Definition

• Perennials are plants with a life cycle longer than two years. Perennials survive through the winter and grow back from root stock each year. A plant that grows as a perennial in a warmer climate may grow as an annual in a colder area. Local garden centers should be able to provide information about suitable perennials for your area.
  
  

Hummingbird Favorites

• Hummingbirds are attracted to many different types of perennial plants. A few of the smaller perennials (3 feet or less) that are recognized as hummingbird favorites include autumn sage (Salvia greggii), bee balm (Monarda didyma), bleeding heart (Dicentra spectabilis), coral bells (Heuchera sanguine), four o'clock (Mirabilis jalapa) and red columbine (Aquilegia canadense).
  
  

Fun Fact

• Although sweet-smelling flowers will make your garden more pleasant, hummingbirds will not be impressed, as they have almost no sense of smell. Therefore, fragrance is not important in selecting flowers for a hummingbird garden.