Perennial plants are varieties that survive for a period exceeding two years. All gardens that do well have one thing in common and that is they all have perennial plants. These lovely species live for a long time and come back every year, adding color, structure, and complexity with little work. Though annuals only live for one season, perennials come back better every spring, which makes them best perennials for garden and a gardener's best friend.

You can find many different kinds of perennial plants for gardening at TN Nursery. These include plants with bright flowers and hardy native species that do well in a range of climates. Let's talk about what makes perennials unique and how to pick the best ones for your yard.

Understanding Perennial Plants

There are types of plants that live for more than two years. They get roots, stems, and leaves after being planted for the first time. During the winter, they may go dormant and come back with new growth in the spring. Because they are naturally hardy, you don't have to replace them as often and can enjoy them year after year.

There are many kinds of perennials, such as flowering plants, herbs, and grasses. Because they are so flexible, gardeners can make gardens that stay lush and bright all year.
Lobelia Plants, Shasta Daisy, and Orange Daylily are all popular plants that you can get from TN Nursery. Each one adds a different shade of color, height, and structure to your yard.

Types of Perennial Plants

Different types of perennial plants do better in different places, with different amounts of light and dirt. Here are some well-known groups to think about:

  • Flowering perennials: Are plants that grow every year, like daisies, coneflowers, and daylilies. They add a splash of color to borders and beds.
  • Foliage Perennials: Perennial plants with lots of leaves - Ferns and Hostas are loved for their thick, beautiful leaves.
  • Groundcovers: Perennials that grow low, like Creeping Phlox and Sedum, help stop runoff and look great in empty spots.
  • Herbaceous Perennials: Plants that grow herbs - These die back in the winter and come back in the spring, like Black-Eyed Susans and Peonies.

When choosing perennials, think about how they will look and how well they will grow in your room. The Orange Daylily from TN Nursery is a happy, low-maintenance choice for flower beds and borders that will do well in bright, sunny spots.

Perennial vs Annual Plants

The difference between perennial vs annual plants is a popular question among gardeners. The answer lies in how long they live:

  • Perennials - Perennials grow back every season after a few years
  • Annuals - The life cycle of an annual plant goes from seed to bloom to seed again in one year
  • Biennials - Some herbs and plants are biennials which means they live for two years

Because they grow deep roots and often get stronger every year, perennials are good investments for the long run. On the other hand, annuals are great for quick, bright color but need to be planted again every spring.

If you want plants that will do well with little work, perennials like Lobelia Plants and Shasta Daisy from TN Nursery are great choices.

Why Choose Perennials for Your Garden

Picking perennial plants for gardening is one of the best things you can do to make your yard look nice for a long time. This is why:

  • Longevity: Perennials come back year after year, which saves money and time on growing.
  • Low Maintenance: Most plants don't need much care or watering once they're established.
  • Seasonal Variety: Because different plants bloom at different times, your garden will look beautiful all year long.
  • Good for the environment: Plants with deep roots keep the dirt from washing away and provide food for pollinators like bees and butterflies.

Mix blooming perennials with green plants for balance and texture in a garden design that will last for years. For instance, put Lobelia Plants next to Shasta Daisies to get a mix of bright colors and soft flowers that pollinators will like.

Coneflower Perennial Plants and Other Favorites

Many people love coneflower perennial plants (Echinacea) because they have big flowers and last a long time. They do best in full sun, can handle drought, and birds and butterflies love them.

Some other TN Nursery favorites are:

  • Orange Daylily: This plant has bright orange flowers that make any yard look better.
  • Lobelia Plants: These plants are known for their bright blue color and ability to do well near water.
  • Shasta Daisy: A popular perennial flower that blooms all summer long.

You can find these and other plants at TN Nursery, where each one is grown with care to ensure long-term success in your garden.

Caring for Perennial Plants

With the right care, plants will keep growing well for years. Here are some important care and maintenance tips for ferns that work for most annual types:

  • Planting Depth: Cover the roots but don't bury them too deeply.
  • Watering: During the first growing season, water often. As roots grow, water less often.
  • Fertilizing: Use a balanced fertilizer in early spring once a year.
  • Cutting back: Get rid of old flowers and cut back dead leaves to make room for new growth.
  • Dividing: Every couple of years, separate perennials to keep them from getting too crowded and to help them grow well.

FAQs

What is a perennial plant?

An annual plant grows back every year without having to be replanted and lives for more than two years.

Where can I buy quality perennial plants online?

You can buy perennial plants online at TN Nursery

How to choose perennial plants for shade gardens?

Pick plants that do well in shade, like ferns or hostas, that don't need full sun.

What is the difference between annual and perennial plants?

Annuals only live for one season, but perennials can come back year after year if you take good care of them.

What are the best perennials for full sun?

Some of the best perennials for garden are coneflowers, Shasta daisies, and daylilies.

Tammy Sons, Horticulture Expert

Written by Tammy Sons

Tammy Sons is a horticulture expert and the CEO of TN Nursery, specializing in native plants, perennials, ferns, and sustainable gardening. With more than 35 years of hands-on growing experience, she has helped gardeners and restoration teams across the country build thriving, pollinator-friendly landscapes.

Learn more about Tammy →