Episode 65: What's New in Perennials (Part 1)

The word perennial can have two meanings. As an adjective, it can mean long lasting or continually recurring. As a noun, it refers to plants that have a life cycle lasting more than two years. They may die back seasonally, but even in their dormant phases, their root systems are living and will continue growing when conditions are right. While perennials can last many years, that doesn’t mean it’s a stagnant topic. New cultivars are developed, tested and released every year.

In the first of a two-part episode, wholesale perennial grower , Joe Behn of Behn’s Best Perennials, joins the podcast, Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley , in a lively discussion about the newest flowering plants that have captured the attention of gardeners in New York State. He shares valuable insights on the hottest new cultivars, their ability to resist deer, rabbits and drought conditions, and even some plants that are incredibly robust. In this episode, the discussion focuses on perennials that will bloom in spring and summer.

Tune in and take some notes as you learn about these exciting new flowering plants.

Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas

Guest: Joe Behn
Photo by: Tim Kennelty
Production Support: Teresa Golden, Linda Aydlett and Annie Scibienski

Resources

Armitage's Greatest Perennials and Annuals

GROWING PERENNIALS

Perennials | UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND
Care and Maintenance of Perennials
Perennials | Albany CCE

Last updated April 20, 2023