These Are a Few of My Favorite, Perennials

Simply put, a perennial plant lives longer than two years, which includes herbs, bushes, flowers, evergreens, shrubs, and trees. The term mostly serves to separate long-living plants from annuals and biennials that live less than two years, which includes most vegetable crops. Perennials are also distinct in that they have little to no woody growth from trees and shrubs. When I think of perennials, usually what comes to mind is flowers, bushes, and plants that attract beneficial insects and make lovely ornamental additions to any garden. As I continue to study new plants and learn how to identify them in the Bay Area, I have come to learn about a few perennial flowering plants that are uniquely beautiful and worth looking into planting in your home. 

Butterfly on Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa)

The first perennial I have recently come across is butterfly weed (Asclepias tuberosa). This plant has bright green foliage and clusters of gorgeous orange, star-shaped flowers. This plant makes a lovely ornamental in any garden and attracts butterflies, lady beetles, and bees. It is relatively easy to grow and needs full sun, moderate water, and good drainage to thrive. You should sow it directly into your garden and make sure to give it regular watering until it starts to produce flowers. Companion plants include Russian Sage and Echinacea. 

Bumblebee on Gaillardia x grandiflora (Blanket Flower)

Another plant I have discovered is Gaillardia x grandiflora (Blanket Flower). These reddish flowers with yellow tips are sure to beautify any garden. They are easy to grow, make phenomenal cut flowers, are compact (great for flower borders), and are rarely a site for pests. Make sure to grow these flowers in full sun with moderate water. 

Kangaroo Paw

One Australian-native plant I find fun to have around is Kangaroo Paw (of the Haemodoraceae family). These tall flowering plants come in a variety of colors (mainly red, orange, and yellow), with tubular flowers roughly resembling the shape of an animal’s paw. They can grow up to ten feet tall and want full sun, slightly sandy soil, and are drought tolerant. These are a great addition to a butterfly garden or an ornamental bed.

African Blue Basil

Lastly, I want to highlight perennial basils. There have been more and more unique perennial basil seeds coming onto the market, which are not only edible but also stunning bushes that grow much larger than their annual green basil counterparts. Some lovely varieties include African Blue Basil (pictured above), Holy Basil (Tulsi), and Thai Basil. Basils are best planted in early spring so they can bloom for summer, they need full sun and regular water. Companion plants include tomatoes and beans. 

Although I have many more perennials I cherish and love to grow, the plants I have mentioned have me the most excited right now. I am consistently studying and learning about more plants that I want to grow. Some perennial honorable mentions include Agapanthus (Lily-of-the-Nile), Geranium (Cranesbill), Dicentra (Bleeding Heart), and Kniphofia (Torch Lily). What kind of perennial flowers are exciting you these days?