Improving the appeal of your home’s exterior is a top priority for any homeowner. Whether you live in a ranch-style house in Dallas, a Victorian-style home in Charlotte, or a modern style in Los Angeles, perennials can work wonders. Redfin consulted with gardening experts to identify which perennial plants can elevate your curb appeal, making your home stand out and look fantastic throughout the year.
Understanding Perennials: Benefits of Year-After-Year Blooms
Perennials are plants that return year after year, unlike annuals that complete their life cycle in one season. Aside from their enduring nature, perennials offer various benefits, such as reducing the need for frequent replanting, saving money, and creating a thriving ecosystem in your garden.
Planning Your Perennial Garden
Creating a successful perennial garden requires careful planning. Understand your climate and soil, determine your hardiness zone, utilize resources like the USDA Web Soil Survey (WSS) for detailed soil information, and consider factors like sun exposure. Apply design principles to ensure a visually appealing space, select plants based on their needs, prioritize native species, and create a diverse mix of flowers, foliage, and textures for a harmonious garden.
“It is easy to select perennials based solely on flower color, but we prioritize those that offer significant winter interest. Winter interest can come from various sources like spent flowers and plants that remain upright even after snowfall. Leaving plant material up until late spring provides shelter for wildlife like bees, butterflies, and birds. Using a mulching mower to cut back perennials helps conserve soil moisture and acts as a natural weed barrier.” – Michael Jesiolowski, Director of Horticulture at Rotary Botanical Gardens
Native Perennials: Supporting Wildlife From Spring to Fall
Seasonal changes in gardens provide essential resources for local wildlife. To create a vibrant ecosystem that supports pollinators and insects throughout the year, prioritize native North American perennials. These plants offer crucial food and shelter for wildlife, transforming your yard into a lively habitat.
“To enhance wildlife presence in gardens from spring to fall, focus on native North American perennials. Examples in New England include Amsonia for May, penstemon for June, milkweed for July, Joe Pye Weed for August, and goldenrod for September. These plants attract various wildlife like monarchs, swallowtails, and hummingbirds. Avoid pesticides and herbicides, and leave leaf litter until spring to protect overwintering insects.” – Barb Young, The Big Little Garden
Amsonia Bluestar