Perennial Blog

American Perennial Plant Association (PPA) announces "perennial of the year" annually. One may think that it's just one of many marketing strategies to promote a product. But in the case of PPA, we can be sure that there are serious reasons for it : "The Perennial Plant of the Year® (PPOY) program began in 1990 to showcase a perennial that is a standout among its competitors. Perennials chosen are suitable for a wide range of growing cli… Read more

Hello fellow gardeners, I got totally excited, that the spring is very close, and the bulbs are sprouting, early perennials budding and Crocuses even blooming! So, I started to cut down all the perennials, that had been growing in the front yard. It was 4th of February, here in Bloomington, IN, zone 6. Yes, earlier than usual due to mild January. Climate patterns change each year. January here was very mild and crocuses were trying to bloom a… Read more

Calamintha nepeta ssp. nepeta is an excellent garden perennial notable for its adaptability, durability, very long flowering period and attractiveness for many pollinators. Named perennial of the year 2021 (announced by Perennial Plant Association, USA), it’s still unknown in landscaping in many parts of the eastern USA, which is why I decided to re-introduce this plant. If you haven’t seen it in American gardens, don’t worry because this pe… Read more

"Monarda bradburiana is one of my personal “top ten” plants. It’s a dramatically underused plant with a (currently) small following, a following it certainly does not deserve. Most Monarda you’re likely familiar with have a high susceptibility to diseases like Powdery Mildew, leaving them totally defoliated and 100% ugly around July and August. Monarda bradburiana on the other hand is still boasting a mass of deep green, glossy leave… Read more