What is an Herbaceous Perennial? By definition, a perennial plant will live for more than two growing seasons. True herbaceous perennials will completely die back in the winter, while their roots remain persistent, with clumps of stems and buds at or below ground level. The term "hardy perennial" includes not only those true herbaceous perennials but evergreen perennials which retain their basal foliage in the winter. Sub-shrubs or semi-woody plants such as lavender, perovskia, and santolina are often treated as perennials and are usually included in the literature and catalogues on perennials. Some perennials, like delphiniums, can be short-lived and may last only three years, while others, like peonies, can live for decades. Care and maintenance of a perennial garden need not be complicated or daunting. In fact, much of good gardening is a combination of some basic horticultural principles with common sense and a good eye. Close observation of nature's cycles can sometimes be the best teacher. Many gardeners keep a log or journal carefully recording their garden's progress. If this is diligently done, the information extracted can prove invaluable to the gardener and can save many hours of manual labor. Remember, there are many choices available; some purely aesthetic, others purely horticultural. Perhaps the wisest choices are a combination of horticulture and aesthetic principles. A comprehensive outline of these practices would fill a book. The following synopsis should be treated as a brief survey to interested gardeners who may not be familiar with these basic principles:
Site
Carefully study the existing site. Know the site conditions -- light, temperature, soil, slope, drainage, air circulation -- and naturally occurring features like rock outcroppings.
Soil
This is arguably the single most important factor in growing healthy plants. Most perennials grow best in soil that is well drained, with good fertility and a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. Organic matter is essential. It improves soil fertility, texture and water-holding capacity. Remember that standing on a planting bed compacts the soil and restricts root growth. Never step into a sopping wet bed and always be aware that concise movements will minimize compaction and breakage. Applying a mulch conserves water, reduces the need to weed and keeps soil temperatures cool. In addition, a decomposing organic mulch improves soil fertility, texture and water-holding capacity. Applying a winter mulch of evergreen boughs when the ground is frozen prevents plants from being pushed out of the ground by alternate freezing and thawing. Winter mulch keeps the ground uniformly frozen during the winter months and must be removed gradually, over a two-week period in the spring (ideally on a cloudy day). Winter mulch is used only on newly-planted or divided perennials and tender plants.
Plants
Knowing the needs of each plant in the garden is essential because good growing requires a match of plant needs with site and soil conditions. It is important to know the size a plant reaches at maturity so it can be properly placed. A garden which is too densely planted will give an instant aesthetic effect, but is difficult to maintain.
Most perennials benefit from lifting and dividing every three to four years. At that time, it is important to rejuvenate the soil by incorporating organic matter such as leaf mold or compost into the soil. Some perennials resent being disturbed and are better off being propagated by cuttings or seed. Newly-planted or transplanted perennials will need more water than established plants. Deep, infrequent watering promotes deeper roots and more drought-resistant plants. Deadheading or removing spent flowers can prolong bloom of some plants, prevent vigorous growers from self-seeding and is aesthetically more pleasing. Proper staking should support and enhance the natural growth habit of the plant without being visually obtrusive. Finally, the rewards from gardening are great. Gardeners should allow themselves the leisure to admire their hard work.
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