Perennials

In the simplest terms a perennial is a plant that lives for two or more years and when we talk about them we are usually referring to plants (herbaceous perennials) that die down for winter but re-emerge in spring. Trees and shrubs are perennial as well but they are woody and not herbaceous. For a gardener it’s hard to beat the excitement of the first perennial leaves emerging after a long winter.

Perennials are often planted in groups in either meandering borders or as the backbone of flower or shrub beds. With attention to details like light requirements, zone hardiness, soil types and moisture needs perennials can reward you with years of blooms or texture. In fact, many thrive for decades and can be divided and passed on to fellow gardeners.

Top 2021 Perennials

  • Aralia Sun King Perennial

    This one is still Erna & Reena’s favorite. It features a mound of beautiful lime green foliage that does great in both sun and shade conditions. Although it is a perennial, and dies back to the ground every fall, it gives the appearance of a 3′ x 3′ shrub.

  • Peony Red Charm Perennial

    There’s something so delicately romantic about peonies, especially with this large deep red, double flower.  The Red Charm Peony is one of the earlier bloomers in the garden and works great as cut flowers with their subtle sweet fragrance.

  • Heuchera Forever Red Perennial

    These guys have a bad reputation for being hard to grow, but with the right conditions (part to full shade, without being exposed to that harsh north wind in winter) they can be an amazing pop of color for a shady spot on the yard. What we love about this one is that awesome red that deepens with the season, and it’s delicate creamy blooms.

  • Astilbe Ostrich Plume Perennial

    Though this is not a new plant by any means, it’s a classic that we thought deserved a spot on our list. Another shade lover this plant can handle a spot in the garden that stays a little wetter. It’s large, loose, whimsical plumes weep over a mass of green foliage and continue to bloom throughout late spring and early summer. Bonus: they are rabbit and deer resistant!

  • Dicentra Spectablis (Bleeding Heart) Perennial

    These are not the variety you remember in Grandma’s garden. This newer variety is much easier to grow than it’s older family members. It presents a medium-size bush of green fern like foliage in spring which produce arches of heart shaped blooms for 4-6 weeks in late spring to early summer. They love shade but will also grow in sun in cooler conditions.

  • Lupin (Mini Gallery Series) Perennial

    This is such a great, new variety of lupin! It’s a shorter version of the gallery series which makes the plant much sturdier, fuller and more floriferous than other varieties. These unique beauties are bound to be a statement piece in a sunny spot in the garden. They also tolerate acidic soil.

  • Monarda (BeeBalm) Perennial

    With all the buzz about promoting bees, this plant is a must have. One of the favourite food sources for our pollinator friends, we love this plant. It thrives in part-full sun and is quite thirsty until established.

  • Sunsparkler Sedum Perennial

    This is a low creeping variety of sedum, which is part of the succulent family. It produces carpets of dense foliage, in a variety of colours and styles, which work great in rock gardens and other well drained areas. They are very drought tolerant and love full sun!

  • Delphinium (New Millenium Mini Stars) Perennial

    If you love butterflies this is the plant for you. Delphiniums have been around forever but these mini stars are awesome. Not as large as other varieties they still make a big impact with their cool tones and masses of flowers throughout spring and summer. They will grow part shade to full sun and have a much stronger stem than other delphiniums.

  • Delosperma (Ice Plant) Perennial

    These drought tolerant plants are another member of the succulent family. They have a delicate juicy foliage with small masses of brightly coloured flowers covering the plant from spring right into August. They do best in bright sun and well drained soil. Another great one for rock gardens and areas that you just need to plant and forget. We also love using them in succulent containers!