Perennials
 A perennial is defined as a plant that lives more than two years. Generally, the word is used to mean a plant whose top growth dies down each winter and regrows the following spring. The Helleborus (pictured left) is one of the earliest perennials to bloom. Often the Helleborus appears in the Winter Garden in February. The plant blooms either white or a beautiful pink color for about 6 weeks. It is a cool weather perennial.
Pansies also offer wonderful color for the winter garden. They will bloom throughout the winter in warmer climates, and in cold climates will stop blooming in sever freeze, but begin again in the spring.
Some perennials keep their leaves all year. Some examples are Iris (pictured to the right), Daylily, Primrose, Chrysanthemum, Liriope, and Heuchera. Many gardeners are turning to the use of perennials because you do not have to purchase plants year after year. An effective use of both annuals and perennials creates a beautiful garden.
Many perennials are better left standing over the winter than cutting them down. There are several reasons for this. In addition to many of the perennials having attractive foliage and/or seed heads, they offer food resources for birds. Many birds find the seeds of perennials particularly tasty. The stems of perennials also offer a place for some birds to hide during the winter.
With some marginally hardy perennials, leaving the stems up for the winter aids in overwintering. The foliage helps to insulate the crowns. Mums seem to benefit a great deal from this practice. Another reason to leave stems stand is that if the perennial is a late riser in the spring, the stems will help to mark the spot and prevent any accidental digging in the area that might harm the underground portions of the plant.
Many perennials are better left standing over the winter than cutting them down. There are several reasons for this. In addition to many of the perennials having attractive foliage and/or seed heads, they offer food resources for birds. Many birds find the seeds of perennials particularly tasty. The stems of perennials also offer a place for some birds to hide during the winter. With some marginally hardy perennials, leaving the stems up for the winter aids in overwintering. The foliage helps to insulate the crowns. Mums seem to benefit a great deal from this practice. Another reason to leave stems stand is that if the perennial is a late riser in the spring, the stems will help to mark the spot and prevent any accidental digging in the area that might harm the underground portions of the plant.
|
