Herbaceous is a term applied to plants that produce soft, non-woody, growth.
Herbaceous Perennials (HPs) are normally deciduous, dying back to ground level in late autumn and regrowing again in the spring from basal shoots. Most HPs are frost hardy plants that will live for more than two years in the garden; flowering each year in their given season.
If regular care and attention is given to Herbaceous Perennials they can survive in the garden for many many years. To ensure longevity and good health, they will need to be rejuvenated every few years by division or by taking cuttings.
Herbaceous perennials are ideal for provide plenty of colour, varying texture, height and good variety in the mixed border. Some of the best loved examples are tall stately delphiniums, spicy red hot pokers and pastel coloured penstemon and phlox. You can choose herbaceous plants for virtually any location and situation, from hot summer borders to deep shade, damp or even dry conditions.
The following selection of hardy perennials are just a few of those that are suitable for domestic gardens in Great Britain (England/Scotland/Ireland).
Achillea
Yarrow
Agapanthus
African Lily
Alstroemeria
Peruvian Lily
Anemone
Japanese anemone
Anchusa
Blue Bugloss
Aster
Michaelmas daisy
Astilbe
False Spiraea
Bergenia
Elephant's ears
Astrantia
Masterwort
Campanula
Bell Flower
Doronicum
Leopard's Bane
Geum
Avens
Helenium
Iris
unguicularis
Winter Flowering Iris
Hellebore
Lenton rose
Kniphofia
Red hot poker
Polygonatum
Solomon's seal
Persicaria
Knotweed
Scabiosa
Scabious
Verbascum
Mullein