Perennials

"Perennials" are plants that live for more than two years, persisting and regrowing from their root systems season after season. Unlike annuals, which complete their life cycle in a single year, perennials have the ability to survive and return year after year, typically flowering and producing seeds during their active growing seasons.

Coneflower (Echinacea)

Coneflower, scientifically known as Echinacea, is a genus of herbaceous perennial flowering plants in the Asteraceae family.

Coneflower plants are native to North America and are commonly found in prairies, meadows, and open woodlands. They are known for their striking and distinctive flower heads, which have a cone-shaped centre (resembling a spiky pom-pom) surrounded by vibrant petals.

Coneflower has a long history of use in traditional Native American medicine. It is believed to possess immune-stimulating, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties.

Coneflower plants typically have long, lance-shaped leaves and grow to a height of about 2 to 4 feet (60 to 120 centimetres). The flower heads are usually large and showy, with ray-like petals that can be purple, pink, white, or other vibrant colours. Coneflower is popular among gardeners due to its attractive flowers, long blooming period, and its ability to attract pollinators like bees, butterflies, and birds. It is relatively low maintenance and prefers full sun to partial shade, as well as well-drained soil.

Poppy (Papaver)

Papaver, commonly known as poppy, is a genus of flowering plants in the Papaveraceae family.  Papaver plants are herbaceous annual, biennial, or perennial plants, with some species reaching up to 1.5 meters in height. They have erect stems, typically covered in fine hairs, and their leaves vary in shape and size, ranging from deeply lobed to smooth-edged. The flowers of Papaver are large and showy, usually with four to six petals that can come in various colours, including shades of red, orange, pink, white, and purple.

Papaver plants are native to temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere, including Europe, Asia, and North America. They are widely cultivated for their ornamental value and the production of opium and its derivatives, such as morphine and codeine. The opium poppy (Papaver somniferum) is the most well-known and economically significant species in this genus due to its psychoactive properties.

Papaver plants have been used for medicinal purposes. Opium, derived from the latex of the opium poppy, has been used for its analgesic properties for centuries.

Overall, Papaver is a diverse genus of flowering plants that encompasses both ornamental and economically significant species, with the opium poppy being the most notable in terms of its historical and cultural impact.

Cranesbill (Geranium)

Geranium is a genus of flowering plants in the family Geraniaceae. It includes a wide variety of herbaceous perennials, annuals, and biennials.

The leaves of Geranium are typically palmately lobed or divided, giving them an intricate and decorative appearance. They can vary in shape and texture, with some species having rounded, serrated, or deeply cut leaves. The leaves are often green, but certain species may have variegated or bronzed foliage.

Geranium flowers are composed of five petals and are held in clusters or umbels. The flowers come in a range of colours, including pink, purple, blue, white, and even red or orange in some species.

The size of Geranium plants varies depending on the species and cultivar. Some geraniums are compact and low-growing, reaching only a few inches in height, while others can grow up to several feet tall. They are versatile and adaptable plants that can thrive in various conditions, from full sun to partial shade.

Geraniums are commonly used in gardens, flower beds, borders, containers, and hanging baskets. They provide long-lasting blooms throughout the growing season, making them a popular choice for adding colour and beauty to landscapes. In addition to their ornamental value, some Geranium species have aromatic foliage, emitting a pleasant scent when touched or brushed against.

Verbena (Verbena officinalis)

Verbena officinalis, commonly known as common vervain or common verbena, is a perennial herbaceous plant in the Verbenaceae family. It is native to Europe but has naturalized in other parts of the world. Verbena officinalis is known for its slender spikes of small, tubular flowers in shades of pale lilac to deep purple. The plant has a long history of traditional medicinal use, with its aerial parts, including the leaves, flowers, and stems, being utilized for various purposes. Verbena officinalis is believed to have calming and relaxing properties, and it has been used as a natural remedy for anxiety, insomnia, digestive issues, and headaches. It is often prepared as a herbal infusion or used topically in the form of compresses or ointments. Additionally, the plant has been valued for its aromatic qualities and is sometimes used as a culinary herb or for its fragrance in soaps and perfumes.

Everlasing flowers (Helichrysum)

Helichrysum is a genus of flowering plants in the Asteraceae family, consisting of around 600 species.

Helichrysum plants are native to the Mediterranean region, and they are characterized by their clusters of small, daisy-like flowers. The flowers of Helichrysum are unique in that they retain their vibrant colour and shape even after drying, giving them the name "everlasting." The leaves of Helichrysum are often silver-gray and have a velvety texture, which adds to their ornamental appeal. The essential oil derived from Helichrysum flowers is highly valued in aromatherapy and skincare due to its soothing and rejuvenating properties. It is believed to have anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant effects. Helichrysum plants are also used in traditional herbal medicine for their potential medicinal benefits. Overall, Helichrysum is cherished for its beautiful and long-lasting flowers, as well as its therapeutic and cosmetic uses.

Periwinkle (Vinca)

Vinca, also known as periwinkle or myrtle, is a genus of flowering plants in the Apocynaceae family. It includes several species of evergreen perennials and subshrubs that are native to Europe, Asia, and North America. Here is a paragraph about Vinca:

Vinca plants are known for their glossy, dark green leaves and attractive flowers. The leaves are opposite, simple, and oval-shaped, arranged along trailing or upright stems. The flowers of Vinca are typically five-petaled and come in various colours, including shades of purple, pink, and white. They have a distinctive shape with a slender tube and a flared, wheel-like corolla. Vinca plants are often used as groundcovers or in container gardens due to their spreading and trailing growth habit.

Vinca plants are adaptable and can thrive in various soil conditions, including poor or dry soils. They prefer partial to full shade, but can tolerate some sun. Vinca is generally easy to grow and requires minimal care once established.

In addition to their ornamental value, certain Vinca species have been used in traditional medicine for their potential medicinal properties.