Perennials are plants that live for two or more years, and require little attention required planting. Perennials are probably the most versatile groups of plants with an immense diversity of leaf shapes, textures, colours and flowers. They can vary in height from low, creeping varieties such as spotted dead-nettle (Lamium maculatum) at around 12 cm (5 in) high, to the lofty pampas grass (Cortaderia selloana), which can grow to more than 2.5 m (8 ft) tall. With this huge array of plants to choose from, there's bound to be a perennial to suit your garden, whatever its style, climate or soil.

As the term 'perennial' also applies to shrubs and trees, this section deals with herbaceous perennials: those which do not form woody tissue. Most herbaceous perennials die back in autumn and then send up new growth from their bases in the spring; however, there are also a large number of evergreen perennials that keep their foliage all year round.

In this section, we'll take you through everything you'll need to know when working with perennials, from buying and planting, through to taking care of their everyday needs. If you're searching for the right type of perennial, take a look at the handy planting guide, where you'll find suggestions for choosing plants for use in different situations, such as those that will thrive in moist, shady positions, those suitable for clay soils, or those that are particularly suitable for cutting or drying.