Biennials - Biennials grow their foliage in the first year and then flower and set seed in their second year. They can often make impressive plants in their second year. Examples include Foxgloves, Angelica and Wallflowers. Once a biennial has finished flowering and set seed, the old plant can be removed from the border. Perennials - The stars of the show! Perennials grow year on year, growing new foliage and flowers each and every year. Some perennials are short lived and may only live for 2-3 years before they need to be replaced, either because they become woody and untidy or because their vigour wanes and fresh plants need to replace them. Perennials generally grow from a base at ground level, with fleshy stems. We use many perennials in our schemes as they provide intense splashed of colour generally in the Spring, Summer and Autumn months. Examples include Geraniums, Salvia, Nepeta, Iris, Hemerocallis There are 2 types of perennials: Herbaceous perennials - herbaceous means they die back down to the ground in winter and remerge in the spring. Herbaceous perennials are generally trimmed back to ground level in late autumn / early spring. An example would be Salvia Caradonna Evergreen perennials - these retain their foliage throughout the winter but still grow their stems from a base at ground level. Evergreen perennials typically have their old leaves removed in late winter to allow new foliage and flowers to emerge. An example would be Helleborus orientalis I hope that helps to demystify flowering plants in your garden. Check out future articles which look at Shrubs, Sub-Shrubs, Trees, Climbers and much more. Author: Bel Grierson of Bel Grierson Garden Design LimitedExpert Plantswoman, Garden and Planting Designer with 21+ years experience in horticulture. Bel loves to share her knowledge and enthusiasm with those with gardens large and small. Comments are closed.
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