Perennial Plants

Perennial Plants FAQs

Take a look at some of the frequently asked questions we receive from those looking to buy Perennial Plants in the UK. You can contact our Customer Service Team or browse our general FAQs for further advice.

What are Perennial Plants?

Perennial plants are those that live for more than two years, typically flowering every season after reaching maturity. Unlike annuals and biennials, perennials persist through multiple seasons, usually going dormant in winter and reemerging in spring. They are generally low maintenance, requiring minimal care such as occasional pruning or dividing. Perennials come in many forms, including flowers, herbs, shrubs, and grasses, and are valued for their longevity, reliability, and the structure they provide to gardens. Popular examples include Geraniums, Echinacea, and Alchemilla, which add enduring colour and texture to garden beds and borders.

Why Grow Perennial Plants?

Growing perennial plants offers numerous benefits for gardeners. They provide long-term value, as they live for several years, reducing the need for annual replanting. Perennials are generally low maintenance, requiring minimal care such as occasional pruning and dividing, making them ideal for both novice and experienced gardeners. They contribute to garden sustainability by improving soil structure and reducing erosion. Perennials also enhance the garden's aesthetic appeal, offering a wide variety of colours, shapes, and textures that change with the seasons. Furthermore, they support local ecosystems by providing habitats and food sources for pollinators like bees and butterflies. Popular examples like Geraniums, Echinacea, and Alchemilla bring enduring beauty and ecological benefits to any garden.

What to consider when choosing Perennial Plants?

When choosing perennial plants for your garden, consider factors like climate and hardiness to ensure they can withstand local weather conditions. Assess your soil type and select plants suited to it, while also taking into account the amount of sunlight your garden receives, as some perennials need full sun and others thrive in shade. Water requirements are crucial; choose drought-tolerant varieties if your area is dry. Plan for continuous bloom by selecting plants with varying bloom times and consider the mature height and spread to avoid overcrowding. Opt for low-maintenance varieties if you prefer minimal upkeep, and select plants resistant to common pests and diseases. Lastly, think about companion planting to create a harmonious garden design that combines complementary colours, textures, and growth habits.

Top Perennial Plants

Here are some top perennial plants that are favoured by gardeners for their beauty, resilience, and ease of care:

1. Geraniums (Cranesbill): Known for their long blooming period and ability to thrive in various conditions, they offer vibrant flowers and attractive foliage.
2. Echinacea (Coneflower): Appreciated for their daisy-like flowers and medicinal properties, they attract pollinators and are drought-tolerant.
3. Alchemilla (Lady's Mantle): Valued for its scalloped leaves and chartreuse flowers, it's excellent for ground cover and thrives in partial shade.
4. Hostas: Renowned for their lush, attractive foliage and ability to grow in shaded areas, they come in a variety of sizes and colours.
5. Peonies: Loved for their large, fragrant blooms and longevity, they make a stunning focal point in any garden.
6. Daylilies: Known for their colourful, trumpet-shaped flowers and hardy nature, they bloom repeatedly throughout the summer.
7. Lavender: Famous for its aromatic foliage and flowers, it's great for sunny spots and has numerous culinary and medicinal uses.
8. Sedum (Stonecrop): Ideal for rock gardens and borders, it's drought-tolerant and produces clusters of star-shaped flowers.
9. Salvia: Praised for its spiky flowers and ability to attract hummingbirds and butterflies, it's a versatile and low-maintenance choice.
10. Rudbeckia (Black-Eyed Susan): With bright yellow flowers and a dark centre, it blooms profusely and is easy to grow, adding cheerfulness to any garden.

These perennials are popular for their ability to provide long-lasting beauty, ease of care, and benefits to the garden ecosystem.

When to plant Perennial Plants

The best time to plant perennial plants is during the spring or autumn.

• Spring Planting: Planting perennials in the spring, after the last frost date, allows them to establish their root systems during the growing season. This timing gives them a full season to grow and acclimate before facing winter conditions.
• Autumn Planting: Planting in early autumn, typically between late August and mid-October, allows perennials to take advantage of the warm soil temperatures while avoiding the extreme heat of summer. This period also provides sufficient time for roots to establish before the ground freezes, leading to a strong start in the spring.

Both planting seasons have their advantages. Spring planting provides a longer growing period before winter, while autumn planting can reduce the need for frequent watering and take advantage of cooler, wetter weather conditions. Avoid planting during the peak summer heat or late autumn when the ground may freeze, as these conditions can stress new plants and hinder their establishment.

Where to Plant Perennial Plants

When deciding where to plant perennial plants, it's crucial to match their sunlight needs with the garden's conditions—full sun for at least six hours daily, partial shade for three to six hours, and full shade for less than three hours. Assess and amend soil type (sandy, loamy, clay) to ensure proper drainage and fertility, tailoring it to the chosen perennials. Consider water availability and place drought-tolerant varieties in dry spots and water-loving plants near moisture sources. Plan the garden layout with attention to mature plant height and spread to prevent overcrowding, and utilize microclimates for optimal growth conditions. Aim for a harmonious design by grouping perennials that complement each other in colour, texture, and growth habits, ensuring easy access for maintenance tasks like pruning and dividing.

Why buy Perennial Plants from Marshalls

Garden?

• We have more than 70 years experience of in producing top-quality Perennial Plants and helping gardeners like you get the best results. Check out our growing guides for more information on how to maximise your garden.
• You can contact us six days a week with any queries about our products and services, or if you need advice on what to do in your garden.  
• We offer express delivery as standard and despatch all summer bedding orders within 24 hours. 
• We won silver in the Best Online Retailer category at the 2022 Great British Growing Awards.
• We're proud of our thousands of five-star reviews on Feefo and offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee on all our products.