It seems that many landscapers overlook perennials. There may be some reasons for this- larger plants are more profitable and generally have a more immediate impact (and by immediate, I mean when the job is completed). Perennials, on the other hand, are typically less expensive but take some time to develop. They usually come in four-inch pots, and can look a little lost when first installed. I suspect many landscapers want to avoid the “Believe me, they will grow” conversation when doing a final walk-through with the client. That is too bad, because perennials have much to offer in the landscape.
Pros:
One of the best things about perennials is that the are just that- perennial… they come back year after year. Annuals, like petunias and impatiens, have much to offer too, but they must be replaced every year and add ongoing expense to the landscape budget. Even the most cursory cost benefit analysis clearly favors the perennial.
There is a perennial for every season. Some perennials are active in spring and early summer, while others start in summer and go through fall. Some feature colorful autumn foliage, and others retain attractive seed pods in winter or are evergreens. It is possible to orchestrate your perennials so there is bloom activity throughout the warmer months and still maintain winter interest.
Colors: Perennials offer an amazing palette of color which can be coordinated with an existing color theme or create a new one. They can add contrast and depth to a landscape, and brighten shady areas. One well-known designer* created a design using perennials which followed the progression of color on a color wheel. The possibilities are endless.
Landscape conditions: Dry shade? Intense afternoon sun? Poor soil? Excessive heat? There are perennials which will thrive under almost any growing condition.
Size and textures: Perennials range from groundcovers to background plants, and can easily compliment existing trees and shrubs. They offer a wide range of foliage textures to compliment their neighbors and add depth, contrast and interest.
Maintenance: While no plant is completely maintenance free, some require substantially less attention and are exceedingly forgiving. For those who enjoy spending a few hours in the garden, there are perennials that appreciate occasional pruning and deadheading. The reward often outweighs the time invested.
Cons:
Admittedly, perennials require more maintenance that annuals. They usually need some attention in spring (removing old growth) and occasionally need trimming or pruning during the growing season. Some perennials can look a little rough after flowering or need staking to keep them upright. Others can self-seed or become invasive. These are all issues that can be dealt with and should be considered carefully in the design phase.
The big advantage of annuals is the ability to change color schemes from season to season. For those who are always seeking a different look in the landscape, annuals are a great option and provide flexibility that perennials can’t.
* Tracy DiSabato-Aust is a highly regarded authority on perennial gardening and design. Some of her books include The Well Tended Perennial Garden and The Well Designed Mixed Garden. She was recently featured on WFPL’s Home Grown
