Perennial Plants
Perennials survive frost and live in the ground for more than 2 years, compared to annuals that last one year and biennials two years. Perennials are distinct from shrubs and trees because they have little or no woody growth. Herbaceous perennials bloom over the spring and summer, die back in the autumn and winter then re-grow from their rootstock in the spring. They’re great for adding colour and texture each summer. Perennials are best combined with evergreen shrubs to avoid empty spaces being left over the winter. Delphiniums are a great choice if you’re looking for majestic flower spikes, while Hemerocallis have striking flower colours marked with a distinctive contrasting throat. Oriental poppy plants with their single dark orange-red flowers are excellent for the Cottage Garden, whilst Lupins provides a reliable display of blooms throughout the summer.
Perennials for different Situations
Perennials by Variety
Perennials by Flower
Perennial Plant Guides
Ultimate guide to perennials covering what they are, uses of perennials in the garden, how herbaceous perennials grow back and tips when buying perennials.
What are perennials? (Vs. annuals and biennials)
Perennials are the gift that keep giving! Under the right growing conditions, perennials will produce fabulous flowers and foliage year after year.
Perennials can be planted at any time of the year when the ground is not frozen, waterlogged or snow covered and it's not excessively cold or windy.
Perennials are versatile plants that can be used effectively in a range of different sites and situations. We share some examples of the variety of settings where perennials can be used effectively to add colour and interest to your outdoor space.
Choosing a perennial can sometimes be overwhelming with literally thousands of different varieties available in every colour on the palette. To make things easier, we’ve consolidated our top 10 pick of the best varieties deserving of a place in every garden.
Stepping through the 6 reasons to plant perennials: (1) beautiful flowers; (2) fabulous foliage; (3) low maintenance; (4) cost effective; (5) versatile; and (6) good for wildlife and the environment.
Share this page: