How to Identify Perennial Flowers
Perennials are plants that will return to a garden year after year. Generally they become dormant in the winter and bloom in the spring and summer. Home gardeners can plant different kinds of perennials for all the colorful blossoms. Being able to identify perennials helps with the planning and management of your garden.
You need
- Flower identification books
- Camera
- Notebook
- Pen
- Photograph the flowers you are interested in identifying. Try to get pictures before, during and after blooming.
- Use a notebook to make detailed features of the plant. Write down how tall it grows, the growing habitat, climate, soil type and the plant's age. Include details about the flowers, when they bloom, their shape, color and size and how long the bloom lasts. Keep the information and the pictures together.
- Use flower identification books to determine the genus of the plant. “Rodale’s Illustrated Encyclopedia of Perennials” is very thorough, with lots of detailed information.
- Look online for a blog or website that offers identification. These sites allow you to upload photos and ask questions. If anyone recognizes or has information about the plant, they will tell you.
- Visit a nursery. Usually the employees are willing to talk plants and may be able to identify something for you. Bring your photos and notebook, or even a live specimen if possible.
- Call the local cooperative extension office to see if there is a local expert you can contact. Local gardening clubs also sponsor master gardener programs where knowledgeable people in the community help with plant information at no charge.