Flowers

• Perennial flowers survive for at least three seasons, although their blooming period is shorter than annual flowers. Select a variety of perennial flowers that bloom at various times to maximize color and fragrance in the garden. Select perennial flowers with ornamental foliage and overlapping blooming periods. For border planting, consider columbine, yellow tuft, butterflyweed, sweet william, aster or yellow bellflower. Other popular varieties include daylilies, shasta daisies, chrysanthemums and lily of the valley.
  
  

Vines

• Perennial vines crawl up support systems, providing ornamental value to the landscape. They can also be used to increase privacy in the yard or around a patio. Vines may climb by wrapping stems around supports or climb with tendrils or aerial roots. Some can use brick or stone walls for support, whereas others require a trellis system. Be sure that you known how to train your selected perennial vine before planting. Varieties include Boston ivy, clematis, climbing hydrangea, English ivy, Dutchman's pipe, passion flower and wisteria.
  
  

Ground Covers

• A variety of perennial plants are ideal ground covers for open areas in a landscape. According to Purdue University Cooperative Extension, ground covers are ideal for shady areas, sites that are inaccessible for mowing and for planting under trees. Some perennial vines, such as English ivy, are also appropriate for use as a ground cover. Other perennial ground covers include buglewood, wild ginger, hostas, goutweed, lily of the valley and spotted dead nettle.
  
  

Grasses

• Perennial grasses grow well in open, sunny areas with moist soil conditions. They can grow quite tall, with some varieties reaching heights of 4 feet, and are suitable for a variety of soils and climates. According to Bordine's Nursery, perennial grasses can be used for a variety of landscaping purposes, including ground cover, colorful foliage, naturalization and to add color to dry areas and during the autumn months. Varieties include blue fescue, bamboo, feather reed, fountain, ravenna and sedge.