The variety of plants that make up the perennial category vary from foliage plants to ground covers to colorful flowers. Each does a different job in your yard. Whether you are looking for a showy flower, such as a day lily, or a beautiful wildlife garden; perennials are the key. The definition of a perennial is a plant or flower that will last many seasons. They are more or less permanent plants in a garden. Its very easy to make sure your garden is in bloom through the seasons with perennials. And by grouping them in clusters of 3, 5, or 7 you get a more intense burst of color when they bloom. Perennials are the skin and bones of the modern garden. They give it structure and shape, and their flowers provide, if a small pun can be forgiven, a perennial delight.

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Astilbe
  • Astilbe have long been a gardeners favorite perennials. Its feathery spikes of vivid summer color are great for shady spots. Their flowers bloom in shades of raspberry pink, light purple, white, or plum, the whole summer from July to September. They prefer rich moist soil but can tolerate some summer dryness. Also, they like partial shade which is perfect for that filtered sunlight area of your yard.
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    Hosta
  • These popular perennials are actually from Japan. There are many different varieties. Host's are grown mainly for their large green or variegated foliage. Their leaves vary in color from solid green, to blue-green, white/green variegated, and yellow/green variegated. They bloom with small clustered purple flowers on spikes that sprout from the center of the plant in July and last until early August. Hosta's like the shade but will take some filtered sunlight. Don't put them in full sun. Unfortunately, in the south Jersey area, deer are a large problem and deer love to eat Hostas. If you can keep them out of the reach of deer then add it to your garden.
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    Sedum
  • These are very popular late spring and summer bloomers. They grow as ground cover to about 2' high and can become 2' wide, depending on the variety. They will tolerate drought and heat conditions well, but watering during dry spells is always a good idea. Sedums like full sun to part shade conditions and prefer sandy or richer, heavier soil. There are a few varieties that bloom in fall and some varieties are even like by butterflies. Poolscapes and rock gardens are favorite locations for these plants.
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    Elijah Blue Fescue
  • This mound shaped ornamental grass gives your yard a tufted look. Its blue gray coloring generally requires full sun, but will tolerate partial sun or filtered sunlight. Blue Fescue tolerates poor, dry soil which makes it a perfect candidate for Southern New Jersey's sandy or even clay soil, if its well drained. They are great for adding color without adding flowers. Place them in small spaces, along walkways, or next to boulders.

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    All information and associated material is copyrighted to Quality Landscaping Inc., Copyright 2003.
    Information and pictures obtained through: "The 100 Best Annuals" by Elvin McDonald, Copyright 2002.
    "The Complete Garden Guide" by Time Life Books, Copyright 2002.