by Joy Cressler

Created on: September 14, 2007   Last Updated: August 01, 2011

North Texans' interest in perennial gardens multiplies year after year
Many plants adapt well to Texas climate

Planting something in the ground and having it return year after year is closely akin to the springtime renewal of life itself. Perennial gardening in North Texas is often regarded as a satisfying experience, mainly because the plants don't have to be replanted every year, according to Tarrant County Extension Agency Horticulturist Steve Chaney. "Many people in North Texas are interested in perennials because they have to plant annuals three times a year to keep the color in their gardens all summer," Chaney said. "With perennials, they plant them once, then sit back and enjoy them."

Plant experts differ on whether perennials have a lifespan of two years or three years. Some make the distinction that a plant lasting only two years, like the hollyhock, is a biennial and others group them together with plants coming back on the same root system three or more years. Short-lived perennials like lupines and delphinium have a lifespan of about four years. Others may live 10 or 15 years, or in the case of peonies, a lifetime.

Advantages of Perennials
Horticulturist Steve Huddleston of the Fort Worth Botanic Gardens agreed that perennials have an obvious appeal over annuals. "The advantages of perennials is that the plants get bigger and better each year, plus they only have to be planted once, which saves time and money over constantly renewing annual gardens," Huddleston said. He said another advantage is that perennials can provide a succession of color throughout the season.
"Perennials are dynamic, whereas annuals are static," Huddleston said. "Perennials also combine well in a mixed border with shrubs, annuals, grasses and bulbs."

Another gardening professional, Weston Gardens president Randy Weston, said the biggest advantage of perennials is the diversity gardeners gain.
"With annuals, you get a burst of color and then it's over," Weston said. "There are so many more choices of colors and textures with perennials."

Disadvantages
Perennials have disadvantages, too.
"With perennials, the soil preparation is more extensive and there is a higher initial cost than with annuals," Huddleston said. "Perennials usually have a short season of bloom and must be divided every 3-5 years."

He said perennials should be divided during the season opposite their bloom period. For example, spring-flowering plants should be divided in the fall and fall-blooming

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