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All About Perennials
Perennials are plants that return year after year, gradually enlarging their root bases to produce increasing numbers of flower stalks. Most herbaceous perennials die down when the frost comes, remaining dormant and insulated in the soil during the winter, only to re-grow in the Spring.
When you buy a perennial, consider that you will have it (or its offspring) for the life of your garden. It is an investment. The re-growth and re-use of perennials is sharply contrasted with the wasteful mounds of dying annuals that are turfed out every Autumn because they will not return in the Spring.
A hardy perennial is
a plant that grows and develops for a number of years without need of winter protection. Every Spring, as temperatures rise, it is rejuvenated, growing and producing foliage and flowers and only dying back again in the Autumn. Some perennials are evergreen and retain their leaves during the winter
 Maintenance of Perennials
Every 3-5 years, depending on the plant, most perennials need to be lifted and divided and then can be repositioned in compost enriched soil. As the plant expands in size, you will begin to have more than you need and your "extras" can be used elsewhere in your garden, as gifts for friends, as donations to garden clubs, or even added to your compost!
Evergreen Perennials
Some perennials are evergreen and will not die away in the winter. These plants are a wonderful addition to a winter garden. Check our catalog and consider using Hellebores, Euphorbias, Bergenias, Iberis, Geranium macrorrhizum, and so many more.
How Long Do Perennials Last?
The life spans of perennials vary with each species. Most last for a several years. Peonies go happily for many decades! Delphiniums increase in size steadily for about 7 years and then slowly become weaker and need replacing. However, because their root base has been increasing, root division of perennials allows the plants to be divided and new younger roots to be used to replace the parent plants. Thus, their lives can be extended almost indefinitely.
Perennials in the Pacific Northwest
All our perennials are grown and stored outside. They need no special conditions, being hardy at our zone (approximately zone 8). You need have no concern about the survival of our plants throughout the year in this region.
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