants are a type of evergreen shrub which also produces some vines. The blooms on the plant have a desirable fragrance and are used in perfumes and to flavor foods and beverages. The plant can also be used for medicinal purposes such as jaundice and ulcers. The plant can be shipped worldwide and it thrives in warm temperatures and full sun locations.
The blackberry is a type of bramble plant; it bears black-colored, juicy and sweet berries. Whether thorned or thornless, erect, semitrailing or fully trailing types, all varieties of blackberries are perennial plants. Each year, blackberries produce long stems called canes, which support the continued growth and health of the plant, year after year. For the garden setting, blackberries need only be planted once and continue to put up new canes year after year.
Jasmine is an attractive, aromatic flowering vine that makes an appealing addition to home gardens. Jasmine is a hardy, fast-growing plant, and large specimens can be replanted any time of the year including summer, according to Texas A&M University. If transplanting jasmine from a potted container to an outdoor growing location, ensure that you locate the plant near a wall, fence or sturdy trellis that can support the vigorous growth of jasmine vines.
Hops (Humulus spp.) is a perennial vine that grows up to 25 feet in a single season to quickly cover trellises and other structures. With a couple of exceptions, hops grow readily from seeds. Golden hops (H. lupulus var. Aureus) and variegated hops (H. japonicus var. Variegata) are hybrids that don't come true from seeds. The cone-like flowers are highly ornamental and dry well for use in crafts and everlasting arrangements.
Installing edging around a perennial garden serves several purposes. Edging will prevent the lawn from invading the garden, and the garden from migrating into the lawn. Edging can provide a visual separation between the garden and the lawn. Some edging, such as landscaping timbers, must be installed in straight lines, but other edging can accommodate gentle curves, which you can lay out with a couple of garden hoses attached together. Garden edging can add to the beauty -- and therefore the value -- of your home.
Flowering perennial plants thrive and grow in the garden year after year. They are foundation plants for a long-lasting garden-scape that can be added to over time. New or established perennial plants add beauty, color and fragrance to a flower bed. Easy-care flowers are available for most growing zones of the country. Regional perennial favorites are grown in each area of the country.
Plants differ in their fertilization needs. Some plants, such as roses, are heavy feeders and require regular applications of plant food to ensure healthy growth. Others, such as herbs and wildflowers, do best with no fertilizer at all. Perennials are light feeders that respond well to an annual application of slow-release plant food. For the best growth and abundant flowering, fertilize perennial beds every spring.
The seeds of rare perennial plants are valuable because they are the only way the plant can propagate. Preserving these seeds helps to prevent these kinds of plants from going extinct.
After taking time to plant your flowers, you'll surely be dismayed if they become wilted in the hot sun. That is probably because you did not choose the proper plants. If you have an area in your yard that is almost always in the sun, then you need to purchase some of the many varieties of flowers that enjoy basking in the sun most of the day.
Perennials are plants and shrubs that return season after season without having to be replanted. Improve bare spaces in the backyard, uninspiring expanses of lawn and unattractive areas near your home by planting fast-multiplying perennials. Some perennials are strong growers in ideal environmental conditions, escaping their original locations, aggressively growing into other areas and even damaging buildings and killing other plants. Prevent aggressive growth with control methods such as planting in submerged containers, regular trimming and removing offshoots and seed heads.
Hibiscus are houseplants, shrubs and trees prized for their showy flowers. Pruning is a key aspect of hibiscus care, regardless of whether the plant is grown outdoors year-round in a warm climate or spends winters indoors in a northern climate. Hibiscus plants thrive with pruning and only bloom on new growth. Cuts should be made immediately above a bud or lateral branch to avoid leaving ugly stubs.
Vigorous perennial plants are often the heart of the flower bed, serving as anchors for each spring's new set of colorful annuals. Even though perennials have died down by the time winter rolls around, the plants return in spring, energized and ready for a new growing season. Once planted, most perennials will live for many years with only moderate attention. Cutting back perennials will result in healthier, more attractive plants and more robust blooms.
Pachysandra is an evergreen ground cover. It is perennial and reaches a height of about 10 inches. The plant is also known as Japanese spurge. In the early spring, creamy white flowers appear on the ground cover. The plant is native to Japan, and does well in USDA Hardiness Zones 5 through 8. Pachysandra is an excellent choice for most lawn areas because it thrives well in partial, full or very deep shade.
Hydrangea bushes have long been a favorite of gardeners, particularly in old-fashioned landscaping. More recently, hydrangeas plants have become trendy and stylish for modern landscaping, partly because of new varieties developed for colder northern climates and a wider selection of blossom colors. When choosing a hydrangea bush for your yard, select a hydrangea variety that is suited for your USDA hardiness zone. The location in your landscape for your hydrangea should receive morning sun with afternoon shade, especially in hotter, Southern climates. The soil you plant your hydrangea in should be fertile and well-draining. Plan to plant your hydrangea after…
Each gardener has a preference. Gardeners who love to implement a different color scheme every season, or who have minimal space and do most of their gardening in containers, will probably choose annuals over perennials. For those with large gardens, or those who perhaps wish to spend less time tending to their plants, perennials are growth type of choice. The truth is that most gardeners mix and match, because perennials and annuals each have lots to offer, depending on your particular gardening needs.
You may see silver dollar seeds in catalogs listed as Lunaria annua, also known as the money plant. The silver dollar plant is a 3-foot tall beauty that blooms with purple flowers from late spring into early summer. The plant takes its name from the silver, papery fruit pods commonly used in dried flower arrangements. Silver dollar plant is hardy to U.S. Department of Agriculture zones 5 through 11. In zones 9 through 11, plant the silver dollar seeds in the fall; other gardeners should plant in the spring when the ground can be worked.
Perennials are plants that survive year after year in the garden without having to be replanted the following year. Normally spring-flowering perennials are planted in the late fall, while fall flowering perennials are planted in the spring. Fall planting offers the perennial plants the opportunity to grow roots before the yearly growth of leaves begin. The ideal weather for transplanting perennials is cool and cloudy. Choose perennials that are going to survive your local winter weather.
Both brackish and freshwater marshes, defined by standing water, aquatic vegetation and a general scarcity or lack of trees, are biologically productive ecosystems. From pondweed to alligators, a host of organisms rely on them for habitat and resources.
In climates with a growing season of five to six months, gardeners can sow vegetable seeds outdoors. In zones where the growing season is shorter, many gardeners start their vegetable plants from seeds indoors. When seedlings are strong and the danger of frost is gone, plants can move outside to continue growing in the garden. Seed packets offer guidelines for starting seeds either indoors or outdoors. Follow the grower's recommendations on the packet. If seeds start growing too early, their growth is spindly or stunted. The young plants will die when transplanted outdoors.
Wisconsin's plant-life exists in a range of vegetation communities. In the southern part of the state, historical ecosystems included prairies, oak savannas, hardwood forests, swamps, scattered bogs and marshes. northern Wisconsin also had numerous wetlands and lakes, as well as mixed hardwood forests, pine barrens and a narrow strip of boreal forest.
You can use your local florist to send flowers, plants or herbs, but it is also possible to send flora using the United States Postal Service, as long as you adhere to the laws outlined in the federal Terminal Inspection Act. The United States Postal Service can open and examine the package for any reason, particularly if it is not classified as Express Mail, Priority Mail, First Class Mail or an international letter package. Failure to adhere to the law can result in monetary penalties or imprisonment, according to 7 United States Code 166.
The horsetail plant (Equisetaceae), commonly dubbed the Scouring Rush, is a weed that lives in moisture-rich soil. It can be easily found in swamps, marshes, and yards with poorly maintained irrigation systems. Many gardeners choose to remove horsetail plants from their gardens due to the plant's ability to expand its network of roots that can rob nutrients from nearby plants and shrubbery. Identifying and locating a horsetail plant can be easily done by looking for its unique structural features.
Growing perennials from seeds provides the grower with a greater variety of plants available for the home landscape than garden centers or nurseries provide. Once seeds germinate and grow into viable plants, they are planted outdoors in beds, along borders or as specimen plantings.
Perennials, like all garden and landscape plants, prefer a weed-free environment. Using a weed mat helps suppress undesirable plants and keep them from competing with perennials.
The difference between a hibiscus plant and a hibiscus tree is in the pruning. To turn a hibiscus plant into a hibiscus tree you will need to remove all of the side branches on the stem of a single stemmed hibiscus plant with a pair of pruning shears. Clip the branches as close to the main stem of the plant as possible. Leave the branches that are at the top one-third of the plant. This will give the plant a tree appearance. Pruning of the top branches will be the same as pruning for a hibiscus plant.
Shady garden spots can be tough to fill. Several perennial species thrive in the shade, however. When choosing perennial seeds for shaded areas, look for varieties that grow in shade to partial shade, prefer moist soils and can tolerate drought.
Cheddar pink Firewitch plants are carnation flowers, commonly referred to as "pinks," that were named the 2006 Perennial Plant of the Year by the Perennial Plant Association, according to the North Carolina State University Cooperative Extension Service. Named not for its color which coincidentally is pink-purple but for its pinked or zigzagged petal edges, cheddar pink Firewitch is an evergreen best grown in USDA hardiness zones 3 to 9. This favorite perennial blooms during the spring and reblooms during both summer and autumn. Cheddar pink Firewitch is a low maintenance plant well-suited to the home garden.
Controlling weeds on your property is one of the most time-consuming of landscaping chores. Herbicides, mulching, plastic barriers and hand-pulling can all be used to suppress the rooting and growth of weeds in your garden and around your plants. Using perennial plants allows you to use the dense root system to fill in areas and act as weed suppressors in your garden and under landscape plants.
Most perennial species need to be divided every few years. Dividing can help rejuvenate older plants and is a low-cost way to fill in your flower garden. Some perennials do not require division and should not be disturbed.
Trimming or cutting back refers to severely pruning a plant, usually down to a height of about 2 inches. This improves growth and appearance while encouraging additional blooming. The proper method and timing for trimming back blue perennials varies, depending on the species. Another form of trimming back, known as pinching, keeps plants growing in a compact, dense form. This type of pruning benefits several species of blue perennials as well.
Weed mat or weed cloth is used in walkways, flowerbeds, or any area in the landscape where weed growth is undesirable. It is a breathable layer of cloth installed on top of the soil's surface. Grass or weed seeds remaining in the soil beneath the matting cannot germinate due to loss of light. Unwanted vegetation can still grow in the soil or mulch layer above the cloth. Remove those weeds by hand pulling or spraying with an herbicide. Installing the weed mat is relatively basic and requires few tools.
Perennials get the nutrients they need to grow from soil. It is important to provide the right soil conditions in your perennial garden if you want to produce strong, healthy perennials with an abundance of large, attractive blooms. Soil fertility and plant productivity result from organic matter content in the soil. Increasing organic matter in soil improves soil structure and increases biological activity, resulting in better plant yields. Soil texture and pH level are also important, because they affect the available nutrients and the amount of moisture that the soil retains for your plants to use.
Window boxes can change the look of a house or other structure simply by changing the plants involved. Any good container garden involves three basic elements: a thriller, a filler and a spiller. In some instances, one particular plant such as the annual Wave petunia can provide all three elements, but the options are as wide as your imagination. Perennials grow best in containers in milder growing zones such as zones 4 through 9 where the temperatures do not go low enough to deep freeze container soil. With special care, perennials are options for window boxes in cooler zones as…
Perennial vegetables are those vegetable that grow back for at least two or more seasons. Most vegetables are grown as annuals and must be replanted every year. Many perennial vegetables are winter hardy vegetables that prefer cooler temperatures. They allow you to have a continuous garden. Growing your own vegetables can provide you with year round fresh food and can save money on your grocery bill.
Most plants rely on good drainage to pull away the excess water that they do not use, but not all plants need it. While a boggy, poorly drained area in your yard limits the number of things that you can plant there, there is no reason to leave it bare. Choose plants that tolerate and even thrive on boggy areas with bad drainage and you can enjoy a profusion of colorful flowers and foliage.
Many perennials attract both butterflies and hummingbirds to the yard or garden. While exotic plants may offer large and colorful flowers, these plants can become invasive and detrimental to the environment and should be avoided.
Perennial flowers can be an attractive asset in the flower garden. They are flowers that live for more than two years. They bloom in the spring and are dormant in the winter until they bloom again the following spring. Large perennial flowers can be used as a border plant and are often used in cut flower arrangements.
If you have a hill or sloped area in your landscape, then you know it's often difficult to grow grass in that area. Even if you do get grass to grow successfully, steep slopes also are difficult to mow. Planting perennials may be the perfect solution for your situation. Perennials will grow every year, develop strong root systems and provide erosion control.
Lobelia is a perennial plant that is often considered an annual because growing conditions must be perfect for it to survive to rebloom another year. More than 360 species of lobelia are grown as annuals, perennials or shrubs.
Perennial ryegrass, Lolium perenne, is one of two species of ryegrass grown as lawn in the United States. This cool-season grass stands up to high traffic levels and aids in weed suppression through its rapid emergence once planted. Rich, green perennial ryegrass features tapered leaf blades and is fine in texture. Plant perennial ryegrass by overseeding an existing lawn in the fall, in a sunny, drought-free location that experiences moderate temperatures.
The seeds of very rare plants are as valuable as the plants themselves, as only through seeds can these endangered perennials survive. Causes of rarity include loss of habitat, environmental factors, invasive species crowding out native plants, or the fact that some species never had many specimens in the first place. Scientists and conservation organizations are trying to preserve some of the world's rarest plants and their seeds to avoid complete extinction.
Perennial woodland plants native to North America are more than suitable for your woodland gardens, naturalized areas and shade gardens. Adapted already to growing where direct sunlight is at a premium in a forested setting, these woodland plants typically require moist soil in which to grow. Many are flowering herbaceous perennials, blooming years after year.
Tobacco plants are members of the Nicotiana genus. Their leaves can be used as a drug in cigarette or chewing form, as organic pesticides or as ingredients for some medications. Tobacco is part of the nightshade family, along with tomatoes, and shares some of the same pests. It is sometimes grown as an ornamental.
Plants in the Zinnia genus belong to the Asteraceae or aster family. They are annuals because they live for only one year. There are dozens of species and cultivars that produce flowers in every color except brown and blue. They typically begin flowering in June and last until the first frost.
Silver dollar plants add accent value indoors and out. Indoors, their silver foliage contrasts with green house plants. Outdoors, they add texture and aroma to more conventional garden landscapes. They do require attention to grow successfully as perennials, but the work required is worth the aesthetic value they provide. Silver dollar plants also are an attractive addition in fresh and dried floral arrangements.
Chrysanthemums that bloom in fall with showy flowers over spicy-scented leaves are members of the aster family, as are the exceptionally hardy plants called the arctic daisy and the summer-blooming shasta daisy. All are perennials; some just behave like annuals.
Anyone who has picked a lemon balm leaf (Melissa officinalis) knows how fresh the citrus-like smell is. As a perennial, a lemon balm plant produces a supply of the lemon-scented herb season after season. Lemon balm is related to mint and produces flowers that are attractive to local honeybees. Lemon balm leaves have a variety of uses, from flavoring food to creating topical formulas for skin. Don't let your lemon balm plant go to waste.
To divide perennial plants, be sure to remove the plant by hand or with gardening tools beneath the crown. Transplant clumps of perennial plants to similar environments with advice from a landscape designer in this free video on lawn maintenance.
Certain flowers and plants are selected as popular perennial plants because they are easy to grow and maintain in the landscape. Gardeners have favorite perennial flowers that are dependable and produce blooms all season, such as black-eyed Susans. Other common perennial plants add interest with variegated foliage or large leaves, such as the elephant ear plant. Whether your garden is in the shade or bright sunlight, a popular perennial plant can be found to enhance its design.
For a low-maintenance garden that provides color and texture every spring, plant perennials. Once planted, perennials return year after year, providing you with an interesting landscape and saving you money, as well.
Border plants surround the garden with color, providing a clear boundary for planting. Using perennials as a border may save time and money as these plants will return season after season. Many perennials will also spread, so choosing non-invasive plants should be a priority. Invasive species may be beautiful, but they carry the potential of harming the natural ecosystem.
A septic system lets waste water from a home decompose in a cement or metal tank buried in the yard, and returns the water directly to the groundwater on the property. The process of seeping through the gravel and soil around the septic tank is usually enough to clean the water. Planting a variety of carefully selected perennial plants can help break down waste without damaging the septic system.
Annuals live for just one growing season, making them ideal for container planting. Using perennials in containers works also, but overwintering presents some difficulty. Options vary, depending on your location and the particular perennial in question.
Cyclamen is a Mediterranean plant that grows from a perennial bulb. This flower produces masses of blossoms in pink, red, purple and white. Cyclamen go dormant after blossoming in order to replenish their energy for another round of flowering.
Jasmine -- plants that belong to the Jasminum species -- grow as vines or shrubs. A wide variety of jasmine plants exist. All of them flower on a perennial basis and thrive in warmer climates with full sun.
If you plan to add some small perennial plants to your lawn or garden this season, flowering and non-flowering perennials are available. Smaller perennials are ideal if you have limited space or as foreground plants with larger plants as a backdrop.
The perennial plant Gypsophila is better known as baby's breath for its cloud-like display of tiny flowers. Although the foliage is a blue-green, the plant's delicate blossoms virtually hide the leaves. Depending upon the variety, baby's breath grows from 1 to 4 feet tall and spreads 3 feet wide. The flowers appear in mid to late summer; although the more common blossom is white, there are cultivars that are soft pink or lilac.
Perennials may be thought of as plants for warmer climates, but a number of hardy perennials are available for northern growers. Depending on where you live, you can choose among perennials that are hardy enough to survive the coldest temperatures your winters can dish out.
Horsetail rush is a spreading perennial plant that has a reed-like appearance similar to that of bamboo. Horsetail rush is also commonly known as scouring rush. Its scientific name is Equisetum hyemale, and it is part of the Equisetaceae family. The plant is widely distributed throughout Central America, Mexico, the United States' Gulf Coast, Alaska and Canada in low, damp areas within woods and on watersides, shallows, floodplains, swamps and moist hillsides with shade.
Many plants are considered either annuals or perennials. Both types serve a function in the landscape and garden. Each has a different life cycle. There are advantages and disadvantages to growing each type.
Hibiscus is a flowering plant noted for its oversized, showy flowers. They reach mature height within two to three years and have the best growth when they are kept consistently moist.
Many locations on your property feature shady conditions, but are still in plain view and often in need of some landscaping. Select plants that will thrive in areas where full sun rarely or only partially reaches. Perennial plant options do exist for scenarios such as woodland borders or beneath shade trees. Once you have ascertained just how much sun a specific venue receives, you can make an informed decision about what to plant there.
Dry shaded areas happen to be one of the most problematic places in landscaping for many home gardeners. You have two choices -- a constant watering routine or choosing plants that grow well in shade and tolerate dry conditions. A visit to your local cooperative extension office or full-service garden center will give you the best idea of plants acclimated to your particular growing zone. Look for tags that say "drought-tolerant" or "xeriscaping plant" for best results, but remember, all plants need some supplemental watering during long dry spells.
Artichoke is a cool-season perennial that thrives in daytime temperatures of 75 degrees F and nighttimes temperatures around 55 degrees F. Artichokes do tolerate higher temperatures, but with a lesser quality of the edible flower buds. Perennial artichokes are commonly propagated through crown division. Artichokes fields are generally replanted every five to10 years since the roots tend to become crowded over time, resulting in reduced plant vigor. Perennial artichokes come in a number of different varieties.
Perennial plants are plants that live more than one growing season. They may be evergreen or die back to their woody stems or root base during the winter. Many perennials are native plants, which makes them suitable choices for a low-maintenance garden. Good perennials have a long blooming period, are disease and insect resistant and easy-to-grow.
Plants are categorized as an annual, perennial or biennial depending upon their climate and growing conditions. In the southern portion of the United States, where the climate is warmer, plants grow much quicker than in the north. For example a black-eyed Susan plant behaves as an annual in the deep south like Louisiana, but if grown in cooler climates like Ohio, behaves as a perennial, says theTexas AgriLife Extension Service.
The kalanchoe (pronounced kal-AN-cho-eh) is a succulent often grown as a houseplant for its easy-care flowers. It's a relative of the jade plant in the Crassulaceae plant family and can be grown as an annual or perennial.
Although annual plants live for less than one year and die out during the winter, perennial plants live for year after year. Along with the typical perennials seen in gardens, many unusual perennials have uncommon characteristics. Some of these perennials have unusual flowers, some have unusual fruit and still others have unusual leaves. When planning your garden, consider adding an unusual perennial or two.
North Carolina is divided into three different growing zones: the Outer Banks, the Coastal Plain and the Piedmont region. Each of these geographical areas exhibit their own climatic shifts and changes. Micro-climates also exist within these larger areas, particularly in the foothills and mountains of the Piedmont region. Horticulturists from North Carolina State University suggest viewing your neighbor's gardens for plants that grow well in your area.
Both freshwater and saltwater marshes are home to perennials ranging from tall, leafy grasses to large, bright flowers. Because these plants are perennials, they will go dormant and return strong and healthy the following growing season. Marsh plants provide beauty, shelter and food for animal inhabitants of these swampy wetlands.
Yellow perennial plants are found in many shades, including gold, chrome, lemon, chartreuse, greenish-yellow, creamy-yellow, mustard-yellow and canary-yellow. Different degrees of yellow range from deep to nearly clear. Perennial plants come back every season; you only need to plant them once to enjoy for several years. Yellow perennial plants give color to your garden and can serve as focal flowers or as accessories to other plants. A variety of yellow perennial plants are available for your garden.
The botanical genus Cuphea comprises more than 250 species of plants, all native to the New World. Most gardeners in the United States grow the species Cuphea llavea as summer annuals since they tolerate heat and drought so well, often calling them batflowers or batface cuphea. Four species in particular grow as tender perennials, meaning they return year after year as long as the winter cold doesn't fully kill the undergrounds roots. These subtropical to tropical perennials are best grown in U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zones 7b, 8 or 9 and warmer.
Mixing plants of different heights adds interest to a perennial border. Small perennial plants soften a border's edges. Used with other perennials of gradually increasing heights, they create a visual progression from the border's front to its back. These small plants also work well in confined garden areas, in rock gardens and as walkway edging. A wide range of small perennials happiest in full sun is available, says the University of Vermont Extension's professor Dr. Leonard Perry.
The Texas climate varies greatly across the state. The southern regions of Texas have long, hot summers that are a perfect environment for perennial flowers. Perennials are plants that live for more than one year. The plants usually die back during the colder winter months and regenerate in the spring. Full-sun perennials require at least eight hours of sunlight every day in order to thrive. Texas has many native full-sun perennials.
Chewing is a natural cat behavior, but chewing can become a dangerous or even deadly behavior if it involves plants. Many house and garden plants are dangerously toxic, and easily can poison a cat. Plants have varying degrees of toxicity depending upon the species. Symptoms of poisoning range from mild irritation to coma, convulsions or death.
There are numerous perennial garden plants for the variety of garden situations in the Sunshine State. The sedum hybrid "Florida friendly gold" TM tolerates the tropical conditions in southern Florida and grows undeterred by cooler conditions in the northern part of the state. Some perennial garden plants feature brilliant blossoms of coral, wisteria, white, pink and yellow. Choose a perennial garden plant adaptable to Florida's hot, humid summers to enjoy its fruits and flowers year-round.
Perennial plants live for many years, producing flowers during the summer and fall, and lying dormant for the winter and spring. Floridata, an online botanical resource for Floridian gardeners, lists more than 300 perennials native to or growing readily in Florida. FloridaGardener.com asserts that perennials require little work from gardeners after their initial cultivation other than regularly watering and mulch in the summer months. These plants bear large, vibrantly colored flowers.
Spiky plants provide a useful textural contrast to the rounded or spreading habit of most perennials. They can mark the ends of flower beds or signal a transition between colors in traditional perennial borders. Like exclamation points in writing, however, they catch the eye most effectively when used sparingly.
Many perennials flourish in Arkansas. A perennial is a plant that has the ability to live for more than two years. It takes about three years for a perennial to become fully established.
Wisconsin perennial plants include shrubs, vines and assorted wildflowers. These species often have attractive features, including flowers, that make them desirable for landscaping. Since they come back year after year, you can count on Wisconsin perennials to add touches of color to your landscape or garden.
Vernalization is the necessary exposure of plants to cold that promotes flowering. Many types of plants require a cooling period and will die back in fall, letting the roots or rhizomes experience the chill. Even some seeds require chilling before they can germinate in spring. Vernalization can be done artificially, which helps the flower industry consistently provide the market with blooms. It is an interesting area of study for commercial growers who want to grow perennial grasses and plants for fodder, but need a year-round crop; the perennials can be artificially chilled and planted at different times in warm climates…
Herbaceous plants have soft, green, succulent foliage that after three growing seasons does not become woody. Trees and shrubs are not herbaceous, because of their woody stems, even if they die back to the ground in the winter. Perennials are plants that come back year after year. Herbaceous perennial plants die back to the ground during the winter in cold climates, and then once spring arrives, the plants regrow from the roots that are below the ground.
Perennial climbing plants are a solution for covering an unsightly fence, adding a vertical element to your garden or covering an arbor providing shade. Because they are perennial, these plants return year after year. While some woody perennials seem to climb, but in fact simply have long canes or branches, true climbing plants must have twining tendrils or roots such as those found on vines.
Where you live is a deciding factor when considering what type of plants to put into your garden. Two very big considerations are how much sun and heat you get in your region. If you live someplace like Arizona, Texas or the Deep South, you will want to find plants that can tolerate both a good deal of sunlight and intense heat to survive the summer in your state.
Gardeners living in Florida have few drainage problems in their gardens because of the state's sandy soil. Those living in the state have a variety of choices in perennial plants tolerant to the state's soil conditions. Whether you desire flowering or evergreen, ground covers or shrubs, there is a suitable plant for your garden. Consider the plants hardiness zones, as gardeners in north and north-central Florida experience annual frosts. Select plants suited for your region of the state.
Perennials are favored by gardeners because they can bloom around the calendar year and can reappear each year if you take care of them. Perennials are available in a vast array of colors and shapes. The perennials that begin with the letter "C" provide some of the most colorful blooms.
More than 250 species of aster plants exist. Aster plants have large daisy-like blooms and grow well in mountainous areas and damp wooded regions. They come in several colors, including purple, pink, yellow, red and blue. Perennial aster plants are advantageous because they bloom for several seasons and you do not need to plant them each year.
The Southwest has many colorful, native perennial plants that are well-suited for the hot, dry growing conditions of the desert garden. These plants are characterized by a hardy underground root system that continue to produce new growth year after year. Plants that are adapted to the Southwest need little, if any, irrigation, making them ideal for water-wise gardens and low-maintenance landscapes. Desert perennials thrive in rocky, nutritionally poor soil provided there is good drainage.
Brighten up a shaded area of the garden with shade-loving perennials. Grown in a wide range of shapes, sizes and bloom colors, shade-tolerant perennial plants are planted once and grow for many years. Some shade plants tolerate full shade, while others thrive in a smattering of shade and sunlight. When choosing shade-loving perennials for your garden, make sure they thrive within the current U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zone, as this helps to ensure a healthy plant.
Perennials are those plants that live for more than one year. These plants can be evergreen or deciduous, losing their leaves in the winter to reappear in the spring. Plants with a weeping habit are those with pendulous or trailing branches. This form adds grace and diversity to the garden. Trees, shrubs and other perennials can have a weeping growing habit. When these plants flower, they give the appearance of cascading blossoms.
Ohio sits in two temperate zones, 5 and 6, giving gardeners a wide choice of perennial plants from which to choose. Perennial plants will grow for many years, giving the garden a sense of continuity. Perennial plants can be easily transplanted if you should decide to change your plan or color scheme and they also bring the outdoors in when used as cut flowers.
South Texas is home to millions of acres of brush country, where the annual temperature averages 73 degrees Fahrenheit. Average rainfall in western South Texas is just 16 inches, compared to 30 inches in the east around Corpus Christi. Subtropical conditions in the Rio Grande Valley once encouraged vast stands of Sabal palms and Texas palmetto. Which perennials will perform best in your South Texas garden depends on where in this vast country you are located.
Most perennial plants live for three or more seasons and die down each fall. In hardiness zone 6, the temperature range varies from -10 degrees to 0 degrees Fahrenheit, covering a wide range of states from Arkansas to Colorado. In spring, their crown and roots sprout up and resume their growth. Some perennials are evergreen, meaning they retain their green foliage during winter. Hardy perennial flowers have the ability to survive and can bloom through winter without protection from the threat of frost and snow
Many perennials native to North Carolina are good candidates for planting in the home landscape. Perennials, unlike annuals, return from their woody growth or roots each spring. Native perennials, if planted in the right location, use less water and fertilizer than many non-native plants. For that reason, native plants are gaining in popularity with gardeners in North Carolina.
USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 7 winds from Long Island, New York to northwestern Washington state. It crosses central Texas, parts of New Mexico, Utah, Arizona, Nevada and eastern California, covering an enormous range of growing conditions. The minimum winter temperature in Zone 7 (between 0 and 10 degrees Fahrenheit), is only one factor in determining which perennials grow there. County extension agents can help gardeners determine which perennials are best for their Zone 7 regions.
Garlic (Allium sativum) naturally grows as a bulbous perennial across western Asia and southern Europe where soils and climate are optimal. Elsewhere, home gardeners rely on growing garlic as an annual plant in order to develop large, tasty cloves from vigorous, well-spaced plants in rows. In general, garlic is either a "hardneck" or "softneck" type, with the former better grown in colder climates and the latter in mild climate regions. Allowing the cloves to remain in the ground to grow perennially is possible, but unless optimal soil conditions are maintained, the growth of plants becomes crowded, sporadic and uneven. Occasional…
Pressures on the deer population in the U.S. include habitat loss, development, food shortages and other factors that force the deer to forage for plants in gardens and other cultivated areas. White-tailed deer can leap 10 feet high and span gaps of 30 feet to gain entry to any promising food supply. Tactics to discourage deer from chewing plants include plantings with uninviting characteristics such as strong odors, tough or prickly plant parts, toxic parts and bad taste. No plant can be considered deer-proof because deer faced with a food shortage will tolerate eating even undesirable plants.
Choosing appropriate plants and flowers, those which will survive and grow in your particular landscape and climate, is essential to the success of any garden. The reality is certain plants survive better in windy, cool climates than others. If you live in such a challenging environment, choose perennial plants that can tolerate difficult conditions such as dry, rocky soil and direct winds.
A hanging basket provides a colorful show of blooms during summer. Use perennial plants for your hanging basket for lasting value, since they start to grow again in spring. Choose different varieties of plants for volume and interest. Use trailing plants to hang over the side of the basket and add foliage plants as a green background to bright colored flowers. Water a hanging basket daily, and dead-head the flowers regularly to ensure a continuous display.
Perennial tropical plants are generally grown in warm climate gardens of the south in USDA Planting Zones 10 through 12. There are several ways to grow them in cooler climates, however. They take a bit more effort than azaleas and hydrangeas but the unusual exotic look they bring to a garden is well worth the effort.
Edging plants create borders around flower beds and soften the hard edges between landscape and hardscape. A great edging plant should be disease- and pest-resistant, require little maintenance, offer seasonal interest and spread without invading. Master gardener Charlie Spencer, of the North Carolina State University Extension, suggests using more than one edging plant for the best effect. Mixing a variety of plants, including some evergreens for year-round color, gives your garden more visual interest and a more naturalized look.
Perennial plants live for many years in the garden; they do not die after one season. Low maintenance plants help conserve water. They also help gardeners save time with pruning, cutting and tending to a grass lawn or annual flowers. There are a number of low-maintenance perennial plants that provide blooms, color or structural interest. One consideration for any plant is that it must be suited to the site.
Perennial salvia adds beauty and bold color to your flower garden. There are many varieties of perennial salvia such as May night (salvia nemorosa) and Mexican bush sage (salvia leucantha). These medium-height, spiky flowers can be used as cut flowers, flowers for drying and for making clary sage essential oil. Once your perennial salvia is established, you will enjoy its beautiful blue and violet flowers from early summer until the first frost.
Moving plants around a perennial garden can be helpful to encourage each plant to thrive. Learn the best way to move plants in a garden of perennial plants and flowers with help from an experienced gardener in this free video on growing perennials.
Choosing perennial plants for the garden depends solely on personal taste and any desired color scheme. Learn how to choose plants for a garden of perennial plants and flowers with help from an experienced gardener in this free video on growing perennials.
Dwarf perennial plants can be an attractive addition in many flower beds. They add color to the yard and do not have to be planted again every year. Dwarf hairy Penstemon and Sprite dwarf Astilbe are two dwarf perennial options well worth considering. Plant one to fill in that little bare spot or plant several of them to fill in around larger plants.
Edible perennials: fun to say and smart to add to the family cuisine. They can please the palate and the eye. Whether you are planting edible perennials with an eye toward harvesting the food they bear, or planning a foraging trip to the forest, there is definitely food to be had. Edible perennials can grow in the window box, or in every landscaped corner of the yard--in fact, they may already be right in front of your eyes.
Blackberries are more sensitive to cold than other cane fruits, though some types are reasonably cold-hardy and can be grown--with care--even in climates with harsh winters. Grow blackberry types and cultivars suitable for your climate area to avoid losing plants to hard freezes. How you grow and care for your blackberry canes also makes a difference, however. In some cases, changing your cultivation practices may make all the difference.
Japanese ginger perennial plant offers a lot: it's an herb, a flowering plant, a perennial tropical plant, an evergreen and an ornamental species. In Japan, it is field cultivated during summer months for its edible flowers, which are harvested, then blanched and used in salads. During winter months, the production of flower buds does not slow down. It is simply moved to the confines of heated greenhouses.
Called "Land of the Morning Calm," the Korean peninsula lies in Northeast Asia. The assortment of flora spreads out in over 8,000 species that thrive in Korea's humid, hot summers and survive its long, cold winters. Many native Korean perennial plants make their way into gardens throughout the world, adapting to different local climates.
In a tropical climate, it makes sense to incorporate perennial plants (a plant that lives and flowers for more than two years) that suit the specific environment. Using plants that are able to withstand heat and humidity allows for an enjoyable landscape for a longer season—where most common annuals would wither under a hot, glaring sun, tropical perennials will look beautiful year after year. Using perennials means money saved, and they are less labor intensive than replanting large amounts of annuals every season. Instead, annuals can be tucked here and there as colorful accents.
Butterflies are among the most beautiful and fascinating summer insects. Filling a garden with flowers and plants that butterflies love is an easy way to enjoy having them nearby, and to help them by providing food for both their larvae and adult forms. Using perennial plants that are attractive to butterflies, you can make a perennial garden that will beautify your landscape and entice butterflies to stick around all season long.
Shade gardener, count yourself fortunate for the scores of beautiful perennial flowering plants that thrive in a shady location. Shady spots offer plants protection from unrelenting summer heat and drying winds. The needs of shade-loving plants vary from region to region, plants that need full sun in the northern United States usually need a patch of shade in the south. Each region has unique choices for planting perennials in the shade.
Perennial plants are plants that live for longer than three years. Perennial border plants cut down on the amount of time and money you spend replanting border plants every year. Plant perennial border plants in groups with similar light, water and feeding requirements to keep them healthy. Taking care of one plant's heavy watering needs will harm a nearby plant that requires dry soil conditions. A wide variety of perennial border plants is available to choose from when designing your landscaping borders.
Most of Pennsylvania is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6, with the northern third and mountain regions residing in Zone 5b. Pennsylvania perennials, therefore, need to be able to survive winter temperatures down to 0 degrees Fahrenheit in most of the state, and down to -10 degrees Fahrenhiet in the zone 5b regions. If you want to be sure your perennials not only survive but thrive, there are a number of native and naturalized perennial species that put on a good show in your garden year in and year out.
At a glance, dewberries are sometimes confused with blackberries, but each plant has its own unique features. In its early days, the dewberry plant was derived from the blackberry plant, but it now has about 100 varieties of its own.
Perennial vegetables allow you to plant a garden once, then reap the harvest from it year after year without any further planting. While many vegetables are annual plants, there are several perennial vegetables that are suitable for most home gardens. Perennial vegetable plants are often attractive as well as edible, making them a useful replacement for ornamental flowers in beds and borders.
Ligularia dentata is a huge leafy perennial that grows best in shade. We seem to be in rare company in Texas with growers of this beautiful yellow flowering plant. We have never seen it in a nursery or home improvement store here. Our original plants came from Louisiana, and we brought them with us to Texas. They require shade here, and constant water, but pay for any trouble by sharing large and beautiful foliage and flowers.
Choosing annual versus perennial flowers is a matter of deciding what you want from your garden. By combining varieties and species of both, you can have a succession of ever-changing color blooming throughout the year.
The wonderful thing about perennial plants is that once they are in the ground, they will reward you with their beautiful flowers and colored leaves time and time again. If you want to add some color to your garden, but prefer a more natural look, using perennial plants that will spread and grow quickly is the way to do it.
Perennial are plants that live for more than two years. They bloom in the spring and summer, then die back during the winter. The following spring they grow back from the root-stock.
Perennials are found in gardens all over the world because they live for a very long time, and they can bloom throughout the year, especially if planted in warm climates. Perennials are also appealing because they come in just about every color known in the world of gardening, and they also come in a vast array of shapes and sizes. Another advantage to choosing perennials is that many are adaptable enough that even beginners can have success with them right off the bat.
Tall perennial plants can be used in place of, or in mixed plantings with, trees and shrubs as a border or backdrop for lower-growing gardens. Many perennial plants are capable of growing to heights of 2 meters--more than 6.5 feet--or taller. Some of these, such as pampas grass, form a flexible soft spray, while others, such as joe-pye weed, take a more shrublike form. Still others, such as the Maximilian sunflower, grow on tall, blossom-studded stalks.
Short perennial plants, those plants that are less than 2 feet tall, are great for using in the front of garden plots. They do well in planters, containers, window boxes, and in the centers of some trailing hanging baskets.
Perennials are plants and flowers that grow back each spring without having to be replanted. They add lush foliage in the spring and fall, and carry bright and delicate colors over the middle of the growing season. Keep your perennials healthy and strong by maintaining a weed-free flower bed with a barrier or mat beneath the soil.
Perennial plants--plants that live for more than two years--are winter hardy, but usually bloom and grow throughout summer and spring and die in fall and winter. Perennial plants may only live a few years, or they may live to be as old as 4,000 years. Perennial plant identification can be accomplished through consulting identification books, researching plants online, taking samples to your local gardening center, or taking samples or emailing pictures to your local extension office. Evaluate a few identifying factors to help with plant identification.
Weeds compete with other plants for nutrients and wreak havoc on lawns and gardens. Fortunately, many products today kill weeds. Some products, though, pose a threat to other plants, including those not yet in the soil. To ensure that your plants are safe from the effects of weed killer, you must know how long to wait before planting perennials in areas where weed killer has been used. Follow some simple guidelines to help ensure that your plants do not meet the same end as the weeds they are replacing.
Asparagus is a perennial that sprouts from the existing roots each spring. Though you can plant asparagus from seeds, it is time consuming, and you will have to transplant the crowns after one year. So plant dormant asparagus roots in the spring, allowing three years for the crowns to be fully established. Each established crown will produce about a half pound of asparagus per year. You can harvest the sprouts for a few weeks each spring, then the asparagus plants grow to strengthen and develop the root system.
The perennial hibiscus is a tremendously popular plant that's equally effective in group plantings or as a specimen planting. Although it won't flower year-round like the tropical hibiscus found in USDA zones 9-10, this hardy bloomer with its plate-sized flowers will lend a distinctively tropical air to northern and southern summer gardens alike.
When you trim your hibiscus plants will depend in part on where you live and what kind of weather you have. Spring is the most common season for pruning but small upkeep can take place throughout the seasons with no plant damage. Take off any dead branches early in the spring after the hibiscus sprouts. There are several benefits to trimming, and several things to keep in mind when you prune your plant.
Streams are channels of flowing water that are smaller in size than rivers. These ecosystems include various communities of plant and animal species.
The Horsetail (Equisetum arvense) belongs to a family of plants some 400 million years old, some of which grew to over 30 feet during prehistoric times. For centuries, it has been used for medicinal purposes to heal eye infections and kidney disorders, and, more recently, as a treatment for osteoporosis.
For such a small word, rue has quite a few meanings. Standing for deep emotions, types of medicinal herbs and the most common word on French street signs, the word rue takes on several forms.
If you are a novice gardener, one of the basics to learn is the difference between annual and perennial plants. The simplest way to differentiate between the two is to understand that annuals are plants that have a one-year life cycle. They grow from seed, bloom, set seed again and then die. Sometimes, if left to set seed, the seeds will germinate the following year. An annual's blooming season lasts from spring to frost. Impatiens, marigolds, zinnias and petunias are common examples of annuals.
One of the exciting---and puzzling---aspects of moving into a new house is getting acquainted with your new yard. Last summer's annuals have faded, and you are now confronted with the perennial survivors. Some of your perennials may be unfamiliar, especially if you have moved from a different climate or area of the country. Identifying your new shrubs, trees and other perennial plants is the first step in caring for them successfuly.
Perennials are the gardener's best friend. Although plants are initially more expensive than the bright annuals that flood the garden centers each spring, perennials return every year to bloom in your garden or border. Unlike annuals, which grow, bloom and die within one season, perennials need planning and preparation for a long life. They can become old friends, and they reward their good care with offspring that you can use to start new borders and gardens.
The tiny flowers of the red clover plant release a sweet nectar when you pick them. Sipping this nectar or chewing the blossom are familiar acts to children raised in the country. Red clover thrives in pastures and is happily grazed upon by cattle. The nutritional and health benefits of red clover make it desirable for human use as well.
Jupiter's beard, or centranthus, is a gorgeous perennial plant from the Mediterranean. Learn about Jupiter's beard and it's ability to handle frost with help from a sustainable gardener in this free video on gardening tips.
Learn how to divide up plants in a garden of perennial plants and flowers in this gardening video from a year-round garden expert.
Learn about invasive plants in a garden of perennial plants and flowers in this gardening video from a year-round garden expert.
Learn about plants that reseed for a garden of perennial plants and flowers in this gardening video from a year-round garden expert.
Learn how to add plants to a garden of perennial plants and flowers in this gardening video from a year-round garden expert.
Learn why you might plant some perennial plants in containers instead in this free video clip on perennial gardening.
Learn about the blooming of each plant in your garden in this free video clip on perennial gardening.
Learn why the right spot for each plant is essential in its development in this free video clip on perennial gardening.
Learn how to add water and fertilizer to winterize your perennial plants in this free video clip about transplanting irises.
Learn how to plant irises in this free video clip about transplanting irises.
Learn how to isolate one root from others in this free video clip about transplanting irises.
Finding plants that thrive in partial to full shade can be a challenge. Listed here are several plants that have interesting foliage, colorful blooms throughout the season and will thrive in zone 6 or warmer.
Canada thistle is an invasive plant not native to the United States. The plant was accidentally introduced to the country nearly 400 years ago and today it is a noxious weed in 43 states. Canada thistle is a perennial weed growing from 1 to 4 feet tall. The purple-pink flowered prickly-leaf plant spreads by wind-blown seeds and spreading rootstock. Canada thistle thrives in terrain from prairies to wetlands and the noxious plant crowds out native species and reduces forage for wildlife and livestock. As the plant spreads, it invades crop lands and costs millions of dollars in crop losses. It…
