Herbaceous Perennial Fact Sheet

What Are Herbaceous Perennials?

• Plants that live for multiple years with non-woody stems
• Die back to the ground in winter, regrow from roots or underground parts each spring
  

Where to Grow

• Suitable for garden beds, borders, containers, and naturalised areas
• Prefer well-draining soil and appropriate sunlight (full sun to partial shade)
• Often grouped for seasonal colour and garden texture

Why Grow Herbaceous Perennials?

• Provide long-term structure and repeated seasonal interest
• Low maintenance and often drought tolerant once established
• Support pollinators and beneficial wildlife
  
• Versatile for design purposes (fill gaps, edges, masses)

When to Divide

Divide every 2 to 5 years to maintain health and vigour.

• Autumn division: Best for early-flowering plants; roots grow in warm soil before dormancy
• Spring division: Ideal for late-flowering plants; allows quick recovery with new growth
• Avoid dividing in mid-winter or peak summer heat
• Divide when plants are not flowering to focus energy on root renewal

Care Tips

• Water regularly when young; established plants tolerate drier conditions
• Mulch to conserve moisture and suppress weeds
• Prune spent flowers to encourage reblooming
• Divide clumps every few years to rejuvenate plants

Expert Cold Climate Advice

Located 10km southeast of Ballarat at 500m elevation, we understand which herbaceous perennials thrive in cold Victorian conditions. Our experience with frost-hardy varieties and seasonal timing helps ensure your perennial garden succeeds year after year.

Visit Navigators Nursery to see our range of cold-climate herbaceous perennials and get specific advice for your garden conditions.