Choosing Garden Perennials
Perennial plants are often thought of as hardy plants that can survive long-term through a variety of conditions. But the actual definition of a perennial is simply any long-lived plant — from the smallest flowers to the largest trees. Smaller perennials often survive winter through specialized stems, bulbs, or crowns, while trees rely on robust woody tissue that can carry them for millennia. Whether it lives for centuries or just two seasons, both are perennials.
What Kind of Perennial Is Right for Me?
The perennials you choose will depend largely on your own taste, the effort you're willing to put into care, whether your garden gets lots of sun or spends more time in shade, and how cold your winters and hot your summers run.
If your garden gets a lot of sun, look for perennials that enjoy it — plant stores often carry hardy varieties bred specifically for heat, drought, and cold resistance, the kind that thrive with little care in desert states like Utah, Nevada, Arizona, and New Mexico. If your garden sees more shade, look for perennials suited to low light instead; they're less likely to be drought-resistant and will usually need more watering and attention.
Ask a salesperson at your favorite garden store whether a plant has been bred for durability under harsh conditions — it's better to choose one that's "over-durable," since giving a plant more care than it needs is unlikely to hurt it.
Going for the Low-Maintenance Perennials
By buying plants known to grow well under harsh conditions, you should be able to grow them successfully with little effort, even if your thumb isn't as green as you'd like. Choose your perennials wisely, and you'll get years of enjoyment out of your garden.
