What Makes It A Perennial?

 

Perennials are probably the most versatile of all the plants. It’s no wonder that we have an entire month dedicated to the celebration and planting of these exceptional floras. With proper care, they faithfully grow back every year with little fuss. It takes about 3 years of growth to become well established. As the saying goes, “The first year they sleep, the second year they creep, and the third year they leap!” There are many sizes, shapes and colors to choose from where perennials are concerned, but what makes it a perennial? 

 

By definition, a perennial is a plant that normally lives more than two growing seasons and, after an initial period, produces flowers annually. Most perennials die back to the ground each fall, but their crowns and root systems remain alive (though dormant) during the winter. They grow again from those roots and crowns the next spring when the conditions are right. Although they may be more expensive than annuals initially, within a few years they have paid for themselves.

 

Annuals, in contrast, are plants that complete their life cycle in a single season. They offer beautiful blooms throughout the growing season, but when the frost strikes, they are gone. A great way to remember the difference between an annual and a perennial is that annuals must be replanted each year, or annually. Annuals definitely have their place in the garden and are excellent color spots for perennial beds.

 

Perennial gardens are popular, not only because of their obvious benefits, like not having to be replanted each year, but because they are dynamic! They change with the season. Each perennial emerges from the ground, grows and flowers at its own special time ~ some early, some late. Unlike annuals, which usually bloom for a long time, perennials bloom for about 1 to 6 weeks, depending on the species. By carefully selecting plants with a variety of bloom times, your garden will change throughout the growing season and you’ll always have something in flower. In addition to a wide variety of flower colors and forms, many perennials have attractive foliage that adds visual interest even when they are not in flower.

 

With so many perennials to choose from that are suitable in the Northwest and the perfect season for planting them, why not get started right now? At Al’s Garden we grown over 90% of the perennials found in our store, guaranteeing you the highest quality plants. Plus we always have knowledgeable staff on hand to help you make the right selections for your landscape area.