Perennials provide a bridge between the permanent structure of shrubs and the temporary color of annuals. They supply foliage and interest in the winter that annuals cannot provide. A well-sited perennial can provide years of interest at a relatively low cost, which is easily shared with friends. Experiment with lots of variety at first to discover what does best in your garden

Featured Book Over 500 perennials suitable to the Illinois climate are featured in this must-have guide to the garden. You'll find tons of practical advice on planting, growing, recommended varieties, problems and pests. The text is complemented by over 500 brilliant full-color photographs. A Quick Reference Chart provides information at a glance on color, blooming, height, hardiness, as well as light and soil requirements. Available at Casey's.

Perennial FAQ's

Which plants can I grow to attract Hummingbirds and Butterflies?

Plants to attract Hummingbirds: Ajuga, Alcea, Aquilegia, Asclepias, Buddleia, Clematis, Delphinium, Dianthus, Dicentra, Digitalis, Hemerocallis, Hesperis, Heuchera, Hosta, Lobelia, Lupinus, Lychnis, Monarda, Nepeta, Penstemon, Phlox, Physostegia, Salvia, Scabiosa, Veronica

Plants to attract Butterflies: Acanthus, Achillea, Agastache, Alcea, Allium, Anaphalis, Aquilegia, Ascelpias, Aster, Astibe, Aubrieta, Boltonia, Buddleia, Campanula, Catanache, Centaurea, Cheiranthus, Chrysanthemum, Cimicifuga, Coreopsis, Delphinium, Dianthus, Echinacea, Echinops, Erigeron, Eupatorium, Filipendula, Gaillardia, Gaura, Helenium, Helianthus

What can I do to encourage my clematis to bloom? Clematis love bright sun and cool roots. When the stems of your clematis are around 6-8" tall in the springtime, pinch out the central tips on all of the stems. This will encourage blooming up the entire stem of the plant as well as encouraging a bushier vine. This also is the time to give your clematis the first of a bi-annual fertilizing. (The second should be given around the end of June) Use clematis fertilizer or any other good perennial fertilizer.

My mums are trying to bloom - should I remove the buds again? How late can I pinch them back and still have them bloom early enough to beat the frost?

Garden mums and hardy asters should be pinched or trimmed back from spring until early July for late summer and fall blooming. Our rule of thumb is to leave the plants alone after the 4th of July. Once the garden mum gets past this date it will naturally prepare itself for late summer or fall bud set and bloom.

How do I divide perennials?

As a general rule, perennials should be divided every 3 to 4 years to keep them blooming vigorously. When perennials become crowded, they tend not to bloom as strongly as in previous years. Most plants can be divided in early Spring just when the new growth emerges from the soil.The best method of dividing perennials is to use a garden fork, or spade. Dig up as much of the root ball as possible. Cut root ball into pieces using a sharp knife or spade depending on the size of the clump. Each piece must contain roots and top growth. 4" divisions will produce nice plants the next season for most perennials.