How to Grow Small Perennials (General Category)
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Small Perennials (General Category)
Various species
flowerSmall perennials are herbaceous or woody plants that live for multiple years and typically grow 12-36 inches tall, making them ideal for borders, rock gardens, containers, and ground covers. They return year after year with minimal maintenance once established, providing reliable color and texture to landscapes. This category includes diverse species like sedums, dianthus, catmint, coral bells, and many others.
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Example Small Perennials (General Category) timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Small Perennials (General Category)
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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First Small Perennials (General Category) blooms
Mid-to-late summerBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Small Perennials (General Category) dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Varies widely by species; most small perennials thrive in zones 3-9, with some hardy to zone 2 and others suitable for zone 10-11
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Get my Small Perennials (General Category) timeline →Growth Stages
Establishment (First 6-12 weeks)
6-12 weeksYoung transplants or seedlings focus on root development with slow above-ground growth. Foliage appears sparse and delicate.
Water consistently but not excessively. Protect from extreme heat and wind. Mulch lightly to retain moisture. Avoid fertilizing heavily to encourage deep rooting.
Vegetative Growth (Spring/Early Summer)
4-8 weeksPlant produces abundant foliage and stems. Overall structure and mounding or spreading form become evident.
Continue regular watering during dry periods. Pinch back tall varieties early to encourage bushiness. Apply balanced fertilizer if soil is poor. Remove any dead growth.
Budding & Flowering (Mid-Summer)
2-4 weeks before peak bloomFlower buds form along stems and branch tips. Plant reaches or approaches full size with dense foliage.
Continue watering at soil level to avoid wetting flowers. Deadhead spent blooms to encourage continued flowering. Support tall varieties if needed with stakes or cages.
Peak Bloom & Maturity (Summer to Fall)
4-12 weeksFull flowers open in succession, providing color for weeks or months depending on species. Plant reaches full mature size.
Deadhead regularly for extended bloom. Water during drought. Monitor for pests and disease. Allow some flowers to remain near season's end for seed production if desired.
Dormancy & Winter Preparation (Fall/Winter)
3-6 monthsFlowering slows and stops. Foliage may discolor, wither, or remain evergreen depending on species. Plant enters dormancy.
Cut back dead growth in late fall or early spring (timing varies by species and zone). Do not fertilize. Apply 2-3 inches of mulch for winter protection in cold zones. Reduce watering significantly.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with water to dislodge; use insecticidal soap or neem oil if severe. Increase humidity around plants.
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Improve air circulation by spacing plants properly. Apply sulfur dust or baking soda spray (1 tbsp per gallon water). Remove affected foliage.
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Spray with strong water stream; use insecticidal soap, neem oil, or horticultural oil. Encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs.
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Remove by hand at dusk. Use beer traps or copper barriers. Apply food-grade diatomaceous earth. Encourage ground beetles and toads.
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Ensure excellent drainage and avoid overwatering. Remove affected plants. Improve soil with sand and compost. Let soil dry between waterings.
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Remove affected foliage. Improve air circulation. Apply sulfur fungicide. Avoid wetting foliage when watering.
Uses
Herbal teas and flavoring
CulinaryMany small perennials like catmint, thyme, and salvias produce aromatic leaves used in herbal teas, culinary dishes, and beverages. They add unique flavors and medicinal properties to cooking. [source]
Traditional herbal remedies
MedicinalSmall perennials such as lavender, catmint, and thyme have been used for centuries in traditional medicine for relaxation, digestion, inflammation relief, and respiratory support. [source]
Dried flowers and aromatics
HouseholdDried flowers and foliage from small perennials like lavender, statice, and catmint are used in dried arrangements, potpourri, sachets, and natural air fresheners throughout the home. [source]
Pollinator and beneficial insect support
WildlifeFlowering small perennials attract and support bees, butterflies, hoverflies, and other beneficial insects essential for garden pollination and pest control. [source]
Cut flower and floral design
CraftMany small perennials provide long-lasting cut flowers suitable for fresh arrangements, wedding bouquets, and floral design projects with varied heights and colors. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Most small perennials are grown for ornamental display rather than harvest. Deadhead spent flowers throughout the season to promote continued blooming and neaten appearance. Cut flowers for arrangements in early morning when stems are turgid. In late fall or early spring, cut back dead foliage (timing depends on species and region). Allow some plants to set seed for natural reseeding or wildlife food.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Small perennials can reduce overall landscape maintenance by 50-70% compared to annual plantings since they return year after year without replanting.
- 🌱 Many small perennials like sedums and sempervivums can store water in their leaves, making them naturally drought-tolerant and capable of thriving in rocky, poor soils where annuals would struggle.
- 🌱 Some small perennials like catmint and lavender are actually subshrubs—they have woody bases but herbaceous stems—creating a unique structural element in gardens while remaining compact and manageable.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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