The following article includes pertinent information that may cause you to reconsider what you thought you understood. The most important thing is to study with an open mind and be willing to revise your understanding if necessary.

Perennials are one of the most popular types of flowering plants, both for the beginning and experienced gardeners. Gardeners of all types and abilities enjoy the beauty, hardiness and ease of planting of these find plants.

In addition, perennials come in every color of the rainbow, and in all shapes and sizes, making them a great choice for any garden. What makes perennials special, however, is their ability to come back year after year. While the actual life span of a perennial will vary from species to species and planting to planting, some types of perennials have been known to last for decades.

Perennials can be used anywhere in the garden, and anywhere around the home as well. Many varieties of perennials are great as landscape plantings, and their ability to regenerate makes them perfect for areas of the garden that are hard to reach. Using perennials to line a driveway, surround a flagpole or accent a front porch is a great idea for any gardener.

In fact, the hardest part of perennials for many gardeners is choosing the right ones. There are so many different perennials at your local garden center that it can be difficult to choose the right ones. This article attempts to help with that problem, by providing a brief overview of some of the most popular perennials for the home garden, as well as some brief care tips.

If you find yourself confused by what you've read to this point, don't despair. Everything should be crystal clear by the time you finish.

Achillea
Known as: Yarrow
Full sun, moderate water (less watering once fully established)

Anemone
Known as: Japanese Anemone
Partial shade, regular watering

Aster
Known as: New England Aster
Full sun, partial shade in hot climates, regular watering

Astilbe
Partial to full shade (some sun OK in cool climates, regular watering

Chrysanthemum
Known as: Shasta Daisy
Full sun, partial shade in hot climates, regular watering

Coreopsis
Known as: Threadleaf Coreopsis
Full sun, moderate to little watering

Delphinium
Full sun, regular watering

Echinacea
Known as: Purple Coneflower
Full sun, moderate watering

Geranium
Known as: Geranium
Full sun or partial shade. Must have afternoon shade in hot climates. Regular watering

Helleborus
Known as: Lenten Rose
Full sun in winter; partial to full shade in spring, summer and fall. Regular watering

Nepeta
Known as: Catmint
Full sun, moderate watering

Paeonia
Known as: Peony
Full sun, partial shade in hot climates, regular watering

Papaver
Known as: Oriental Poppy
Full sun, regular to moderate watering

Penstemon
Known as: Beard Tongue
Full sun; light shade in hot climates. Regular watering.

Phlox
Known as: Summer Phlox
Full sun. Flowers may fade in hot climates. Needs regular watering.

Redbeckia
Known as: Black-Eyed Susan
Full sun. Regular to moderate watering.

Salvia
Full sun. Regular watering.

Sedum
Known as: Autumn Joy
Full sun or partial shade. Moderate to little watering.

Veronica
Full sun. Regular watering.

Now might be a good time to write down the main points covered above. The act of putting it down on paper will help you remember what's important about perennials for your garden.