What is a perennial? When a plant is called perennial or herbaceous, it means that the stems are soft or succulent and green, as opposed to brown and woody. Generally soft, green, herbaceous growth will die back to the ground in cold, winter climates. The roots of the perennial plant are alive and well, and new growth will emerge in the spring.

We carry a diverse selection of perennial plants at O’Donal’s Nursery including: Local Ecotype from Van Berkum Nursery, a hearty selection of native perennials, clematis, peony, daylilies, hostas, ornamental grasses, and much more.

2026 Perennial Plant of the Year

The Perennial Plant Association is pleased to announce the 2026 Perennial Plant of the Year,  Andropogon gerardii  ‘Blackhawks’.

Big Bluestem are perfect for providing height and color to the garden, coming into prime a little earlier than other ornamental grasses. The foliage of ‘Blackhawks’ emerges deep green to dark purple in spring and deepens to near black by fall. One of the very best Big Bluestem from hybridizer Brent Horvath.

Dubbed the “monarch of the prairie”, this native grass was once the dominant component of the American tallgrass prairie. It adapts easily to a wide range of soil and moisture conditions as long as full sun is provided. This long-lived grass has a variety of uses including screening, naturalizing, restoring prairies, and nesting materials for birds and mammals.

Height:  4-5′

Width: 4′

Needs: moist to normal well-drained soil. Full sun.

Zone:  3

Plant with:  Alluim, Perovskia, Rudbeckia, Sedum, Aster.