Perennials

The Gardener's Reference
by Susan Carter, Carrie Becker, and Bob Lilly, photographs by Lynne Harrison

Perennials play a central role in today's gardens. Choosing specific plants, however, can be daunting. Is this plant hardy in my area? How big does it get? When does it bloom? Perennials: The Gardener's Reference answers these and many other questions for more than 2,700 species and cultivars in 250 genera, making it one of the most comprehensive guides available. The informative text is enlivened throughout by the authors' wide-ranging experience with perennials and by Lynne Harrison's sumptuous photographs.

Concise introductory chapters discuss the characteristics of the most important perennial plant families, recommend plants that lend themselves to special kinds of gardens like shade borders and meadows, and offer practical advice on general perennial maintenance. The heart of the book, however, is the A-to-Z encyclopedia with complete information for each genus. Individual species and cultivars are listed in easy-to-use charts that include height and spread, hardiness zones, foliage and flower characteristics (including bloom time), and other helpful comments. Whether you're a beginning gardener, a seasoned expert, or a green-industry professional, Perennials: The Gardener's Reference will be the book you turn to again and again for essential information about these supremely beautiful and useful plants.

“While browsing through these pages, you may find yourself rejoicing out loud. Here at last are the answers to questions that very few garden books address at all, let alone in depth.” –Ann Lovejoy

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