[Image: lanai blush white] News Release Distributed 09/07/12 By
Allen Owings, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Perennials are plants
that live for three or more years and often require two or more
years from seed to flower. Gardeners are showing renewed
interest in herbaceous perennials because they often need less
maintenance, less water and fewer pesticides than annual bedding
plants. Perennials are easily used as ground covers, mixed with
annuals, grown in containers and as accents or specimen plants.
Many perennials are short bloomers and are best mixed with
others that bloom at different times or included with other
plants as part of an overall design. Consider the site before
selecting your plants. Although many perennials, such as ferns,
tolerate heavy shade, most perennial plants require abundant
sunshine. Air circulation is important for avoiding diseases;
stagnant, warm and humid air creates ideal conditions for
diseases. Perennial plants also require properly prepared soil,
and a few have specific drain