They’ll Spread Like Crazy
It’s easy to hear horror stories about plants running wild, but most perennials aren’t out to dominate your garden. Sure, there are a few that like to spread, but many, like hostas and peonies, are perfectly content staying in their space. The trick is knowing your plants’ growth habits before you plant them. If you’re worried about crowding, you can always take a proactive approach by dividing them every few years.
Perennials Are Expensive
At first glance, perennials might seem like a bigger investment compared to annuals, but they pay off in the long run. They come back every year, so you’re not buying replacements each spring. Plus, when they grow big enough, you can divide them and get even more plants for free. It’s like your garden starts to give back to you—and who doesn’t love that?
They’re All Boring Green Between Blooms
Some people think perennials lose their charm after their blooms fade, but there are plenty that look great all season long. Plants like coral bells, ferns, and hostas have gorgeous leaves that keep your garden looking lively. You can even plan your garden around foliage, so it stays interesting whether your plants are in bloom or not.
All Perennials Are Low-Growing
There’s a misconception that perennials are small, low-growing plants, but many can add serious height and structure to your garden. Coneflowers, delphiniums, and hollyhocks are just a few examples of perennials that stand tall and make a big impact. Mixing in these larger plants can create depth and give your garden a layered look.
You Can’t Move Established Perennials
If you’ve ever hesitated to plant perennials because you think they’re stuck forever, don’t worry—you can move them. Many perennials handle transplanting well, especially in early spring or fall. Sometimes a new spot can give them a fresh start and encourage better growth. Just make sure to water them well after the move to help them settle in.
Perennials Last Forever
While it’s tempting to think perennials will stick around indefinitely, some have a natural expiration date. Plants like columbine, hollyhock, and lupines are known as short-lived perennials, meaning they might only last a few years, even in ideal conditions. The good news? Many of these short-lived types self-sow, dropping seeds that grow into new plants. On the flip side, perennials like coneflowers and bee balm are built for the long haul, often spreading and multiplying over time.
Perennials Bloom All Season
Unlike annuals that bloom non-stop, most perennials have specific blooming periods. Even varieties labeled as ever-blooming tend to have a big show followed by lighter blooms here and there. That’s because perennials need to conserve energy to survive the winter, focusing on their roots instead of flowering. To keep your garden colorful all summer, try planting a mix of perennials that bloom at different times. It’s like planning a parade of flowers for your yard.
Perennials Only Bloom Once a Year
A lot of people think perennials only flower for a quick season and then call it quits. That’s not always the case. Plants like daylilies or coreopsis can put on multiple blooming shows if you deadhead them—that’s just a fancy way of saying you snip off the spent flowers. Some perennials even hold their blooms for weeks, rivaling those showy annuals. The key is knowing what you’re planting and giving it a little extra care when it needs it.
Perennials Are Maintenance-Free
It’s easy to see the “plant once and forget it” appeal of perennials, but they’re not totally maintenance-free. Yes, they come back every year, but they still need some love—things like watering, feeding, and occasional dividing to keep them thriving. If you skip these steps, you might end up with sad, scraggly plants and fewer blooms. A little effort goes a long way in keeping them looking fresh and healthy.
You Can’t Mix Perennials with Annuals
Think you can’t mix perennials and annuals? Totally not true. They actually complement each other really well. Annuals can fill in the empty spots while perennials are growing in or recovering from a tough winter. Plus, adding annuals gives you the flexibility to change up the look of your garden every season without starting from scratch.
All Perennials Are Hardy in Every Climate
Not all perennials can handle every climate, even if they’re labeled “hardy.” Lavender, for example, thrives in warm, dry places but might struggle in regions with harsh winters. Always double-check the plant’s hardiness zone to see if it’ll be happy where you live. It saves you a lot of heartbreak when something that looked amazing at the nursery doesn’t survive in your yard.
Perennials Don’t Attract Pollinators
There’s a misconception that perennials don’t pull their weight when it comes to helping pollinators. In reality, many perennials—like bee balm, coneflowers, and black-eyed Susans—are absolute magnets for bees and butterflies. They’re a great way to add beauty to your yard while supporting local wildlife. It’s a win-win situation.
*This content was created with the assistance of AI.