Perennial Flowers

Perennial flowers are a wonderful way to plant a garden, if you don't want to be planting flowers every year. The term "perennial" describes a plant that sends up new shoots each year from its crown, roots or bulb. Many perennials last for years and require only occasional division to prevent overcrowding.
Perennials will cost more than annuals initially, but in the long run may prove to be more ecconomical as you're not replanting the same thing every spring. (Well, unless you want to that is. *grin!*)

For a perennial garden it is recommended that the area have full sunshine though some plants will succeed in shady locations, provided that the shade is not dense and the soil is not full of tree roots. A half day or more of sunshine is desirable for strong, healthy plants. Stong winds and heavy rains can cause severe damage to tall perennials. A hedge or a planting of shrubs provides protection and a pleasant green background.

Most popular perennials will adapt to a wide range of well-drained soils. Something to keep in mind if you are interested in having perennial flower beds is that the soil should be open and porous. Poor drainage encourages root diseases and increases the hazard of winterkill. A hard clay prevents the downward movement of water and will restrict root penetration. Soil preparation should be thorough because these plants grow in the same ground for a number of years. Soil should be deeply dug incorporating manure, compost and other organic materials.

An attractive way to group perennials is to co-ordinate colour and bloooming times. The size of these groupings, depends on the interest of the owner and the size of the property. For a small garden, a width of 6 feet (2 metres) is suitable. Where space permits, a curved border is is interesting and allows more natural plant arrangement. Taller plants are generally placed at the back of the grouping or at the center of a bed to be viewed from all sides. Groupings should be planned for colour harmony and plesaing contrast. Colour values are important. You should be careful about placing bold striking colours with softer colours. White flowers can be used to separate different colours which are hard to combine satisfactory, or to achieve appealing contrasts. Having colour from early spring to late fall can be accomplished by selecting plants that flower at various times throughout the growing season.

Here's some information about my favourite perennial flowers.

Asters Baby's Breath Bellflowers Bleeding Hearts

Columbine Coneflowers Day Lilies Delphinium

Evening Primrose Foxglove Golden Sunflower Hostas

Iris Lupines Monkshood Yarrow

Do you have more information on some of the flowers than I have listed here? To share your information, please send me email by clicking on the button below. Thanks.

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Page Last Updated 11 October 1999

Asters	Baby's Breath	Bellflowers	Bleeding Hearts
Columbine	Coneflowers	Day Lilies	Delphinium
Evening Primrose	Foxglove	Golden Sunflower	Hostas
Iris	Lupines	Monkshood	Yarrow