As we settle into high summer, I have such a deep appreciation for all the perennials happily blooming, asking nothing of me in return.

The bedrock of the garden, perennial flowers bring bursts of vibrant colors to our landscapes. They offer the added benefit of longevity, returning year after year with minimal effort.

A long, healthy life

Unlike annuals that need to be replanted every year, perennials are planted once and done.

They establish strong root systems that make them more resilient to drought, disease, and pests.

Some perennials are short-lived, lasting only 3-4 years, while others can last more than 100 years!

Planting perennials is also great for your wallet. They’re a one-time investment that pays dividends over time.

A fuzzy line

Not every perennial plant is perennial in all conditions, and same with annuals.

A plant may be annual in some climates and perennials in others, depending on your gardening zone.

For example, dahlias love the heat and hate the cold. In warmer climates, they come back year after year. In cooler regions, like my own zone 6, they are labeled as annuals because they cannot survive our cold winters.

Woody vs herbaceous

There are two types of perennials: woody and herbaceous.

Herbaceous perennials have soft, green stems. They die back to the ground every winter—many times it looks like nothing was there at all!

Woody perennials, on the other hand, have sturdy branches. They lose their leaves in the winter (unless they’re evergreens), but their branches stand bare until they spring to life again come spring.

The right mix

Most perennials are like fireworks—blooming for only a short time, there and gone again.

It’s important, then, to keep the firework show going!

When planting, choose flowers that have different bloom times. As one fades, another will bloom in its place. Complement with a few strategically-placed annuals and you’ll have a colorful show all season long.

A few favorites

These perennials are not only long lasting, but so very easy to care for. They’re each a staple in my garden!

• Cone Flowers (Echinacea): Sturdy, long-lasting blooms in a variety of vibrant colors.

• Salvia: A magnet for hummingbirds and butterflies with its tall spikes of purple or pink blossoms.

• Hardy Geranium ‘Rozanne’: Profuse and continuous bloomer, perfect for borders or containers.

• Veronica: Elegant spires of blue, pink, or white flowers that add vertical interest.

• Bee Balm (Monarda): Frilly, aromatic blooms that attract pollinators and provide an enchanting burst of vivid color.

🌹 Coming up roses

ICYMI: I recently published The Garden People Rose Guide — a comprehensive 70 page guide exploring the wild world of roses. Learn more about the contents, format, and what’s included here.

🌸 Flower I’m admiring

Early this spring I planted a bare root climbing rose from David Austin called ‘Generous Gardener.’

It’s taken off beautifully and is covered in delicate peachy-pink buds just starting to open. It’s always a treat to see a new bare root taking off in its new home.

🍄 What I’m inspired by

Katie Glaister’s house in London.

I’ve become a bit bored of neutral colors, and find myself drawn to vibrant expressions of color—in the garden and in the house as well. Katie Glaister’s house is the opposite of sterile, injecting a heap of personality in such an artful way.

You read about it here!

The next perennial I’m adding to the garden is a smattering of ‘Delicious Candy’ coneflowers. I have a cluster of three in the front garden that add such a punch this time of year—I need more!

What flowers are you eying up? Reply and let me know!

xx,

Courtney