Reviews of Perennials for Every Purpose

Lovely and useful book. I have the 2003 paperback edition. It has sections on long-blooming perennials, spring/summer/fall-bloomers, no-care and easy-care perennials, drought-resistant and water-loving plants, cool-summer perennials and shade plants. Gorgeous photos of each plant, and extensive growing info with pros and cons clearly listed. Use this to pick plants to suit your site. Also has good general introductory section including some great planting plans.

I bought this book one fall and spent the entire winter reading and re-reading the book looking forward to spring.
I think it is a great book, and also bought a copy for my sister. I like the sections - shade, water, spring, summer, fall, etc. good pictures and descriptions. A great book for beginner gardeners like myself. I just wish it had more flowers. I think the author also wrote annuals for every purpose - but not completely sure....

I love this book. It is the only book on plants of any kind that gives the negatives as well as the positives about the various plants. The book covers only perennials and only by genus, but is the first place I look for information on any perennial and one of two books that I take with me on every plant buying trip. My only regret is that Mr. Hodgson has not written a similar book on other groups of plants.

Arranged by section (e.g. Summer Blooming, Foliage, Groundcover, for Birds & Butterflies), this book is a very complete reference for planting according to conditions the plants prefer. Good photos, warnings of any pesky qualities, recommendations of good cultivars and suggestions for attractive plant combinations. One of the most useful books I have read on perennial selections.