The rugged, carefree disposition of many perennials makes them ideal for beginning gardeners. Many are quite hardy in our colder regions and others establish substantial crowns and roots that survive heat and drought. The proper term, “herbaceous perennial,” applies to plants that die back to the ground in fall then send up fresh spring growth. Herbaceous perennials offer tremendous diversity in color, form, bloom time, size, texture, foliage, light and soil requirements, and fragrance. This makes them the natural backbone of any serious mixed border.
