Any experienced gardener knows that peren¬nials—herbaceous plants that go dormant in fall and return in spring—are the main fabric of an ornamental garden. Trees and shrubs provide architecture, and annuals add a pop of color, but the perennials supply the endur¬ing keynotes of texture, shape, color, and form. Selecting the right perennials is an import¬ant process that can have long-lasting reper¬cussions. Essential Perennials provides home gardeners with all the information they need to choose and successfully grow more than 2,700 perennials. This A-to-Z guide is packed with plants that not only offer outstanding foliage, flowers, and forms to the garden, but are also reliable and robust performers in the landscape. Plant profiles include a short description and information on color, bloom time, size, and zone requirements. Each profile is supported by stunning color photography that showcases the flower and foliage that make each plant unique and includes compan¬ion plants and design suggestions.