When it comes to adding a flash of colour or texture to your garden, a herbaceous plant is certainly a wise choice this spring. And if you’re after a plant to last for multiple years, then you may want to consider adding herbaceous perennial plants to your garden. So what is a herbaceous perennial, and which varieties should you be looking to add to your green space?
What is a Herbaceous Perennial?
The term ‘herbaceous perennial’ refers to a group of herbaceous plants which last more than one year. A herbaceous perennial will have non-woody stems which will grow to their full height and then flower within the space of one year, before dying back in the winter months. The plant should then reappear in the following spring, ready to flower again. A herbaceous perennial will last for at least two years, with there being a variation in life span across different varieties.
A Variety of Herbaceous Perennials at Shrubgarden
At Shrubgarden you can find a broad and varied selection of herbaceous plants, including perennials. Each herbaceous perennial brings something different to your garden, such as the size and shape of the plant, as well as its colour, texture and aroma. Some of our favourite herbaceous plants include:
Agapanthus
The agapanthus, commonly known as the lily of the Nile, is famed for its vibrant flowers that have either a trumpet-like or drumstick-headed appearance. There are also mounds of bright green leaves, and the sturdy but non-woody stems shoot up in spring to reveal the colourful bloom. There are a few common species of agapanthus, including the Blue Storm with light blue flowers, Brilliant Blue with a stronger blue hue, and Twister with white flowers paired with a purple/blue tone.
Penstemon
The penstemon variety is a herbaceous perennial that features semi-evergreen foliage with narrow pointed leaves in the winter months, flowering with distinctive thimble-shaped flowers in the summer. Penstemon flowers can come in a variety of colours, with a selection of pink shades available at Shrubgarden, including Garnet, Hidcote Pink and King George V.
Hosta
Hostas, commonly referred to as plantain lilies, are foliage plants that love the shade. They’re very easy to grow, and can last for many years. They’re recognisable for their distinctive leaves, which can vary in shape, size and colour depending on the variety. The Hosta Great Expectations features variegated green leaves alongside purple flowers in the summer. The Hosta Big Daddy has blue leaves with white flowers, and the Age of Gold variety features lime green leaves and produces white flowers.
Tiarella
Also known as a foamflower, the tiarella plant is known for its deeply loaded leaves along with the distinctive shape of the conical flowers. They’ll typically start out as pink buds and will transform into attractive white flowers. You can find a range of tiarella perennials available, including the Pink Skyrocket, Spring Symphony and Sugar & Spice.
