Perennials have always been around, but with the new introductions of perennial varieties each year, perennials are gaining in popularity. A perennial is a plant that lives for more than two years. Most of them die back to ground level every fall while the roots and crown remain alive under the ground. In the spring when the temperatures warm up and the days get longer, the plant begins to shoot out new growth that starts from the roots and the crown of the plant There are a few perennials that don't die back completely, but these are usually covered with snow for a large part of the winter.

There are hundreds of different types of perennials. Some are grown for their attractive foliage such as the hostas and heucheras, while others for the flowers, and still others that have both the beautiful foliage as well as the flowers.

Perennials bloom differently than annuals. An annual will bloom throughout the season and then the plant is finished. Perennials will bloom for only a small part of the season, and then return again next year. Some perennials are long blooming and others may only produce flowers for 2-3 weeks. Different perennials will bloom at different times of the growing season. Some will bloom early in the season such as peonies, others in mid-season, while still others such as Liatris are late blooming. With careful planning, there can always be a perennial blooming in the landscape.

Perennials come in all sizes to suit every part of the landscape. From the very low growing ground covers such as creeping phlox, to the very tall, two meter delphiniums that are ideal for the back of the flowerbed, and then everything in between.

 Before choosing and planting perennials, have some idea of where you want to place them. There are some perennials that can become invasive taking over a flowerbed, while others will easily self sow. These are better planted in an area with lots of space or the plants will need to be maintained more regularly. Perennials can be planted amongst annuals, mixed in with trees and shrubs or in a garden set aside for just perennials.

Some gardeners have the misconception that perennials require no care after they have been planted. This is not true. There are some perennials that are higher maintenance then others, but all perennials have some care and maintenance needed, in order to keep them healthy, and attractive. There are some perennials that can remain in the same spot for years and thrive, but there are others that need to be divided every few years to revitalize them.

It is important when choosing perennials to have some knowledge about the perennials you are interested in. Read the care and maintenance that is provided on the label of the perennial.

-Jos

Jos Van Hage owns and operates two Art Knapp Home and Garden Centres in Prince George:

• Highway 16 West at Kimball Road
• Highway 97 North at Northwood Pulpmill Road