Perennials are defined as lasting or active through the year or through many years.  Perennials also are recurring year after year.  Perennial plants are no different than these definitions.  There are literally thousands of perennial plants in existence, the majority of which can be grown in your backyard, provided the conditions are right.  However, rather than list every single perennial known to man, we will simply highlight a few that are relatively well known, as well as a few that are very unique.

• Geranium

    Also known as the Cranesbill, the perennial geranium is a very common plant to home gardens in the United States.  The geranium requires moist soil in all climates and flourishes in warm, shady areas or cool, exposed areas.  The moderate seasons of the mid-western United States make it a good choice for this area.  The flower blooms with 5 petals in a pink or magenta coloring.  The geranium also grows at a relatively fast rate, meaning that even when planted later in the season, the flower will still be able to bloom without much trouble, given that the conditions are fair enough.  Geraniums are very common in flower beds and window baskets.

• Aster

   The aster is a perennial flower that usually blooms in the fall and has 1-2" wide daisy like flowers.  These flowers can come in many shades, including red, pink, white, and purple.  The plant itself grows at a steady rate throughout the year provided that it gets plenty of sun and damp soil.  Used in walkway borders and containers, the aster is one of only a few late season flowers for butterflies and bees.  However, the aster also very attractive to aphids and beetles, making it somewhat of a pest haven. 

• Iris

   The quickly growing Iris generally has 6 flowers per stem, 3 that bloom on the exterior of the plant, and three that bloom on the interior.  The plant is named for the Greek goddess Iris, who supposedly walked between heaven and earth, leaving plants of all colors of the rainbow to sprout up wherever her feet touched the ground.  The Iris is available in almost any color, making it a prime choice for any garden or border.  The Iris can be placed and grown in groups, or in mass quantities along sidewalks, paths, etc...  While some Irises require well drained soil, most do just fine in very damp soil and plenty of sunlight exposure. 

• Goldenrod

   The goldenrod is a taller plant, growing to an average height of 2'-6".  It's golden yellow flowers are arranged in no specific pattern, and generally fall from the plant in the late fall/ early winter.  The plant grows at a moderate rate during the year and requires well drained soil, as well as some afternoon shade.  Due to the tall nature of the plant, some will also need to be staked early on.  This is done by setting a stake near the plant and tying the plant down so that it will grow relatively straight.  Found commonly in butterfly and bee gardens, the goldenrod tends to attract mammals, who chew on the plant and can damage and/or kill it.  Protection from outside elements can be achieved with a simple fencing device.

• Periwinkle

    Periwinkle is probably the fastest growing perennial of those listed on this page.  The Periwinkle is also the most tolerant plant as well, thriving in well drained soil, but surviving just as well in poorly maintained soil.  The flowers of this plant usually bloom in late spring or early summer and are commonly a blue/purple color.  The Periwinkle is commonly used in woodland gardens, as well as many household containers and/or window boxes.  This flowering plant is very aggressive and dominant, and should not be planted with other plants that need to branch out drastically.   

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