Five ways to choose a winning perennial

A well-grown perennial should have a multi-stemmed crown, with several growing points from which shoots can develop (like a potato with multiple eyes, rather than only a few). Roots should reach the bottom of their container; but try to avoid those with roots growing out of the bottom of the pot, as that's a sign the plant's been in too small a container for too long.


Tall, spindly plants with a single stem will likely have been in an undersized container for too long and may take several seasons to recover once planted in your garden.

Page two photos by Mark Burstyn.

Read more in Plants and Perennials