What are Perennials and how are they different from Annuals?
I am so glad you asked!
Whereas Annuals set seed, grow and flower within the same year, they also die within that same year.
Perennials, however, can live from year to year. Perennials are woody type plants compared to annuals which are considered to be succulents. Perennials can be kept nicely groom by pruning them. You can control their growth and the direction they grow in by using different pruning methods.
Perennials can also add that rainbow of color to your garden with their many variations. When purchasing these plants make sure and read the label or consult your nurseryman about the time of bloom so that you can get the most out of your perennials. These plants grow at different heights so be sure to get all of this information to know how to properly space your perennials at time of planting.
Here are some pictures of some of my favourite perennial plants.
Copper Leaf
Hibiscus
Oleanders
Bougainvillaeas
Care of Perennials
When planting perennials it is best to use a good garden soil. Whatever size plant that is purchased the planting hold should be a maximum of two times that of the root ball in width. The depth of the hole should be where only the entire root ball is submerged. The entire trunk should be above ground. Gently firm the soil around your plant after installing.
Watering instruction
Give your plants sufficient water making sure that the soil is moist. Plants may need to be watered more often in the summer. A word of caution: Monitor soil to safeguard against overwatering. You can check the soil by using a soil probe that can be purchased from a plant nursery or hardware store or you can dig lightly into the soil about two or three inches to check the moisture level.
Providing fertilizer for your plant
Providing fertilizer for your perennials is a must if you want your plants to say in tip-top shape. To learn about fertilizers check out the article on fertilizers.
Insect control
Insects invade our gardens often and can cause tremendous damage. Plants are most vulnerable to insect attack when they are stressed because of a lack of water, the soil profile may not be the type in which your plant can survive or your perennial plant may be installed in the wrong location. Make sure your plants get a good start by meeting their requirements.
In the best of gardens, you will still have some insect invasion but your plants will be able to bounce back much quicker from an insect attack because of proper care including using pest management methods. To learn more about these methods read the article on pest management.
Mulching plant
Mulches have many benefits in our gardens including keeping weeds down, keeping the soil cool, giving that nice finished professional look and as this mulch breaks down it adds nutrients to the soil and in turn, the plants take up those nutrients through its roots.
So let’s brighten up our yard with these amazing perennial plants.
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About the author
Norman loves being in the garden, both at home and for his job....
he is 'Natures Little helper' being outdoors, growing his vegetables and flowers from an early age.
Now having spent over 22 years in the profession he want to give some of his knowledge to others...
his vast array of hints and tips you will find scattered over this site will help you no end growing plants in your garden.
Perennials are something that i didn2t know about.
I have seen tree type flowered plants but i didn’t know what they were about.
I wonder if they have any special care process? Because some trees are definetely needing special care and different treatment.
Overall, it was a nice article and i would like to see more from you!
Good morning thanks for you kind words and your comment. It will be more that my pleasure to help you.