Perennial plants live for multiple growing seasons

Although their tops often die back after they pass their flowering season, their roots are still very much alive, and they send up shoots the following spring. These plants have many uses and purposes in the home landscape. The perennial border is a classic cottage garden that works well with any home style and can be adapted to any yard size.

Perennial ground covers make an excellent alternative to traditional lawn grass and can be used on banks and hillsides for erosion control. The wide variety of available perennial plants means that there's something for nearly any landscaping situation, such as sunny spots, shady spots, and everything in between. Many perennials are also native plants that work well in naturalized landscapes.

Perennials for the Border

The traditional layout of the classic perennial border is that the plants are arranged by size, with the smallest at the front and the largest at the back.

  • Typical back-of-the-border options include Marsh Hibiscus, Partridge Pea, and Turks Cap Lily.
  • Trumpet Vine is an excellent choice for rambling over a fence at the back of the border.
  • Virginia Bluebells, Black-Eyed Susan, and Red Cardinal Flower are mid-size plants for the middle of the border.
  • At the same time, Blue Violets and Hepatica Plant are diminutive enough to be placed at the front.

Perennials for Sunny Areas


Full sun is defined as six or more hours per day of direct sunlight. Sun-loving perennial choices include Blazing Star Plant, Blue Vervain, Golden Ragwort, and Coneflower Plant. All of these can be used in borders in sunny yard areas or as specimen plants on berms or the side of entryways. They're also ideal for the southern and western sides of the home, where many plants struggle with too much heat and sun.

Perennials for Shady Areas

Flowering perennial options are part of the yard and garden area with a lot of shade, including Trillium, Goldenseal, Trout Lily, Jewelweed, and Creeping Buttercup.

Fan Clubmoss and a variety of ferns are nonflowering options for shaded areas. Because most types of lawn grass don't grow well in the shade, homeowners often choose to naturalize shady parts of the yard to complete the woodland effect provided by the trees. Besides being ideal for planting under trees, these plants are also good for the north side of the home.

Perennials for Ground Covers

Perennial ground covers can be used in place of lawn grass, planted for erosion control, used at the front of perennial borders, planted on the sides of walkways, or used in rock gardens. Good options include Wild Ginger Plant, which brings bright green foliage and small white flowers to the often hard-to-fill areas under shade trees, and Partridge Plant, an evergreen featuring white flowers in spring and bright red berries in autumn and winter.

Perennials for Native Plant Gardens

Homeowners have many benefits from having a native plant garden in their yards. Native plants are often more resistant to pests and diseases than their cultivated counterparts, and their water needs are usually met by rainfall. Some types, such as Milkweed Plant and Goat's Beard Plant, provide valuable habitats for butterflies, bees, hummingbirds, and other vital pollinators. Native plant gardens are often sited around the edges of naturalized woodland gardens.

Perennials for Autumn Flowering

Although perennials are generally associated with spring and summer flowering, many types bloom in autumn. Brown Eyed Susan and Goldenrod, for instance, provide bright yellow blooms from summer through fall. Wild Aster and daisy plant brings old-fashioned daisy-like charm to the picture and is ideal for naturalizing areas with many suns. Mountain Mint is a low-growing perennial that produces discreet, small white flowers in the fall, while the tall purple spires of Blazing Star Plant make a dramatic statement in the home landscape.

Perennials for Drought Conditions

With drought conditions on the rise in several states and increases in utility costs, many homeowners are seeking solutions in the form of drought-tolerant vegetation. Fortunately, many perennials evolved in environments with little natural water yet still bring abundant flowering beauty to the home landscape. Red Daylily and Stella De Ora Daylily are excellent for specimen plantings. At the same time, Larkspur and Black-Eyed Susan can be used in borders or naturalized areas such as wildflower gardens.

Periwinkle - Vinca minor - TN Nursery

Periwinkle Plant

Periwinkle is a perennial vine and a low-growing, evergreen ground cover plant with glossy green leaves and small, violet-blue flowers. It is often used to fill in garden spaces and control erosion. Incorporating it into landscaping offers many benefits that add beauty and functionality to outdoor spaces. This versatile ground cover brings lushness, adaptability, erosion control, low-maintenance care, and soft elegance to garden settings. Periwinkle - Vinca minor is famous for its blue flowers, and this flower is an excellent groundcover. Unlike some groundcovers, it proliferates without becoming invasive. Because of this, many home gardeners and landscape designers like to add this cheery flower to their landscape. Periwinkle Plant (Vinca Minor) Has Many Names It initially originated in central and southern Europe. Classified as a part of the dogbane family, this flower quickly spread to the Baltic States, the Netherlands, and the Caucasus. Today, it is grown around the world as a groundcover. Sometimes, people may refer to this groundcover by other common names, like creeping myrtle or myrtle. Periwinkle Plant Helps With Soil Erosion  Periwinkle Plant is truly a gardener’s delight. Its strong roots help to control soil erosion, and its trailing vines are full of glossy leaves. Because deer don’t usually like it, you don’t have to worry about it disappearing. Plus, it can handle some foot traffic, so it doesn’t get trampled easily. Because it is considered an evergreen, it will keep its glossy, green leaves in the winter. After you plant it, the vines will gradually spread over neighboring areas. While it mainly grows along the ground, this vine can sometimes get up to 16 inches tall. Unlike other vines, it never climbs or twines around trees or walls. Instead, you can enjoy having it as a permanent ground cover in your garden. The Periwinkle Plant Flowers Are Sure to Impress The most notable part of this vine is its flowers. They are typically created between early spring and the middle of summer. Sometimes, you will still notice a few flowers in autumn. All of the flowers have a violet-purple shade and a five-lobed corolla. On some species, you can even find white and pale purple flowers. Periwinkle Is A Drought Tolerant Groundcover With Periwinkle Plant, you will have an evergreen mat in your garden beds throughout the year. The flowers remain for many of spring and summer so that you can appreciate bright blue pops. Thanks to its rapid growth, you don’t have to wait long to see this lovely vine fill empty areas in your yard. Why is the Periwinkle Plant so garden-friendly  They are prized for their beautiful flowers that are available year round and are pink, purple, white or blue. Not only are they maintenance free but they can tolerate most soils and climates.  Can periwinkles grow in shaded areas?  Yes, periwinkles do well in shaded and partially shaded conditions. That is why they are well suited for filling in under trees or any other location where other plants can barely grow.  How do I care for my Periwinkle Plant  Periwinkles require a little care. Water them occasionally, and the soil should be drained well. They are very hardy and, as such, ideal for growers with little experience as well as for the experienced ones.  Are periwinkles good for ground cover?  Periwinkle grows and spreads rapidly to form a dense green blanket on the ground, which makes it excellent for controlling soil erosion and smothering weeds in gardens.  Does Periwinkle Plant bloom all year round  In warm climates, periwinkles can flower almost all year round, offering constant beauty. They are a rewarding and reliable option for your landscape.

Cardinal Flower - TN Nursery

Cardinal Flower

Cardinal Flowers (Lobelia cardinalis) are striking in any garden and produce bright red flowers that attract hummingbirds and butterflies. Their long, graceful spikes of flowers bring color to wetlands, shade spots, and garden borders.  Planting and Maintenance Cardinal Flower The Red Cardinal Flowers are super easy to plant and maintain, so they can be used by any gardener regardless of their experience. They prefer to grow in sluggish, fertile soil and are best grown in shade rather than sun. Sow by loosening the soil, placing the roots, covering them with soil, and watering deeply. They are low-maintenance and require moisture for growth and regular deadheading to maintain long blooming. Colors of The Red Cardinal Flowers These perennials usually flower during mid-to-late summer, and their ruby-red blooms last for weeks. The plant is dark green with dark green leaves, and its spikes stand out. Once the flowers open, they shrivel up and emerge in pods as a second season of interest. The foliage remains green throughout the season, so the plant does not look overgrown.  Lobelia Cardinalis The plants are perennials growing upright, and their flower heads reach heights of 2 to 4 feet. Their graceful and tall stature makes them ideal for adding texture to garden beds or naturalized areas. Given time, Cardinal Flowers will bloom year after year to bring enduring beauty to your garden.  Cardinal Flower Bloom Life Cycle   Cardinal Flowers are sent to TN Nursery in healthy, plant-ready containers. Carefully bred for healthy growth and flowering, these plants proliferate in moist, fertile soils. Plant the beautiful Cardinal Flowers in your yard and enjoy their rich red blooms for a lifetime!      

Coneflower Plant - TN Nursery

Purple Coneflower

Echinacea plants like purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) are favorites in the garden for their beauty, ease of maintenance, and hardiness. They’re perfect for those who enjoy an attractive, pollinator-friendly perennial. Purple Coneflower Echinacea Plants are extremely easy to cultivate They prefer good soil and full sun but will also tolerate some shade. Planting them is simple, you simply make a hole rather than bury the root ball in the soil and water it. Once established, they do not require a lot of maintenance or attention, not even watering when it’s still dry. They are drought-tolerant and pest-resistant and attract pollinators like bees and butterflies.  Seasonal Beauty and Blooming Cycle  They are known to bloom throughout the summer and late fall. The purple-pink petals of each bloom cluster around a coppery-orange cone. Winter dries up the flowers, and decorative seed heads appear in winter to attract birds. The bloom season lasts many weeks after summer arrives. Even into late fall, you will see birds and monarchs feasting off these plants.  Shape and Longevity of Echinacea Plants Purple Coneflowers are tall, graceful plants growing two to four feet tall. They are striking because of their daisy flowers and their somber green leaves. The perennials are perennial and can endure for decades when cared for appropriately, thus offering an excellent, stable, and durable option for any garden.  

White Trillium - TN Nursery

White Trillium

White Trillium is a spring-blooming wildflower with large, white, three-petaled flowers and a distinctive, whorled arrangement of leaves, typically found in woodland habitats. It is prized for its large, showy, white flowers that bloom in the spring. The blooms can add a touch of elegance and beauty to your landscaping. It is a native North American wildflower that can provide several landscaping benefits. White Trillium, commonly known as the "wood lily "and the "large-flowered wake-robin," is a long-lived perennial wildflower that grows in eastern North America. Its bright to dark-green foliage blooms with large, colorful flowers in April, May, and June. The Habitat Of The Great White Trillium (Trillium grandiflorum Its native range includes woodlands from Quebec to Georgia. In the wild, the plant grows in deciduous or mixed forested areas and on mesic slopes, as well as on rich rock ridges and in thickets and swamps. In Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains, the herb sometimes produces mixed populations of rose-pink and white blossoms. The Appearance Of White Trillium Its flowers have showy white blossoms that stretch more than 4" in diameter. Their long, pointed petals take on a pink tint over time. Each outwardly curved flower rises above three glossy, green, oval-shaped leaf-like bracts with a visibly veined appearance and pointed tips. A short rhizome that serves as the plant's stem branches out into peduncles aboveground that grow up to 15" tall. The plant commonly forms large, dense colonies that spread slowly as they age. Woodland Gardens Look Elegant With White Trillium  Whether you're designing a woodland or wildflower garden or want to add a little texture to a shady spot, it will make a lovely addition to your landscape. These spring-blooming flowers complement hosta, ferns, iris, and jack-in-the-pulpit beautifully and make your yard a natural haven. Since they go dormant during the summer, pairing them with groundcover plants and perennials will help them flourish into autumn. White Trillium Is Great For Wildlife White Trillium serves as host plants for the American angle shades moth and the black-patched clips. During the blooming season, native and honey bees visit the blooms to pursue nectar. Ants eat the lipid-rich elaiosome surrounding the seeds, then drop them on the soil, where they grow into healthy new plants. The plant colonies can provide habitat and coverage for small mammals in places where the plant grows prolifically. White-tailed deer also enjoy grazing the blossoms and foliage. White Trillium Life Span  White trilliums are perennials, they can live for 20-25 years given the right care. Make sure the plants are adequately watered and are away from the critters. White trillium grows as a small seed, which is years away from developing into a plant. It flowers in the spring, a pretty white flower that goes pink when the plant is dormant.  Do White Trilliums Smell Good  White trilliums are delicate, and uncomplicated. They aren't especially perfumed, but the smell makes up for it in appearance.  Which conditions are best for white trilliums?  White trillium plants like sunny or partially sunny locations with deep, good-quality soil. They like landscapes like the forest floor with organic added on.  How Is White Trillium Pollinated  The pollinators for white trilliums are ants and bees. The flowers hold nectar for pollinators, and the seeds are carried away by ants on their way to their nests.

Fleabane Daisy - TN Nursery

Fleabane Daisy

Fleabane Daisy boasts delicate, white to pale pink petals surrounding a yellow center, and it is known for its ability to thrive in various natural habitats.is a charming and beneficial plant with numerous advantages in landscaping projects. This perennial flower belongs to the Asteraceae family and is known for its delicate appearance and versatility in outdoor spaces. The Fleabane Daisy is a precious North American flower that embodies the beauty of simplicity. As a pioneer species of the Rocky Mountains, this indigenous plant is acclaimed for its bright coloration and vibrancy. What Makes Fleabane Daisy (Erigeron annuus) So Unique Also known as Erigeron annuus, it is not your typical flower. In contrast to other members of its genus, this flower can be partially distinguished by its ample coarse-toothed leaves. The unusual cleft shape is a distinctly recognizable attribute that is particularly noticeable around the stem base. A tendency towards narrowing can be observed near the top, but their symmetrical pattern remains intact. The stem showcases a slight hairiness that can often only be seen up close. Fleabane Daisy Blooms White, Pink, Purple  With faint shades of pink and purple, the petals subtly evoke qualities of both romance and affection. From off-white to lavender, these daisies possess an irresistibly eye-catching and attractively understated gradient. Their gold and yellow centers discreetly provide an ideal contrast that lavishly amplifies the flower’s soft visual enticements. The relatively small circular core keenly enhances a slender and wispy presentation. Fleabane Daisies Can Grow Up To 3 Feet Tall Their blooming is culturally associated with late spring, and they commonly continue sprouting new flowers into mid-autumn. Heights vary widely due to their adaptive spirit, but they often grow up to 4 feet tall. Meanwhile, the delicate petals vary in length individually. They are approximately 1 inch long, and there are usually more than 100 per flower. An impressive clustering capacity often generates over 40 flower heads per stalk. This powerful inflorescence ultimately cultivates a rich and luscious visage. Fleabane Daisy Reseeds Itself  Fleabane Daisy is typically an annual species but has also been observed adapting to a biennial life cycle. Its quaint appearance masks an underlying robustness. It is renowned for its resilience, and this hearty nature lends itself to an abundant flowering cycle. Despite a reliance on standard pollination processes, these plants also can self-fertilize. As a favorite delicacy among bees, it is recognized for its contributions to healthy landscapes of all kinds. How do I take care of the fleabane daisy Plant Fleabane daisy in a sunny area in your garden and in soil that provides good drainage. They require moderate watering and not waterlogged soil.  Is it possible to propagate Fleabane Daisy?  Get their seeds during the fall or early spring air. Sprinkle them on some wet soil then cover slightly. Don't overwater; just keep things moist, and you'll have as many flowers as you can imagine within the blink of an eye. What Plants can I grow together with the Fleabane Daisy Fleabane Daisy grows well with other floral plants such as lavender, Salvia, and ornamental grasses. These companion plants spice up your garden.  How can I use fleabane daisies for Landscaping?  The Fleabane Daisy can be used for borders, rock gardens, or even in pots. Their cheerful blossoms will help to lighten up any area and bring joy to your outdoor space.  Where does fleabane daisy grow best To maintain your Fleabane Daisy in good shape, allow them to get some sun, use soil that drains well and trim the plants after they have flowered. These little, pretty plants are best for your garden if you don't want to spend too much time caring for them.

Stella De Oro Daylily - TN Nursery

Stella De Oro Daylily

Stella De Oro Daylily is a popular perennial plant known for its prolific golden-yellow, trumpet-shaped flowers and long blooming period, making it a favorite in gardens and landscapes. As a part of the genus Hemerocallis, this flower is native to Asia. Despite its name, it is not a true lily. A true lily grows on tall stems and has flowers at the top of the stem. This flower has short stems and produces a large fountain of foliage at the base of the plant. Stella De Oro Daylily (Hemerocallis 'Stella de Oro') Is A Golden Beauty When this flower blooms, it fills your yard with a golden, sunny brilliance. Typically, the flowers will start blooming in late May. While orange flowers were the original version of this flower, more than 20 species and 20,000 hybrids are available today. This particular version is popular because of its famous yellow petals. It initially blooms in late spring and then blooms a second time in late fall. Once the first frost arrives, the flowers will disappear. Stella De Oro Daylily Bulbs Reproduce on Their Own Because it is a perennial, you don’t have to replant this flower each year. Instead, it uses fleshy, thickened roots and rhizomes for reproduction. Stolons from the rhizome help the plant spread out over time. The flower’s root system can hold water and nutrients, so these hardy plants can prevail out of the soil for weeks. Stella De Oro Daylily Has Verdant Leaves Stella De Oro Daylily are unique because of the way they grow. Grass-like leaves are produced at the bottom of the plant, which is one of the most significant differences between this flower and a true lily. These arching leaves are surprisingly long, so they look like blades of grass. This mounded foliage thrives, which is excellent for filling up space in a garden bed. Because Stella De Oro Daylily is known for reblooming, you will see it in home gardens and commercial landscapes.  Thanks to its no-fuss attitude, it is also trendy in median strips along highways. Its fleshy roots allow it to be exceptionally hardy because it can always draw on the nutrients in the roots when there aren’t nutrients in its natural environment. Whether you want a hardy plant or a lovely flower, this perennial will surely please. Why is the Stella De Oro Daylily special  Stella de Oro daylily is an ode to lovely golden-yellow flowers that flower from early summer through early fall. It's large and brightly coloured and easily noticeable in any yard and hence good for borders, in containers or just the yard.  How do I look after a Stella De Oro Daylily  They are low maintenance plants and should be planted in full sun or part shade. They prefer well-drained soils but they're not fussy about any soils, so they're great for a beginner or busy gardener.  How often do I need to water my Stella De Oro Daylily  Stella de Oro daylily blooms nicely if watered often, in dry seasons. Soak them in water at least once a week to make them flower healthily.  Do I grow Stella De Oro Daylily in a pot  Stella de Oro daylilies are container grown! They're ideal for patios, balconies and other little places, and they give a splash of color with minimal effort.  Is Stella De Oro Daylily very pruners  Stella de Oro daylilies don't need much cutting. Only dead-head (disappear dead flowers and leaves) so the plant is tidy and more flowering.

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