View our perennial plant lists:

• Perennials
• Perennial Ferns
• Perennial Grasses
• Perennial Ground Covers

Perennials generally live for several years, though some are longer-lived than others.

No matter what your garden situation, there are a number of perennials available that will adapt to the conditions you already have.

Perennial flowers appear in every color of the rainbow, as well as black, white and brown. Just as important, the range of form and texture among perennials is quite diverse. Low, spreading carpets, medium rounded bushes and tall spires are all available. Texture ranges from fine and feathery to bold and glossy.

One misconception about perennials is that they will somehow take care of themselves. In most cases this is not true.

Here are some general guidelines for maintaining perennials:

• Prune off any dead tops in late winter or early spring.
• Remove dead flowers to encourage repeat blooming.
• Water during drought if possible; early morning is best.
• Clip back scruffy looking plants to promote fresh, attractive growth.
• Control pests and diseases when noticed to avoid spreading the problem to other plants.
• Stake Peony, Delphinium, Summer Phlox and other tall plants early to avoid wind damage later.
• Divide perennials when the center of the plant begins to die out with age.