Perennials are one of the most popular types of flowering plants, both for the beginning and experienced gardeners. Gardeners of all types and abilities enjoy the beauty, hardiness and ease of planting of these find plants.
In addition, perennials come in every color of the rainbow, and in all shapes and sizes, making them a great choice for any garden. What makes perennials special, however, is their ability to come back year after year. While the actual life span of a perennial will vary from species to species and planting to planting, some types of perennials have been known to last for decades.
Perennials can be used anywhere in the garden, and anywhere around the home as well. Many varieties of perennials are great as landscape plantings, and their ability to regenerate makes them perfect for areas of the garden that are hard to reach. Using perennials to line a driveway, surround a flagpole or accent a front porch is a great idea for any gardener.
In fact, the hardest part of perennials for many gardeners is choosing the right ones. There are so many different perennials at your local garden center that it can be difficult to choose the right ones. This article attempts to help with that problem, by providing a brief overview of some of the most popular perennials for the home garden, as well as some brief care tips.
If you find yourself confused by what you've read to this point, don't despair. Everything should be crystal clear by the time you finish.
Achillea Known as: Yarrow Full sun, moderate water (less watering once fully established)
Anemone Known as: Japanese Anemone Partial shade, regular watering
Aster Known as: New England Aster Full sun, partial shade in hot climates, regular watering
Astilbe Partial to full shade (some sun OK in cool climates, regular watering
Chrysanthemum Known as: Shasta Daisy Full sun, partial shade in hot climates, regular watering
Coreopsis Known as: Threadleaf Coreopsis Full sun, moderate to little watering
Delphinium Full sun, regular watering
Echinacea Known as: Purple Coneflower Full sun, moderate watering
Geranium Known as: Geranium Full sun or partial shade. Must have afternoon shade in hot climates. Regular watering
Helleborus Known as: Lenten Rose Full sun in winter; partial to full shade in spring, summer and fall. Regular watering
Nepeta Known as: Catmint Full sun, moderate watering
Paeonia Known as: Peony Full sun, partial shade in hot climates, regular watering
Papaver Known as: Oriental Poppy Full sun, regular to moderate watering
Penstemon Known as: Beard Tongue Full sun; light shade in hot climates. Regular watering.
Phlox Known as: Summer Phlox Full sun. Flowers may fade in hot climates. Needs regular watering.
Redbeckia Known as: Black-Eyed Susan Full sun. Regular to moderate watering.
Salvia Full sun. Regular watering.
Sedum Known as: Autumn Joy Full sun or partial shade. Moderate to little watering.
Veronica Full sun. Regular watering.
Now might be a good time to write down the main points covered above. The act of putting it down on paper will help you remember what's important about perennials for your garden.