Essential Perennials helps you decide exactly which plants will bring you the beauty you want and will thrive in the conditions you can provide. Trusted garden experts Ruth Rogers Clausen and Thomas Christopher focus on what every gardener needs to know. For each plant you'll find flower color, season of bloom, foliage characteristics, height and width, light requirements, and hardiness and heat sensitivity. You'll also learn cultural tips, the...

A quick-reference guide to planting perennials for gardeners with little experience and time.

Want foolproof ideas for pairing favorite perennials with an array of harmonious plant partners but don't know where to start? Plantswoman Nancy J. Ondra helps you to jump-start your perennial garden with her one-plant-at-a-time approach for choosing plant partners. Having spent more than 30 years growing and experimenting with perennials and plant combinations, Ondra shares her extensive experience in this in-depth guide to eye-catching color combinations,...

What is a tender perennial? Every perennial is hardy in its native-climate, but many cannot survive winter temperatures in colder zones. If a particular perennial acts more like an annual in your garden, it's a tender perennial to you. Enjoy many of your favorite plants season after season by bringing them indoors for the winter. With a little indoor care, your plants will be healthy and ready for repeat appearances in the garden come spring.