Learn the terminology associated with all plants

 

What is an 'Herbaceous' plant?

Herbaceous plants are any plants that do not form a persistent woody stem. This applies to annuals, biennials, perennials, but by common usage it has been taken to encompass perennials which die down in the autumn and reappear the following spring.

There is a huge variation in size, soil requirement, light requirement, flora and fauna, structure and scent amongst Genus and species of herbaceous plants. There is actually a plant for every requirement; admittedly some are a little trickier than others.

Herbaceous plants support the framework of the garden and help to create the ambience of the garden. Herbaceous plants allow the designer or owner to experiment and have fun with colour, texture, and scent. This can be achieved relatively inexpensively and quickly with the judicious use of annuals showing amazing results within a season.

 

What is an 'Annual' plant?

A plant that completes its life cycle from seed to seed within one growing season. Hardy annuals can be sown in early spring while half hardy annuals must be raised in a glass house and planted out after all signs of frost have passed. Examples are: Heliotropium arborescesns - Cherry pie a half hardy annual with fantastic scent. Matthiola bicornis - Night scented stock an annual with fantastic scent.

 

What is an 'Biennial' plant?

A plant that requires two growing seasons to completed its life cycle. Biennials are raised by sowing outside in late spring or early summer and transplanting when the seedlings are large enough to handle. They are moved to their permanent position in the autumn. Examples are: Oenothera odorata - Scented evening primrose a biennial with a delicate refreshing scent. Digitalis pupurea- the leaves are formed in the first year, the flowers and seedlings follow in the second. It is a very useful tall plant, particularly for English gardens and woodland gardens, it enjoys dappled shade.

 

What is an 'Perennial' plant?

A plant that lives for an indefinite period, it is usually applied to a non woody plant. By common usage perennials have become known as herbaceous, historically they tended to make up the largest portion of plant material in an herbaceous border. Stemming from the acclaimed work of Gertrude Jekyll followed by Vita Sackville-West's acclaimed work; the herbaceous border appears to represent the epitome of English country style. Examples are: Meconopsis cambrica - Welsh poppy a plant with either a bright orange or yellow flower with ferny foliage. A very easy plant although it is short lived it self seeds well. Pulmonaria longifolia 'Bertram Anderson' - Lungwort long spotted leaves and deep blue flowers they thrive in moist soil in dappled shade, providing interest in dark corners. Calamagrostis x acutiflora 'Karl Foerster' - Feather reed grass, a key grass in planting design giving long lasting verticality to any border.