What is a Perennial?

When looking into the gardening and landscaping world, you have probably heard the term perennial being tossed around. But as someone new to the space, you may be wondering what exactly is a perennial?

Perennials are a classification of plants that have a lifespan of two years or more. This means that while they go dormant over the winter, these plants will grow and bloom again in the spring for multiple years in a row. The shortest-lived perennials will come back for two years, and other perennials like peonies can come back for many years or even decades. These differ from annuals, which are plants that must be replanted each year. Perennials are typically low maintenance and often help to improve soil health by creating roots that penetrate deep into the soil and access more nutrients and water leading to a lusher and more vibrant garden all around. There are also all different types of perennials with different bloom times. With careful planning you can stagger bloom times to have a vibrant garden of blooms or foliage almost any time of the year. Perennials often start off small but grow bigger, stronger and more beautiful each year. Perennials are where Perennial Landscape Corporation got its namesake. Just like a perennial plant, our aim is to be reliable with service you can count on year after year.

Some common perennials that thrive in Winchester, Concord, Lexington, Andover and other Massachusetts communities where we work are:

Note: Although some plants are more climate resistant than others, it is important that all new plants are adequately watered in their first year in order for them to establish strong root systems and truly thrive. Check out our watering recommendations for new plantings for more watering information.

hostas

Hostas are shade loving perennials that can bring texture and greenery to shady spots in your garden. They are also typically low maintenance and drought resistant once established, making them a perfect choice for any Massachusetts outdoor space.

coneflowers

Coneflowers are resilient and charming additions to any Massachusetts garden. Coneflowers are unbothered by both cold weather and heat and need very little maintenance once established. Coneflowers should be planted in well-draining full sun in order to fully thrive.

shasta daisies

Shasta daises have a typical daisy presentation, with beautiful white petals surrounding a bright yellow center. Shasta daisies typically bloom from mid-summer through the fall and thrive in full or partial sun.

Asters

New England Asters are daisy like flowers that bloom from late summer and into fall. They are drought tolerant once established and prefer to be planted in full sun or partial sun.

Yarrow

Yarrow produces small groups of flowers on top of green foliage that can grow to be 2-3 feet tall. Yarrow should be planted in full sun and blooms from early summer into fall.

Astilbe

Astilbe do great in the shade and still produce a very nice blossom. They can add some great color and leaf interest in the shade. They come in a full range of colors including white, pale pink, peach, red, burgundy and purple.

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Perennial Landscape Corporation | Winchester, MA | Concord, MA | Lexington, MA | Andover, MA

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Perennial Landscape Corporation

The Quality You Expect and the Service You Deserve

Perennial Landscape Corporation is a family-owned business creating distinguished landscape environments in Winchester, Concord, Lexington, Andover and surrounding Massachusetts areas since 1995.

Perennial Landscape Corporation was named after the category of plants called perennials. Perennials are plants that have a lifespan of two or more years, meaning they come back each year. Just like a perennial, our aim is for you to be able to count on us year after year.

Here at Perennial, we pride ourselves on providing excellent landscaping services and outstanding customer service. Our motto is ” the quality you expect and the service you deserve”. That is the mindset that permeates every aspect of our work.