The Two Types of Perennials.

There are two types of perennial plants, herbaceous and woody . The majority of flowering perennials are in the herbaceous category. Shrubs and rose bushes make up the woody type of Perennials .

Perennials can be propagated from cuttings or by dividing and are easily grown from seed. Some types of perennials do not bloom during their first year of growth and most will not attain their full size for at least two years or even for three or four years.

Many types of perennials are prized by gardeners for their vibrant, coloured blossoms, as well as the fact that they will return, with little or no attention year after year. Another good source of information for growing seasons for different areas would be the independent farmers association accessed through your chamber of commerce or local library.

Like most other types of perennial plants, Day Lilies, Iris, and Tulips have root systems with bulbs, rhizomes and tubers . Perennials and annuals that are grown from seed, differ in that their bulbs and rhizomes require at least two full months of temperatures below 40 degrees F before they will bloom.

Because they need this cooler temperature, these types of perennials should usually be planted in the fall. Perennials may slumber all winter, but will thrive and blossom come next Spring, giving you months of colour and wonderful scent in your garden.

Gardening - Caring For Roses.

Perennial FlowerS

New Plants For Perennial Flower Gardens

All over the world, at this time of year, gardeners are finding new plants, bred by the experts. Of course, every new perennial is hailed as the best thing since sliced bread, but obviously some are much better than others. Whatever your choice, they will all be available from suppliers this year.

Here are a few of the best plants for perennial flower gardens this year:

Echinacea purpurea "Green Envy" - This newcomer from New York State is unique. The petals of this beautiful Coneflower are reddish-pink at the base and green at the tips. They make fantastic cut flowers too.

Heuchera "Rave On" - Bred by Dan Heims of Terra Nova Nurseries in Portland, Oregon, this is probably one of the best he's produced. It has sparkling silvered foliage and colourful flowers.

Euphorbia " Helena's Blush" - A new variety from Germany, this variegated evergreen plant, is great for containers and sunny borders. It has leaves edged in creamy yellow and red flower stalks, which are topped with clusters of chartreuse green flowers in spring. The foliage becomes pink-tinted in the cold weather.

Cortaderia selloana "Evita" - The much maligned Pampas grass is back! This super dwarf variety from Germany, only reaches 4ft in height, but is still beautifully elegant. Ideal for making an impact, planted in containers, it flowers well and will remain looking great throughout the winter.

Cenolophium denudatum - A Chinese species, which looks like a large flowered bishop's weed, this plant has deep-cut foliage and cow-parsley type, white flowers. It flowers throughout the summer and is excellent as a cut flower.