Get to know botanical names of plants. That way, you and others will know exactly which plant you are talking about. Most botanical names are based on Latin, but they will be the same anywhere you go in the world, regardless of the native language. They are usually given as two words. The first word, genus name, refers to ta group of closley related plants. The second word indicates the species, a particular kind of plant in that genus. A botanical name for a plant can often tell you something about the plant, such as the color or growth habit. Words that commonly appear in botanical names with their definitions appear below.

If a plant is refered to as Vulgairs, that only means that it is common. Var. is the variety.

Perennials have a variety of root structures. Bulbs, corms, rhizomes (actually underground stems) fibrous root or tuberous root.

Propagating perennials can be done in several ways and can be done easily. This can be accomplished by division, layering, stem or root cuttings, or from seed. Seedlings and sometime cuttings will take a season or more to reach flowering size. Division method of propagating or fast-growing perennials give you quick results.

Layering is an easy way to start a stem cutting but takes a while for the stem to form roots. A simple method for layering: select a flexible stem and bend it down to the soil. Use a wire pin to secure the stem, then cover with soil. The plant will form new roots at the node (where a leaf joins the stem). After it has rooted, cut the stem between the main plant and the new roots, dig up the rooted layer and transplant it to a new spot. It is best to start this in spring, but can be done anytime during the growing season. This method can be uses with some types of woody stem plants as well.

Division is done by digging up the plant and splitting the root mass into pieces. This will help to revive older plants and is the easiest and fastest way to propagate perennials. It will also help keep fast spreading ones under control. Bonus of this method is that you will have lots of extra plants to put in other parts of your yard or to share with friends. Some plants need to be divided every year to retard agressive spreading. Others can wait until flowering starts to decline, or every two or three years. Still others, like daylilies or iris can go for years without division.

Cuttings take more care, but if you like a challenge, give it a try. Stem cuttings should be taken when perennials are in vegative growth; in spring before blooming or after flowering for the season. Select a healthy, medium-soft stem from the lower portion of the plant. Avoid new growth or hard, old growth. Cut the stems with a sharp pair of shears or a knife. Slice the stems in sections 2-4 inches long. Each cutting should have two or three sets of leaves on the top and a couple of nodes stripped of leaves on the bottom. Insert the cutting in a container of moist potting mix. Cover the plant with a glass jar or plastic (the bottom part of a large soda bottle also works). Set in a bright place away from direct sun.

Root cuttings can be done , but are a bit trickier. Collect the roots, placing them in a plastic bag. You have to protect the roots from drying out. Using a clean sharp knife cut a healthy pencil thick root piece 2-4 inches long. Make a straight cut at the end that was closest to the crown, then make a sloping cut at the other end of the cutting. Carefully put cuttings, pointed end down, in a pot with the flat top of each one level or slightly below the surface of the soil. The cuttings should be taken from fall to early spring, while the plant is dormant. Cuttings can be kept in a cold frame until they root. When they start to grow, transplant them. With either method, keep cuttings evenly moist.

Keep plenty of mulch around your perennials to help retain moisture, provide nutrients as it decomposes, and keep the weeds at bay. As the mulch decomposes, add another layer.

To learn more about perennials, check the links below.