Herbaceous Perennials: Showy Blooms, Plus More!
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Herbaceous perennials are plants with soft green stems that usually die in the winter, while their roots thrive underground allowing regrowth in the spring. Most perennials are herbaceous. They are a great foundation for your garden, bringing many showy blooms and good ground cover. What is a perennial? Perennials are ornamental plants that stick around from year to year. Do not confuse this longevity, however, with an infinite life span. They do not stay at their peak forever. Observe your herbaceous perennials, and replace them when needed. Most last about two to three years, and some longer if they are natural to your environment. Low Maintenance Herbaceous Perennial or Not? Do not take it for granted that a seemingly low maintenance herbaceous perennial is actually little care for your situation. You will need to check your environment against your choice of perennial. Consult with your local nursery or your experienced neighbors if you are a beginner. For example, if your desired perennial is prone to pests and diseases affecting your region, you will need to take time and spray often. If it grows faster than you have time to divide, it will again take more of your time. You also need to be mindful of the climate. Many herbaceous perennials are treated as annuals due to climatic conditions. A few of our favorite perennials are briefly described below. Anise Hyssop This is an aromatic herbaceous perennial that is hardy up to Zone 4. Anise hyssop is of the genus Agastache, Even though it prefers full sun, it can also put up with partial shade. It requires well-drained soil that is moist, not wet. The leaves and florets of anise hyssop can be utilized for garnishes and salads. It has also been reported as a remedy for respiratory ailments such as coughs and colds. When dried, anise hyssop flower spears can be used for flower arrangements. Bitterroot This herbaceous perennial (Lewisia Rediviva), which is also Montana’s state flower, is slow growing and long lived. It is hardy to Zone 4. Bitterroot grows in small clumps with delicate white, violet, and pink blooms resembling small water lilies. The blooms close at night and opens in the morning. It is good in rock gardens, as borders, and can also be planted in containers. It does not like to be crowded. All summer long, keep the soil on the side of dry. Bitterroot has fleshy edible roots. When storing the roots of this herbaceous perennial, make certain that you mix them with dried saskatoons or dried gooseberries to prevent them from becoming too bitter. Edelweiss This short-lived herbaceous perennial is an aster plant of the daisy family. It is protected by law in Switzerland, and can be found abundantly in the high mountains of Europe, Asia, as well as South America. Edelweiss has silvery foliage, with flowers that resemble the paws of a large cat. It works well as a potted plant and as added attraction in rock gardens. It requires full sun and well-drained soil. It is hardy to Zone 3. This herbaceous perennial has been reported in folk medicine as an aid to stomach and respiratory ailments. Herbaceous perennials can be colorful, whether used as ground cover, border, or in containers to grace your home, in and out. More than that, some of these herbaceous perennials are edible! More on Herbaceous Perennials!
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