What is an Herbaceous Perennial?
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Posted by Robert Dailey Oct 2, 2007 |
Herbaceous perennials are plants that die back to the ground at the end of a growing season. Generally, the end of the growing season occurs when the weather turns cold at the onset of winter.
Although the above ground part of the plant dies, in herbaceous perennials the root system is still alive. The plant uses this time (and the food it has stored through spring and summer) to produce new growth in the root system below the ground.
In the spring, the plant will produce shoots from its root system and develop its aboveground green chlorophyll-producing stems and leaves.
If you live in lower desert or more temperate areas, you can mulch herbaceous perennials lightly during the winter to protect the root systems, although this is probably not necessary. The dead foliage should provide enough protection from the cold. Remove the dead foliage in early spring when you see new growth appearing.. In high desert regions, mulch heavily to protect the root systems, but remember to apply the mulch after first frost. Applying mulch before cold weather sets in can make the soil warmer than the surrounding air, and confuse the plant’s metabolism. This could cause the plant to send out shoots in the winter, seriously damaging or even killing the plant.
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