Growing Perennials in Cold Climates (Hardcover)

~ (Author), John Whitman (Author), Kristen Gilbertson (Foreword), Paulette Rickard (Foreword)

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

Cold climates, so the authors define, are regions in which winter temperatures can fall below 20 degrees. They list 50 of the most popular perennial groups and, within these groups, give details on 1,700 wild and cultivated varieties best suited to cold climates. There are in-depth profiles of each plant group and descriptions and specific growing details on each variety. Site, light, soil, and moisture requirements are given, along with instructions on planting, caring, and propagation. The authors also offer tips on using the plants as cut-and-dried flowers and on choosing companion plants. Part 2, "The Basics of Growing Perennials," is a crash course in perennial gardening, giving advice on preparing a site, buying potted perennials, composting, watering, mulching, fertilizing, weeding, staking, deadheading, pruning, winter protection, and problems such as diseases and insects. George Cohen

Product Description

Growing Perennials in Cold Climates is destined to be a landmark in gardening publishing. It is the first book ever of its kind for perennial gardeners.

Beginning with the 50 best perennial groups to grow in cold climates, the book details both the good and the bad news about these plants in the most reader-friendly, easy-to-follow fashion in the history of gardening publishing. It includes easily accessible information on how to grow cold climate perennials, where to plant them, the different soil types, companion plants, and caring, pruning, and propagation. Fully illustrated throughout, this is the guide that gardeners living in colder climates have been waiting for.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 448 pages
• Publisher: Contemporary Books; 1 edition (November 11, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0809229439
• ISBN-13: 978-0809229437
• Product Dimensions: 10.5 x 8.4 x 1.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #638,199 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

  Popular in these categories: (What's this?)

  #7 in	Books > Home & Garden > Gardening & Horticulture > By Climate > Colder Climates
  #30 in	Books > Home & Garden > Gardening & Horticulture > By Climate > Temperate

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The best resource available for nothern gardners!, March 14, 1999

By A Customer

The best resource I have ever seen detailing the different perennials, how and where to plant, propagation, attractive flower companions and more. The authors detail each plant and provide a list of varities with their recomendations listed in a five star rating system. I have been a serious gardner for 10 years and I have learned more from this book than any other source!

49 of 59 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars A incomplete book with a lot of filler, May 26, 1999

By A Customer

While perhaps suitable for a beginning gardener, this book omits many useful and common species while including obscure cultivars that are virtually indistinguishable from one another. Important cultural facts are often missing or buried in the cookie-cutter approach to each species. This book has no index, the omission of which may point to hasty editing. More experienced gardeners should look at books written by Steven Still.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best book for perennials in the Midwest, June 14, 2002

By	Diane L. Mullins "diane1240" (Arlington Hts, IL United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I've bought and borrowed numerous books regarding perennials. None has been so complete and well illustrated. Each plant species has varieties listed as well as planting, mulching, pruning, dividing techniques and advice. As an avid perennial gardener, I can't recommend this book highly enough. Kudos to the authors!