Perennial plants can be found all around the world. Some of them like peony flowers are from cooler places like Europe, and Western North America. While others, like the Daylily, have roots from Asia. Perennials can be found in different climates, including tropical, temperate, and subtropical areas. Some tropical climates originated include Orchids and Bromeliads, while Lavender and Rosemary grow well in temperate regions. Subtropical perennials include Oleander and Hibiscus. While most perennials are grown outdoors, some, like Peace Lilies and Snake Plants, are popular indoor choices. Overall, there are tens of thousands of perennial plant species worldwide. 

About Perennial Plants

Perennials are special plants that keep growing for over two years and often have beautiful flowers. Some perennials are woody, like trees, while others are non-woody and include fruits, vegetables, and flowering plants. Unlike plants that only live for one season (like zinnias, marigolds, and radishes) or plants that take two seasons to grow (like Sweet William and Canterbury bells), perennials are enduring and have a long life-span. They come back every year in the spring, making them a long-lasting addition to your garden.

Some perennial plants have a shorter lifespan, typically around two to three years. An example of a short-lived perennial is the rose campion, but it lives longer because it readily produces new plants through self-seeding. On the other hand, certain perennials like peonies can survive for over a century, although they may require a few growing seasons to establish themselves fully.

Benefits of having Perennial Plants

•  Reduced Annual Maintenance

One of the biggest benefits of Perennial plants is they don’t need to be planted again every year due to their long lifespan. This saves gardeners time and effort because they don’t have to remove old plants, plant new seeds, or add compost and mulch yearly. Once perennial plants are well-established, they require less care because their roots can provide the necessary nutrients.

• Positive Impact on the Soil

Perennial plants stay in the ground for many years; during this time, their roots and the organisms in the soil work together in a special way. They form a beneficial partnership in the area around the roots called the “rhizosphere.” This collaboration positively impacts the soil’s chemical, physical, and biological qualities. As the plant grows and its roots spread, they help to improve the ground by making it less compact and allowing water to move more easily. This creates a great environment for tiny living things in the soil, like microbes, which help the roots to have enough oxygen, water, and nutrients.

• Attractiveness to Pollinators:

 Perennial plants, especially flowering varieties, often attract pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. By incorporating perennials into your garden, you can create a pollinator-friendly environment that supports the local ecosystem.

• Climate Change Mitigation:

Perennial plants contribute to carbon sequestration, actively reducing greenhouse gas emissions and helping mitigate the impacts of climate change. They also play a role in filtering rainwater runoff, reducing soil erosion, and improving air quality by absorbing pollutants.

• Naturalizing and spreading: 

Some perennials can spread and naturalize, filling in gaps and providing coverage over time. This characteristic reduces the need for additional plantings, allowing your garden to gradually fill out and develop a more cohesive appearance.

• Various plant options:

 Perennials come in multiple shapes, sizes, colours, and growth habits. This vast selection allows for diverse and personalized garden designs, allowing you to create a landscape that reflects your unique tastes and preferences.

How To Care and Maintain Perennial Plants

• Ensure to thoroughly water your perennial plants, especially in the initial growing season. If you’re planting them in the fall, water them regularly until the first frost arrives.
• Make sure the soil is not too dry or too wet. It’s best to keep the leaves dry to prevent diseases. Use a fertilizer with low nitrogen and high phosphorus to help the plants produce more flowers and fewer leaves. Most perennial plants don’t need a lot of fertilizer. Applying it once in spring is usually enough after the soil warms up.
• Spread a layer of protective covering like sawdust, compost, or paper on the ground around your plants. This helps to stop water from evaporating, keeps the soil at a steady temperature, prevents soil erosion, stops weeds from growing, and adds nutrients to the soil.
• Make a clean separation between your grass and flower bed using a tool or putting in a permanent border.
• Take off old flowers (deadhead) to stop plants from using their energy to make seeds and to encourage them to bloom again.
• Set up plant supports early in the season, before your plants grow too large, to avoid disturbing their roots. Place the supports near the plant and gently tie the stem to the support.