Perennials, flowering plants that live for many years and come up from the ground each spring, can be the backbone of your landscape and can be grown in nearly any garden location – sunny, shady, wet, dry, border or background. See the ISU Extension and Outreach Yard & Garden news release from April 4, 2012 for information on perennial maintenance and recommend perennials to meet specifications of many gardeners.
 
Also visit the ISU Extension Online Store to order a copy of "Perennials for Sun." Publication PM-1914 has 140 color photos of more than 100 perennials that thrive in Zones 3 to 5.