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.