Perennials Have Many Environmental Uses

Perennials are not only beautiful, but they are earth friendly

Perennial Plants have many environmental uses. They improve the soil. They clean toxins from the soil. Low maintenance, and they never have to be taken up for harsh winter weather. Perennials come in an array and variety of shapes and sizes. They are bioindicators and seldom need lots of maintenance or fertilizers.

 

Best Choices For Perennials In Drought Areas

Perennials cannot only survive in drought areas, but some are highly drought tolerant. Below is a list of perennials that can withstand drought. They are resilient and cold-hardy as well. At TN Nursery, we ship our dormant perennials. You never have to worry about spring or fall planting. When you buy dormant plants, they are ready to plant anything. From our farm fresh to you, we deliver our plants to your home or office.

Fan Clubmoss

Christmas Ferns

Rozanne Geranium

New York Ferns

Sheet Moss

Wild Ginger Plant

Hay Scented Ferns

Lady Ferns

Creeping Phlox

Fiddlehead Fern

Maidenhair Fern

Milkweed Plants

Black-Eyed Susan Plants

Virginia Bluebell Plant

Partridgeberry Plant

Vinca Minor

Periwinkle Plant

Carpet Moss

Perennial Lifespan and Ability to Reproduce

Perennials have a long lifespan of near a decade or longer, depending on the species and variety. They also reseed and reproduced themselves to make more plants from a single plant. They are mostly spring or early summer bloomers and offer your favorite flower or garden bed years of beauty. Best of all, they are super low maintenance.

 

Fan Clubmoss - TN Nursery

Fan Clubmoss

Fan Clubmoss is a low-growing, evergreen plant with densely packed, needle-like leaves that form a distinctive, fan-like appearance and often cover forest floors. It is a unique and versatile plant with various landscaping benefits. Its unusual appearance and adaptability make it a popular choice for enhancing the aesthetics and functionality of outdoor spaces. Unlike its name may suggest, it is not a true moss but a primitive vascular plant belonging to the Lycopodiaceae family. Fan clubmoss called running cedar or ground pine, looks like a low-growth coniferous plant. However, it is a clubmoss, which is related to ferns. This non-flowering perennial plant was once commonly found across the eastern portion of North America. However, deforestation has dramatically reduced its presence in the wild. Because of its many notable attributes, this plant is an ideal choice to consider adding to your yard. Fan Clubmoss (Diphasiastrum digitatum) Looks Like Mini Pine Trees This fascinating plant typically grows up to 10 inches tall and a foot wide in ideal conditions. Its pine-looking branches are out, creating a stunning design up close. From farther away, the ground appears to be blanketed in green. Often, the plant has a dark green base that fades to a yellowish-green hue toward the tips of its leaves, creating a lovely effect. Some people trim the plants into a topiary design to add an ornamental touch to their yard. Weed Control With Fan Clubmoss This plant is commonly used for ground cover as it proliferates and stays close to the ground. Because the plants can grow densely together, they can block out sunlight from reaching any vegetation attempting to grow underneath it for optimized weed control. This is a highly adaptable plant that can be incorporated in numerous environments. Generally, it will dry out in drought conditions but return with moisture. Fan Clubmoss Is An Evergreen Groundcover At one time, when the plant thrived in its native habitat, this plant was harvested in the wild and used for winter holiday decorations. With the plant growing in your yard, you can easily snip off a few sprigs to dress up your space with a natural touch. The evergreen leaves can also be added to your home decor throughout the rest of the year, such as in a floral vase for a boost of greenery. Minimize Erosion With Fan Clubmoss Fan Clubmoss can absorb considerable water, which is beneficial during heavy rainstorms. It can hold ten times its weight in moisture, offering natural protection in areas prone to erosion. How to grow fan clubmoss? Fan Clubmoss prefers partial to full shade and moist but well-drained soil with an added content of organic matter. It grows well in the areas of low temperatures and high humidity.  What are the characteristics of fan clubmoss Fan Clubmoss is an herbaceous, perennial plant that spreads by creeping stems and tends to form dense sods. This plant grows vigorously and propagates through rhizomes; it is an ideal plant to use in shaded lawns because it establishes slowly.  Where does Clubmoss grow best?  Clubmoss grows well in acidic to neutral and well-draining soils. The plant grows in shaded environments and prefers cool temperatures.  How fast does fern moss grow Clubmoss has a slow growth rate of only around 1 to 2 inches a year. Its growth also depends on factors such as moisture, light and quality of the soil.  How to identify a clubmoss Clubmoss is recognized by small scale-like leaves situated spirally along the trailing stems. When young, it commonly makes a bright green ground-hugging mat.

Wild Ginger - TN Nursery

Wild Ginger

Wild Ginger is a low-growing, herbaceous perennial plant with heart-shaped leaves and unique, reddish-brown, tubular flowers often hidden beneath the foliage, typically found in shaded woodlands. It is a beautiful, versatile groundcover perennial that can be a valuable addition to landscaping. Here are some of its attributes and benefits when used in landscaping. Wild ginger is a plant that many may need to be made aware of. An ideal addition to a lawn that needs some variety in terms of the types and sizes of plants, there are plenty of reasons to start growing this plant where you live. Let's take a look at what it has to offer and how it might benefit your space. Wild Ginger (Asarum) Acts As a Larger Groundcover This plant is the perfect groundcover for those who want something that's a bit larger and can blend in seamlessly with their much smaller and much larger plants. Its heart-shaped leaves can extend up to eight inches tall, helping it seamlessly blend in throughout areas where smaller flowers feel disjointed in contrast with their much taller counterparts. If you have an area where you're having trouble growing grass or want something different, this plant will do! Wild Ginger Attracts Unique Pollinators This plant's flowers do not bloom toward the top. Instead, the jug-like flowers grow near the bottom of the plant. As a result, this attracts pollinators like ants and flies that you wouldn't usually think of as benefitting your garden. If you have other forms of ground cover or smaller plants that may need extra support, this plant could be an excellent addition to attract the pollinators your other plants aren't bringing in. Wild Ginger Is A Great Groundcover For Shady Areas Groundcover is a great way to reduce the number of weeds in your garden or yard. Because ground cover takes up the bulk of the planted space, it's much harder for weeds to take root and begin spreading. Should some weeds manage to start growing, they're much easier to pluck out. This plant is perfect if you want to reduce weeds and have something intentionally growing in your space. Reduces Soil Erosion With Wild Ginger Wild Ginger root systems spread across the space and keep soil in place, reducing soil erosion and ensuring that your soil retains its beneficial qualities. It also protects the roots of nearby plants, which is essential if you're looking to create a robust, beautiful garden. How To Identify Wild Ginger  Wild ginger is easily recognized by its heart-shaped leaves. It has small, inconspicuous brownish-purple flowers that are formed near the ground level and may not be noticed because of the foliage.  Where Does Wild Ginger Grow Best  Wild ginger grows best in shaded woodland environments with moist, well-drained soils with organic matter.  How Does Wild Ginger Reproduce  Wild ginger is propagated by rhizomes and creates a ground cover gradually. It can also spread through seeds but mainly reproduce through rhizomes.  How fast do Wild Ginger plants grow  Wild ginger grows slowly. But once it's established, it all add up to make a habitual ground cover that doesn't need frequent care. How Ginger And Wild Ginger Are Different  Ginger is derived from the rhizomes of a tropical species called Zingiber officinale, also called a ginger spice. Wild ginger is Asarum genus, and it is more preferred as an ornamental plant and as a ground cover.

fiddlehead fern

Fiddlehead Fern

Fiddlehead ferns are tightly coiled shoots resembling the scroll of a violin and are often used as a culinary delicacy. Their young, coiled fronds, such as the Ostrich type (Matteuccia struthiopteris), offer several benefits when landscaping projects. These unique and visually appealing plants have been admired for their charming appearance and practical uses in outdoor spaces. Fiddlehead Fern is native to North America, northern Asia, and Europe. In North America, they are most commonly found in Eastern Canada, southern Alaska, and from Maine to Illinois. Matteuccia Struthiopteris gets its name from the crowns it develops in the spring. These crowns or fonds tend to resemble the heads of violins or feathers. The Looks Of Fiddlehead Fern (Matteuccia struthiopteris) It is famous for its vase shape and tall curled fonds. On average, gardeners can expect them to grow between three and four feet tall and one foot wide. However, once well established, they can grow up to six feet tall and have a width of up to eight feet. They are found naturally in wooded areas that have rivers or streams. It is considered a deciduous perennial that grows upright. They don't develop flowers. Instead, the leaves are bright to medium green. The plant grows its fiddleheads in the spring, and they can reach heights of one and a half feet tall. Where to Plant Fiddlehead Fern in Your Garden They grow well in areas that lack full sun. Gardeners can enjoy planting them in shade gardens, along walls, and around trees and tall shrubs. When they develop their spore-bearing fronds in the summer, gardeners can dry them and use them in flower bouquets or arrangements in vases. Fiddlehead Ferns Can Grow Several Inches A Day It covers frogs and birds, especially robins, wrens, and wood thrushes, which tend to forage in them. These may also attract turtles, butterflies, and bees. Fiddlehead Ferns Companion Plants It grows well next to green ash, Virginia bluebells, wild ginger, swamp buttercup, common elderberry, golden Alexander, and wild blue phlox. It can also be planted under or near the American elm and silver maple tree. It makes beautiful additions to shade gardens and helps fill empty spaces under trees and around shrubs. It also has water features in any area that resemble its natural habitats. Do fiddlehead ferns like sun or shade Fiddlehead ferns require partial to fully shaded areas, a condition that makes them suitable for forested or shaded garden beds.  What are the characteristics of a fiddlehead fern?  These ferns are characterized by coiled fronds that bear some resemblance to scrolls of a musical instrument referred to as fiddle. It has bright green shoots that expand when growing.  How long do fiddleheads take to grow Fiddleheads gradually develop within a week to two from shoots to fronds. Growth is very fast when the climate is wet and warm, and this usually happens during early spring.  What season do fiddlehead ferns grow?  Fiddleheads mainly thrive during the early months of spring. This is when their coiled fronds break through the ground and are harvested before they uncoil fully.  Why are they called fiddlehead ferns The Fiddlehead fern gets its name from its appearance, as the young frond looks like the peg that is wound with a violin. Due to their unique shape and spirals with which they grow, they have been recognized by the name fiddlehead.

Vinca Minor - TN Nursery

Vinca Minor

The Vinca Minor has lush and evergreen foliage and delicate blue or white flowers, making it a popular choice for various outdoor spaces. While its benefits extend beyond its use in herbalism, let's explore its landscaping advantages. Vinca Minor, also called creeping myrtle, lesser periwinkle, or just myrtle, is a perennial beauty that instills a fetching charm in gardens, landscapes, and even potted plants. Vinca Minor Has Deep Emerald Green Foliage The leaves are a deep shade of rich emerald green, and most have a glossy, polished, or shiny appearance. They are typically oval-shaped with smooth edges, a thick texture, and prominent veins. Some species are varied. The plants can be erect or trailing. Leaves occur in pairs along the height of the stem, making the plant look lush and thick. The plant is graced with trailing stems and adorned with clusters of small blooms in white or in a pale, pastel purple-blue color that many people associate with serenity. Vinca Minor is active year-round.  Delicate little flowers appear early in spring and continue to bloom throughout spring and summer. Against a strikingly verdant backdrop provided by the rich green leaves, the clusters of blossoms are displayed to the best advantage. Creeping myrtles may look delicate. Nevertheless, they are hardy plants that tolerate harsh conditions gracefully. As perennial evergreen plants, they remain bright green throughout the winter. The Ground Cover Characteristics Of Vinca Minor This plant reaches only six inches when upright. However, the roots continue to grow underground every year, eventually becoming quite long. Although this plant has a medium growth rate, the roots can form a trailing mat, prostrate mat, or mounding mat. The stems like to get tangled up with each other, and as they do, they produce a thick mat of greenery that thrives all year. Vinca Minor Looks Great In Hanging Baskets Vinca Minor works well as trailers in large hanging baskets and tall pots. They provide superior coverage for hilly areas and can even be used in landscaping designs where you want subtle pops of color added to your existing ground-cover greenery. They have other uses as well. They have long been used in folk medicine to treat heart, nervous system, and GI tract conditions. The herb is thought to improve cognition and brain health. How do I care for Vinca Minor Vinca Minor requires little maintenance and grows in a variety of conditions. This plant is well adapted to an area that receives partial to full shade and has well-drained soil. It can do well in full sun if adequately watered.  Will Vinca Minor grow in my region  This plant can grow in temperate regions and is hardy to USDA zones 4-9. This feature gives the confidence that it will grow in gardens in different areas with varying climatic conditions.  How fast does Vinca Minor spread Vinca Minor is fast-growing, and once established, it will form a dense layer of green foliage. It is best used for erosion control and for covering bare spaces in the garden.  When does Vinca Minor bloom  This plant bears elegant blue, violet, or white flowers in spring and can flower sporadically in the summer. Its blossoms contribute a very beautiful sight when added to the prospects of any existing vegetation in the surroundings.  Is Vinca Minor easy to manage  Vica Minor is quite easy to manage. Prune to keep it free from messy shoots, though the plant is not very invasive. This makes it less demanding, and can easily grow on its own, thus appropriate for beginners as well as experts.

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