Common Garden Questions Answered

What does perennial mean? Here are 12 frequently asked gardening questions answered.

What does annual mean? What does perennial mean? What plants can I grow in rocky soil? We hope to answer all of those questions and more in this article. And if you have any questions that we haven’t answered, please reach out to us. We love sharing what we know with others.

What does perennial mean?

The word perennial means a plant that the plant will grow, flower, seed, and return year after year. 

Buying perennial means that you're getting low-maintenance plants that will return the following year. Plus, it's super cost effective!

Where can I buy perennial plants?

There is a wide range of sellers you can buy from. Here at Tennessee Nursery, we mostly sell perennial plants and bare-root plants.

We know how important pollinators are for our gardens and our world. That’s why we specialize in hardy native perennials which means they will adapt to your environment more easily. Most of our plants (94% in fact) are native to the US. 

We strive to give our customers plants that they will love-- that’s why we have so many repeat customers!

Check out our stock, we hope you’ll find a plant (or two) that you like. Some of our plants sell out, so place your orders early to ensure they will arrive to you this season! 

How long do perennial plants live?

Perennial means that a plant will return in subsequent years. The shortest-lived perennials live at least three years. However, many will live longer than that.

The longest-lived perennials can live hundreds of years! In fact, there are plenty of old plants still around today.

In the Chinese city of Taiyuan, there are tree peonies that are over 400 years old! If you thought that was impressive, there are perennials that are older than that.

In the town of Hildesheim, Germany there is a rose that is more than 700 years old! Imagine a plant that was around when your earlier ancestors were born. With the right care, some perennials can live for centuries.

What does annual mean?

Because perennial means that the plant will return yearly, annual indicates that the plant will live only a year. Annuals will grow, flower, seed, and die off in a single year.

There is a chance of the plant returning in subsequent years if its seeds have sprouted and taken root. Many annuals are killed by frost in colder climates. Some plants are not adapted to frosty weather conditions.

To ensure your annual return, you have several options:
  1. Let the seeds fall to the ground, with luck they will grow into plants next year
  2. Collect the seeds yourself and start them indoors in early spring or outdoors once there is no longer a risk of frost. 
  3. Buy new annuals or replace them with long-lived perennials. 

When can I begin planting?

When you begin planting depends on what USDA zone you live in. In all climates, it is best to begin planting after all danger of frost has gone.

But remember, perennial means that a plant is frost-hardy, so it may tolerate being planted in slightly frosty conditions.

Frost will kill tender plants, especially delicate seedlings. Pay attention to the weather changes and keep a garden journal if you can. That way you can keep track of weather changes throughout the year and how those changes impact your plants.

How do I know what zones I live in?

A USDA zone is an indication of weather patterns and average temperature highs and lows in an area. This is liable to change (and has) with the changing climate. 

At Tennessee Nursery, we have a tool that will tell you your USDA zone. Just type in your ZIP code and we will let you know your zone.

Colder zones are lower numbers while warmer zones are higher numbers. The US has land in zones 1 in the north of Alaska to 13 in the south of Florida.

Each state may have a range of zones. Even at the county level, there may be differing zones in different parts of the county.

How do I know what kind of soil I have?

This is one of the most important questions a gardener can ask! 

Knowing what kind of soil you have is extremely helpful when selecting plants. The pH (parts hydrogen) scale ranges from extremely acidic 0 to extremely alkaline 14. The ideal soil range is 6.2 to 6.8. 

Clay soils tend to lean more alkaline. Sandy soils tend to be more acidic. This is not always the case, so we recommend you do a soil test.

Most nurseries have basic soil tests available. You can also buy them online– make sure the source is reputable to ensure an accurate test result. 

The most accurate soil tests are available at Extension Offices that are part of a University. Most tests cost around $10.

These tests will tell you your soil's pH and nutrient levels. They even have fertilizer ratio recommendations. All you have to do is collect some garden soil and send it to the research lab on a prefilled envelope that comes with the test. You should receive your test results in a few weeks.

How can I create a low-maintenance garden?

All gardens need some maintenance, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have a low-maintenance garden. Because having a perennial means they will return yearly, perennials make excellent low-maintenance options.

Here are some things to consider when selecting low-maintenance plants
  • How much does this plant spread?
  • Will I have to divide the plant in flowering years?
  • Do I have to deadhead the flowers or will they continue to bloom without interference?
  • How much ground do I have to cover?
  • Do I have any helpers that could assist me in garden maintenance?

With low-maintenance gardening, less is more. We recommend selecting several plants and using them repeatedly throughout your garden. Fewer plants usually mean less work! 

Are there any perennial plants I can grow in sandy soil?

Yes! Sandy soil may be tricky to plant in, but it has the benefit of draining water easily. You can always amend your soil with compost or mulch to make improve the structure.

Here are a few sand-tolerant plants:

Butterfly Weed 

Bearded Iris

Are there any perennial plants I can grow in clay soil?

Yes, again! While clay can be a major pain, there are plants that do well growing in it. Once again, you can always amend your soil. This may take a few years, but it will allow you to grow a greater variety of plants.

Here are a few clay-tolerant plants:

Black-eyed Susan 

Daylily 

Yarrow 


Are there any perennial plants I can grow in wet soil?

Once again, yes! There are plants that can tolerate high levels of moisture. Wet soil is the most difficult soil to grow in, but don't let that deter you.

Here are a few moisture-loving plants:

Siberian Iris 

Red Cardinal Plant 

Red Hibiscus 


Are there any perennial plants I can grow in rocky soil?

Yes, there are. Rocky gardens can be a bit.. well... rocky to garden in. But, many beautiful rock gardens began for the selection of great plants that tolerated rocky conditions.

Here are a few plants that will thrive in rocky gardens:

Milkweed 

Ajuga reptans 

Shasta daisy 

We hope this list answered some of your garden questions. Whether you are a customer or not, feel free to reach out to us! We love sharing our gardening knowledge with anyone who is interested.

Butterfly Milkweed - TN Nursery

Butterfly Weed

Butterfly weed is a type of milkweed that attracts many butterflies and pollinators. It's the #1 perennial used in pollinator gardens and our best-selling plant at TN Nursery. The Asclepias Tuberosa (Latin) is superior to most other plants due to its attractive winged beauty and resilient nature with low maintenance care.  Butterfly Weed Is Rich In Nectar  With nectar-rich blooms of deep orange, this plant is drought tolerant and native to the southeastern United States. It grows natively in some areas in dry sandy soils and is a Monarch's favorite rich nectar-filled plant from which to feast.   Butterfly Weed Is The #1 Staple In Butterfly Gardens Butterfly Weed was used in sanctuaries and gardens for over half a decade but is almost extinct. Perennial gardens are very popular with homeowners. Native plant varieties are hardy, pest—and disease-resistant, making them very popular. Butterfly Weed Is Pest and Disease Resistant Looking for plants that live for decades, reseed themselves, and never have to be taken up for harsh winter weather? Opt for native plants and perennials. TN Nursery has a massive selection of over 345 native plants in stock and is ready to ship to your door. We are a family-owned and operated nursery located in the heart of the nursery capital near McMinnville, Tennessee. Shop For Butterfly Weed At TN Nursery Today

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Best Sellers

Black Eyed Susan - TN Nursery

Black Eyed Susan

Black Eyed Susan has vibrant yellow petals and dark, contrasting centers and is a popular and delightful addition to any landscaping project. This native North American wildflower offers a host of pleasing attributes that make it a sought-after choice for gardens and outdoor spaces. From its adaptability to its visual appeal and ecological benefits, it stands out as a versatile and attractive plant. Why Choose Black-Eyed Susan The Black-Eyed Susan or Rudbeckia Hirta is a beautiful and popular flower that blooms each year in North America. With yellow flowers surrounding a dark circular center, this plant serves an aesthetic purpose in any landscape and draws in bees and butterflies. Due to its hardiness and versatility, the plant is suitable for growing in the garden for beginners and professionals.  The Black Eyed Susan is valued for ornamental purposes and its contribution to the maintenance of ecosystems. Moreover, black-eyed susan plants for sale have stunning flowers that can be added to your garden for curb appeal. Features of Black Eyed Susan Plant The Black-Eyed Susan has bright yellow petals with a dark brown or black Eye in the middle, which makes it a vivid plant that would look great in any garden.  This plant attracts bees, butterflies, and many other beneficial insects, so it should be included in any pollinator garden. The black-eyed susan plant is relatively adaptable. It does well in arid conditions and simple soil types, making it a perfect pick for any low-maintenance garden. It prefers regions receiving full or partial sun exposure. It has a growth habit of 2 to 3 feet tall with a similar width, enhancing the green appearance of areas where it is grown. This plant does not need much attention once established and usually grows well. It is relatively immune to many garden pests and diseases. Growers of black-eyed susan plants can also contribute to habitat and care for one's patch of land by offering food for pollinators and other more valuable insects. Black Eyed Susan Perennials Returns Every Spring and Summer Season Buy black-eyed susan plants and add these beautiful flowers to your garden, like our other popular ornamental plants, such as echinacea, shasta daisy, or coneflower plants.

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Cardinal Flower - TN Nursery

Cardinal Flower

The Red Cardinal Flower has vibrant red blooms and tall, erect stalks. It adds color and elegance to gardens, parks, and various outdoor spaces. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, it offers several advantages, making it a popular choice for landscapers and gardeners. The scarlet-hued Lobelia cardinalis is a perennial in the bellflower family. Its tall, nectar-filled bloom spikes attract hummingbirds and create a beautiful display in your garden. The plant's common name refers to the red robes a Roman Catholic cardinal wears.     Natural Habitat Of The Cardinal Flower Lobelia is native to the North and South American continents and blooms from July through September. This moisture-loving plant grows on stream banks and in low woods, marshes, and meadows across the United States. If you want to create a handsome show in your garden, Lobelia will surely delight. The plant's fiery spires yield brilliant red blooms that open gradually from the bottom to the top of their racemes. Each long, narrow, tube-shaped blossom has two flat upper petals and three lower petals at the tips. The delicate plant crown leafy 2’-4' stems, covered with shiny, lance-shaped, bright green leaves that sometimes have a bronze or reddish tint. The leaves alternate as they climb the stems, enhancing the blooms to create a lively riot of color. Cardinal Flower is a favorite of gardeners who love adding bold splashes of crimson. This plant is perfect for shady woodland plots, wet meadow plantings, water gardens, pollinator gardens, and rain gardens. Its long stems can add height to borders and create depth when placed in the back sections of your landscape. The blossoms are most spectacular from midsummer into fall and make excellent cut blooms. Ecology Of The Cardinal Flower Some people say Lobelia will bring hummingbirds in from the sky. The plant's blooming period coincides with the late-summer migration of ruby-throated hummingbirds traveling south to Mexico. The birds pollinate the plant by dipping their beaks into the plants' long, red tubes. The blossoms are also beautiful to swallowtail butterflies and bees, making them a wonderful centerpiece in a pollinator garden. Cardinal Flower Is A Bold Statement In Any Garden  When you want to make a bold, beautiful statement in your garden, include the Cardinal Flower in your plan and celebrate the summer season.

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Ajuga Reptans - TN Nursery

Ajuga Reptans

Ajuga Reptans is an evergreen flowering perennial groundcover that offers greenery year-round. The plant has shoots of purple blooms in early Spring, making it versatile and perfect for maintaining beauty in small areas. Ajuga Reptans Has Many Names They are known as bugle, common bugle, carpenter’s herb, bugle herb, Bugleweed, carpetweed, and St. Lawrence plant; this is a hardy member of the mint family. In this planting season, look for ways to transform empty and bare ground space into lush foliage. While there are plenty of options to choose from when establishing a lawn, only a few work well in partially shady gardens. If you are also struggling to grow plants and grass in your calm, shady areas, Ajuga Reptans is the answer you are looking for. Ajuga Reptans Is A Wonderful Groundcover Also known as Bugleweed, these Ajuga Reptans create a stunning deep green ground cover with blue-tone spikes of lovely flowers. Whether you are: A new gardener or an experienced one. Working with this flowering plant is a breeze as it proliferates. Fill in all the unsightly and empty areas in your garden. However, when planting Bugleweed, you want to consider growing conditions for it to thrive and form a dense carpet of flowers. Plant it in damp but not wet dirt in a partially shaded area during Spring or autumn. These flowers do not grow in dry, damp, and sunny gardens. With ideal growing conditions, this flowering plant will grow into a thick, lush ground cover, enhancing the overall appeal of your outdoor space. Features of Ajuga Reptans Here are a few distinctive features that make Bugleweed a must-have addition to your garden: Year-Round Foliage: Bugleweed stays vibrant green throughout the year and can thrive in all types of growing zones. Low-Maintenance: Once established, this flowering plant is easy to maintain and perfect for new and busy gardeners. Pollinators: The beautiful spikey flowers that bloom in sprint attract different pollinators, which help support the local ecosystem and promote biodiversity. Deer-Resistant: Ajuga Reptans is excellent deer-resistant and helps keep deer out of your property. With all these features and benefits in mind, adding Ajuga Reptans to your landscaping is the only right choice. So, check out Ajuga plants for sale at TN Nursery.

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