How to grow perennials

Perennials are the long-game plants of any garden. They die back to ground level in autumn and return from the same rootstock year after year, growing bigger and bolder each season. A well-chosen perennial border needs little intervention beyond dividing every few years to keep plants vigorous. Classic UK perennials include hardy geraniums, echinacea, salvia, peonies, astrantia and the faithful hostas that thrive in shade. Because perennials span such a wide range of heights, flowering times and growing conditions, they can carry a garden from snowdrop-time in February through to the last asters in October. Plant once, divide to multiply, and enjoy the rewards for decades.