Perennial Plants

Perennial plants are those that come back year after year, filling your borders and pots with lasting colour, height and texture. Ours are sustainably grown in the Herefordshire countryside by Jack and his expert team, who have picked out the most exciting new varieties to complement the classics. 

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Lavender plants (10)Peony plants (32)Agapanthus plants (21)Dahlia plants (53)Heuchera plants (12)Hostas (15)

Hereford

Meet Jack

Perennials born in Herefordshire, blooming in your garden

Our perennials start life in the rolling Herefordshire hills, where Jack and his team trial over 250 new varieties each year to bring you the best performing and most sustainable plants in the UK. With over forty years of excellence, it’s no surprise that they’ve won the HTA Plant Grower of the Year award two years running.

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What types of perennial plants are there?

What types of perennial plants are there?

There are so many amazing perennial plants out there that it can be difficult to know where to start! It’s perhaps easier to break them down into smaller categories, to give you a steer on what you’re looking for. We can first split them into foliage and flowering plants. The former includes stylish plants like ferns, heucheras and hostas, while the latter involves a huge number of plants. Tall perennials like foxgloves, delphiniums and hollyhocks add height to the back of a border, while plants such as rudbeckias, echinaceas and leucanthemums are perfect for extending colour from summer into autumn. In short, there’s absolutely heaps!

Planting schemes for different perennial plants

Planting schemes for different perennial plants

Another way of thinking about perennial plants is through different garden planting schemes. Mediterranean gardens, for instance, comprise drought-tolerant perennials like rosemary, lavender and agapanthus, while traditional cottage gardens make use of plants with flowers for cutting like dahlias, roses and hydrangeas. Coastal gardens need wind and salt-tolerant perennials, like eryngium and salvia, while a contemporary city garden might feature a mixture of grasses (such as stipa) and stylish flowering plants like alliums.

How to care for your perennial plants

How to care for your perennial plants

With there being such variety between perennial plants, there’s similarly varied preferences in terms of light, soil conditions, watering levels, etc. That said, generally speaking most plants will do well in a moist but well-drained soil, with decent levels of sunshine and a springtime feed of general fertiliser (and mulch). Again, however, make sure to check a plant’s individual requirements for more specific, detailed information.

Perennials FAQs

What is a perennial plant and how are they different from annual and biennial plants?

A perennial plant is one that lives for more than two years and returns each growing season. Unlike annuals, which have a one-season life cycle and biennials, which have a two-year life cycle, perennials live for several years, regrowing from the same roots and often producing flowers and seeds each year.

When is the best time to plant perennials?

Perennials are best planted in early autumn or early spring, when the weather is mild and the plants have time to establish their roots before being exposed to harsh winter conditions.

How do I care for perennial plants during winter?

Mulch around the base of perennial plants to insulate roots, cut back dead foliage, and protect vulnerable plants with hessian or other covers (such as horticultural fleece) during the winter.

Can I grow perennials in containers?

Yes, perennials can be grown in containers! This is a very common way to display perennials in a garden. For successful container gardening with perennials, use a large enough pot, well-draining soil, and adequate watering and sunlight.

What are some common perennial flowers for beginners?

Lavender, geranium, sedum, rudbeckia and echinacea are common perennial flowers for absolute beginners. They are hardy, low-maintenance, and adaptable to a wide range of growing conditions.

Can I divide my perennial plants, and when is the best time to do it?

Perennial plants can be divided. The best time to do it is usually in early spring or autumn, when the plant is not in active growth and can recover more easily. Find further guidance on how to divide your perennial plants.

Happy plants make happy customers

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Ornamental Colour Collection Pond Plants
five star rating on Trustpilot

Plants arrived in great condition and very promptly. Well established - much better than the ones I got at my local garden centre.

Monica Spence

| 24 May
Star Jasmine | Trachelospermum jasminoides Climbing Plants
five star rating on Trustpilot

Yet again this company delivered good healthy plants, exactly as shown in photos, well packaged and within delivery time quoted. Recommend!

Jacqueline Burgess

| 2 Jun
five star rating on Trustpilot

I continue to be so impressed with Roots. Their customer care, knowledge of their subject: from planting hedges to pruning roses and more, has been a great support.

Judy Lane

| 23 Oct
E 'Black Hamburgh' Indoor Grape Vine Soft Fruit
five star rating on Trustpilot

The plant arrived looking vigorously healthy, which brings a smile to your face, extremely well protected in its packaging.

Martyn Hill

| 5 Jul
E 'Braeburn Hillwell' Apple Tree Fruit Trees
five star rating on Trustpilot

As a non-gardener, I found my whole experience brilliant. Great information & advice available on the website, great range of products & prices are brilliant.

John-Paul

| 22 May
five star rating on Trustpilot

Wonderful plants and great customer service... really surprised to find that the plants are better than those you would get at your local garden centre.

Gavin Wilcock

| 8 Nov

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