A perennial is a plant that lives for more than one growing season. Many garden perennials die back in cold weather and return in spring, but they do not all grow or flower in the same way. Start by choosing plants for the light and space you have; then think about which months you want flowers and which leaves you want to see between blooms.
Build the bed around more than flowers
Black-eyed Susans and peonies draw attention when they bloom. Hostas are often chosen for leaf shape and color; astilbe can bring foliage interest too. A bed with different leaves still has something to look at when its flowering plants are resting. If you have a shady place, see what the post on growing hostas says about morning sun and moisture. For a sunny flowering option, read about black-eyed Susan.
Match the plant to the spot
Some perennials prefer full sun; others are better with some shade. Conditions can also change as trees grow and a once-sunny bed becomes shadier. Leave room for a young plant to spread instead of filling every gap at planting time. Many perennials make a stronger show after they have had time to establish, often around their third year. That is a reason to be patient, not a promise that every plant will thrive by a particular year.
To keep a bed interesting through cold months, mix in some evergreen shrubs for structure. Annuals can fill a temporary gap while slower-growing perennials settle. You can learn how to use them in our annuals guide.
What care should you expect?
Needs vary by plant. Some respond well to removing spent blooms during the growing season, while others are worth leaving for their seed heads. When stems and leaves have browned, some plants can be cut back; you do not need to treat every perennial identically. Check the soil and water new plantings as they settle in. Once established, revisit the bed each season: move or divide a clump if it crowds its neighbor, and reconsider the planting if the light has changed.
