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Perennial (n) - existing for a long or indefinite time, continually recurring

Perennials, also known as herbaceous perennials or Herbaceous plants, live for a minimum of 2 years, often for many seasons. Perennials, grow and bloom over the spring and summer, and generally die back every autumn and winter, reappearing on the same rootstock the following spring. Some perennials keep their leaves all year round and offer attractive borders and ground-covers.

Sweet Flag. This little perennial from Japan forms a clump of flattened green leaves with cream margins on short rhizomes both of which have a sweet cinnamon fragrance, especially when dried. Ideal for boggy spots or at pond/stream edges. Quite hardy and easy to grow. Semi-evergreen.

 

One of the most attractive grassy textured plants available. Fine evergreen soft golden yellow foliage that will make a superb edging plant. Easily grown in all soil conditions taking sun shade and extreme wet. Ideal for those trouble spots.

 

Gorgeous shrub with lacy dark foliage. New foliage emerges green and darkens to a dark purple/black colour. Upward curving spikes of white bottlebrush flowers, which are beautifully scented appear in summer. Prefers moist humus-rich soil conditions and requires a lot of water to grow. Plant in sun to part shade. Perennial.

 

This attractive spreading ground-cover has very interesting undulating foliage that is such a dark burgundy shade it looks black. Bright blue flowers appear in spring through to summer and contrast well with the leaves. Plant in sun or semi-shade. Perennial. PVR HOM220.

While Ajuga is a very hardy and tolerant plant it prefers a soil that does not completely dry out in summer. I have also found that the best results are achieved when Ajuga is not baking in NZ's hot afternoon sun.

 

Well this is one Muffin you can't eat but plant it in a semi-shaded spot and will reward you by making a carpet of foliage topped off with spikes of sky blue flowers in spring. Great ground-cover with rosettes of dark green foliage. Tolerant of light frost but not hot dry conditions. Evergreen.

It is important that Ajuga does not completely dry out in summer. This plant will tolerate morning sun but must have afternoon shade or dappled light to do really well.

 

Alchemilla mollis 'Thriller' is larger and more robust than the species, forming mounds of lobed, grayish-green fuzzy leaves topped by airy yellow flowers in spring. It is best in moist soil in part shade. Great as a groundcover or for cutting.

The common name for this perennial is Lady's Mantle. The wavy edged leaves are meant to represent the cloak or mantle that covered Mary as she travelled to Bethlehem.

 

A handsome tree aloe which has orange to red candelabra type flowers in winter. Excellent as a garden specimen or as a tub plant. Best in well drained conditions. Ideal for coastal areas. Drought tolerant. Hardy. 1.2m x 1m in 7 years.

 

A striking succulent which forms a low rosette. The leaf margins are terracotta in colour and pinkish red flowers are borne on 1metre spikes. Excellent for pots and tubs. Best in full sun and well drained conditions. Easy care.

 

The species is frequently cited as being used in herbal medicine since the beginning of the first century AD. A stemless or very short-stemmed succulent plant growing to 60–100 cm.

 

Peruvian Lily - Inca Series. Bright and cheerful blooms appear from summer to autumn. Hardy and dwarf, with sturdy stems that require no staking. Long flowering and can be used as cut flowers. Spread by rhizomes and so will form large clumps.Bred to remain compact for maximum flower power. Plant in sun or part shade in well drained acid soil for best results. Perennial.