Types of Perennials

Agave

• A perennial succulent, agave hails from South and Central America. It thrives in full direct sunlight and warm temperatures such as those in zones 5 through 11. The bluish green succulent foliage of the agave grows upright and resembles the aloe vera plant; However, agave is not like aloe vera and will cause skin irritation. It's also an ingredient in agave nectar and in the production of some tequilas. It produces spikes from its center that bloom with yellowish flowers. Grow agave in the sunniest parts of your garden to take advantage of this plant's love for sunlight and dry soil.

Barren Strawberry

• Hardy in zone 4, the barren strawberry plant serves as a vibrantly colored, evergreen ground cover. In an optimal environment barren strawberry is perennial. It does not lose its leaves, but the leaves do change colors to shades of orange and bronze during autumn.The foliage resembles strawberry leaves, growing up to 6 inches in height. The flowers of this impostor plant are bright sunny yellow with five petals and a pollen-filled center. This slow-growing perennial prefers moist, well mulched soil and partial sunlight to protect its delicate blooms and petals while thriving. It serves as an alternative ground cover to Spanish moss and clover varieties.

Chives

• Chives are perennial herbaceous plants related to the onion. Not only does growing them provide you with delicately flavored additions to recipes, but as perennials they provide you with floral accents all year round. Chives thrive in growing zones 3 through 10; they are easy to maintain in almost any climate type. Because of their ability to thrive year after year, you should clear chives by hand to prevent over-crowding of the garden environment. As with many other bulb plants, if you don't clear them they will continue to sprout near the established plants, forming an upright shrub-like formation of the flowering herbs.