PerennialsFrom Gardening Wiki
Perennials are hardy plants, by that we mean those perennial herbaceous plants which will live a number of years without re-sowing seed (such as annuals which need re-seeding). We use the word " herbaceous " to contrast them with shrubs and trees, for it means that they die down to the soil each year. Their growth is soft, not woody. It may be asked why we talk so much about the proper care of this or that perennial when on the whole the commonest ones merely need a medium good soil and their competitors, the weeds, removed. The reply is that we should not be content with Peonies, Phlox, or Iris unless they are grown to perfection, or unless we have the finest varieties. We are interested in a particular flower often because it seems to possess a certain shape, color, or thrifty habit, which we admire. Our interest broadens when we prefer to get a great many varieties of the same flower. Finally, we are even interested in its botanical relatives. It is then that we become '* cranks " and thoroughly know and truly enjoy a chosen favorite. Perennials are adapted to such a range of soils and climates that we can surely find something beautiful to suit our situation exactly. If our land is very rocky and shallow we must govern our selection of perennials accordingly, and we can follow nature quite closely in choosing the sort of plants to use. Each garden should be our own, and should express our likes in color and combination, but we must be governed by good taste, with the possession of which some are born, while by others it must be acquired. A lady told Ruskin that although she did not know good art she knew what she liked. Ruskin replied: " Even the beasts of the field know that." The observations of others often make us able to choose wisely for ourselves.
Perennial CombinationsOMBINATIONS OF PERENNIALS A planting of delicate pink Hollyhocks, in front of which we place a good clump of white Phlox, is to be much commended. Similarly, the Phlox will combine cicely with Delphinium. A bed of Peonies, in which have been planted some Lilium speciosum rubrum and album, is good; the Peonies will have finished flowering before the Lilies begin. Huge beds of German Iris of one variety are shown by themselves, but since they are out of bloom before July 1st it is well to have something to maintain the beauty. A few attractive shrubs are then useful. Especially decorative because of their berries are Viburnum opulus or some of the Honeysuckles. Coreopsis lanceolata and a deep violet blue Delphinium make an excellent contrast. Another yellow and blue combination is Speedwell (Veronica spicata) with Evening Primrose (GEnothera missouriensis). The slender spikes of the Speedwell contrast nicely with the large, brilliant yellow flowers of the Evening primrose. Probably no flower of the Autumn is so graceful and welcome as the lovely Japanese anemone. Excellent white and pink varieties are available. As they make no effect till near August they are best combined with a tall, ornamental grass which will give a good background. The large group of perennial Asters, or Michaelmas Daisies, should not be forgotten; they are the charm of the real late Fall garden. Planted at the rear of borders they make an excellent foliage background for the earlier flowering plants. Especially noteworthy is the Aster ptarmicoides, a very erect, strong-growing white species which blooms a trifle earlier than some of the others. A truly beautiful light blue is the Beauty of Golwall and a good pink is A. novi-belgii St. Egwin. A very late species, five to six feet tall, is A. tataricus; it possesses excellent clean foliage and bluish violet flowers. One of the largest flowering sorts is A. grandiflorus. The Larkspurs and Monkshoods (Aconitum) are planted to advantage in conjunction with Madonna Lilies (Lilium candidum). Spring bulbs are often combined with a few Adonis amurensis, a very pretty little yellow-flowering plant with finely cut leaves. Under trees where grass will not grow, plant some Ajuga reptans, or even Ground Ivy (Nepeta Glechoma) ; the latter is often considered a weed, but very attractive results are often produced by its use. It bears pretty blue flowers. In every home yard there is a certain small area, between perhaps the walk and the wall, which it would be advantageous to have filled nicely with plants; such an area is nicely planted to Bishop's Weed (yEgepodium). This plant has green and white variegated leaves and thrives in any soil. It is rapid growing, but only attains a height of twelve inches. Excellent contrast combinations can be had by the intense blue Anchusa italica and the yellow Marguerite (Anthemis tinctoria), placing the Anchusa at the back. Another good combination is that of German Iris, among which is planted the Summer Hyacinth (Hyacinthus or Galtonia candicans), with its long spikes of white bells and its broad leaves. The bulbs of the Summer Hyacinth are placed in the soil in the Spring; when they bloom the Iris will have finished its blooming but will furnish a foliage base. An effective use of the blue Aquilegia, or Columbine, is to place a number of these plants at the base of a yellow Rose; for example, Bringing the flower garden up to the house. Note Harrison's Yellow Or also the brick path and other architectural features Persian Yellow.
Perennial Border ConsiderationsWe have a great many classes of perennials, some of which are so wild and aggressive that they should only be planted among the shrubbery. We have others which are very dainty and tender and whose growth must be carefully watched and their special needs for protection attended to. We must scatter plants through the length of the border which will bloom throughout the season. We should, furthermore, attempt to get good color combinations. We should know the heights to which the plants grow, otherwise the taller ones may be in front and the more dwarf ones in the background. It is always well in an informal border to let the back line be somewhat broken; plants at some points are a little shorter. Where to Situate a Perennial BorderPerennial borders are borders filled with perennials. Choose a southern exposure where it is not in too close proximity to large tree roots. It should be somewhat protected from the direct force of the wind, otherwise fragile flowers will not be very lasting. Most perennials enjoy a medium light loam. Perennials - Soil Preparationsee Perennial soil preparation
Planting Perennials
Perennial Caresee Perennial Care Perennial SpeciesArabis Wall-cress Rockcress Perennials By Height
Perennials Listed AlphabeticallyPerennials Listed Alphabetically with Detailed information and photos. Related Perennial ArticlesPerennial Gardening Forum DiscussionCheck out the latest Perennial Gardening Forum topics and discussions on the forum! Join now and become part of this great garden community!!
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