Perennials of Chatham-Kent

Perennials refers to a type of plant that lives for more than two years. Unlike annuals, which complete their life cycle in one growing season, or biennials, which do so in two, perennials typically grow and bloom over the spring and summer, die back every autumn and winter, and then return in the spring from their rootstock. These plants can be herbaceous (having non-woody stems that die back at the end of the growing season) or woody (shrubs and trees). Perennials offer the advantage of not needing to be replanted each year.

There are many perennial flowers and herbs that thrive in Chatham-Kent. A personal favorite of mine is the tulip and the daffodil, but those are planted from bulbs rather than from mature rooted plants.

Flowers from bulbs are often the first ones to emerge each year, starting with snowdrops in the late winter. They’re a sure sign that spring is on its way, for sure. Later, we start to see tiny crocus popping up wherever they can. Did you know that the prized herb saffron is derived from the stigma and style from a certain cultivar of crocus? You can even grow it in Canada.

Besides these common flowers from bulb, what are some other perennials that will thrive in my Chatham-Kent backyard available at Tee’s Plants?

• Swamp Milkweed
• Butterfly Milkweed
• Black Eyed Susan
• Shasta Daisy (Alaska)
• Pansy/Viola (Swiss Giants)
• Lavender (Dwarf Munstead)
• Salvia ‘Big Blue’
• Perennial Sunflowers
• And most of the herbs.

In addition to these plants, there are many more annual plants that can naturally self-seed without being considered noxious weeds. Plants like sunflowers, marigolds, cosmos, pumpkins, cherry tomatoes, lettuce, and more will readily spread seed naturally and result in successful plants next year without much interaction. Sometimes volunteer basil will even show up. While Dill is definitely not a perennial in our zone, you can almost guarantee you will have more plants next year by surprise.