Ashleigh Smith
What are Perennials?
Perennials are plants that flower and set seeds for two or more seasons. Many people like growing perennials because they reduce the amount of planting that takes place from year to year. Wherever you live, there are plenty of perennial options. Below we have outlined popular choices for dry and moist soils.
Understanding your soils is the best way to make plant selections that will do well for years to come. Before planting, it is wise to test your soil to best know how to amend it before you plant. If you aren’t familiar with the soil testing process, Utah State University outlines the steps for collecting your samples. Submit your soil for testing with a local state university extension office. Soil test results often include recommendations to balance soil nutrients, information to understand soil composition, and details of microbial activity.
Perennials for Dry Soils
These plants are ideal for areas where the soil tends to stay on the dry side. To be clear, these plants still need water throughout the season. But they will perform well in dry climates. Many of these options are drought tolerant once well established. If you want to keep a low-maintenance garden, these perennials are the way to go.
Perennials for Moist Soils
- Astilbe
- Asparagus Fern
- Canna Lily
- Lobelia
- Bleeding Heart
- Blue Phlox
- Creeping Jenny
- Hosta
- Japanese Iris
- Joe-Pye-Weed
- Marsh Marigold
- Spiderwort
Moist soils are typically harder to grow in as high moisture levels often lead to root rot and other common pest or disease issues. Choosing plants that like to have ‘wet feet’ is the key to success. Each of these plants will thrive in moist soils as many of them enjoy tree-covered shade areas for cooler temperatures and higher moisture levels. I recommend utilizing perennials such as these to help regulate soil moisture levels.
About the Author
I'm Ashleigh Smith, a native to Northern Utah. I first gained a love of gardening with my grandmother as I helped her each summer. I decided to make a career of it and have recently graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Horticulture from Brigham Young University - Idaho. My studies have focused on plant production while I also have experience in Nursery & Garden Center Operations.
Become a True Leaf Market Brand Ambassador! You’ll enjoy awesome perks, free products and exclusive swag & offers! Help us create a gardening revolution and help others experience the joy of growing!
Leave a comment
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *
0 Comments
No Comments yet! Be the first to start a conversation
Further Reading
Sprout for Health - Check Your Micro-Gains
Coming Soon! Check out this sneak peek: Are you ready for some micro-gains this week? As part of our month-long Sprout for Health Challenge, we are growing microgreens and strong, healthy habits one day at a time. Microgreens may seem small and insigni...
Ashleigh Smith
2025-01-141 min read04 Ways Gardening Improves Your Health
Written By Lara Wadsworth What does gardening do for you? Some people see it as an optional hobby. Others have small gardens that supplement a home kitchen or are purely ornamental. Others rely on gardening for most of the nourishment for their mind, b...
Ashleigh Smith
2025-01-145 min read0Sprout for Health - Break Out and Sprout
Welcome back to the Sprout for Health Challenge, a month-long challenge focused on helping you harness the benefits of superfoods like sprouts, microgreens, wheatgrass, and more! Remember, this challenge can be done at any time of the year and repeated...
Ashleigh Smith
2025-01-074 min read0The Sprout for Health Challenge
The True Leaf Market Sprout for Health Challenge is back and ready to grow into 2025! Whether you are striving for healthier habits or you just want to detox from the holiday sugar rush, this challenge is perfect for you. Don’t worry, this isn’t some f...
Ashleigh Smith
2024-12-293 min read2