What Are Perennial Flowers?

Spring is right around the corner and you will need to start thinking about planting beautiful flowers. There are so many different choices on the market today. How can a person decide? Knowing the types of flowers available is important before purchasing the flowers. Flowers are categorized as perennial, annual or biennial.

Perennial flowers are those that live for three or more seasons. They may not be strong enough to bloom the first season from a seed; however, if properly cared for, perennials can last several years.

If you have trouble remembering the definitions of flowers, try to remember that annual flowers only bloom once. Annuals live for one year and then, they will need to be replaced. Biennial flowers bloom once, live through the winter and then die in the spring. They also have to be replaced. Perennial flowers are permanent. Remember the two Ps: perennial and permanent.

Since perennial flowers are permanent, you should take special care in planting and growing these flowers. Here are some of the more popular perennial flowers that may be planted in your garden:

Yarrow perennials love the dry, lean soil. They need to be divided every three years and can live almost anywhere without regular watering.

Bellflower perennials grow in cooler summers with partial shade. If they begin to look droopy after a few years, cut or trim the flowers. They will grow back looking fuller and healthier.

Red Valerian perennials live for about five years. They prefer the cooler, dryer climates, but can also survive in hot summer temperatures.

Tickseed perennials only live for a short time, but require little to no maintenance. If you want them to last longer, divide them every two to three years.

Fumewort perennials can grow in the cracks of rocks. They don’t need special care, but can be frustrating to try to grow from seeds.