Some Ideas on Perennial Books from Gail Anderson

Gail,
I seem to remember you mentioning a perennial book or two that you like. Do you have a recommendation? Mine are so lacking.
Thanks,
Laura Larson

If you want a book that concentrates on the perennial plants themselves individually and in groupings without a lot of side topics, then you might like RODALE'S ILLUSTRATIONED ENCYCLOPEDIA OF PERENNIALS by Ellen Phillips & C. Colston Burrell. Be sure to get the 2004 edition or a later one if it exists (you can find cheap copies on ebay). Obviously it will not have the latest cultivars, but it has all the tried and true varieties (over 700 pages).
http://www.rodaleinc.com/products/books/rodales-illustrated-encyclopedia-perennials
Another book that, apparently, is wildly popular is THE WELL-TRAINED PERENNIAL GARDEN by Tracy diSabato Aust. It has more about planting, maintenance etc. but also covers the plants. I don't own it so can't speak from personal experience. Again, be sure to get the latest edition which may be 2006. (note: Paula J. loves this book)
http://www.amazon.com/Well-Tended-Perennial-Garden-Planting-Techniques/dp/0881928038/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1397502779&sr=1-1&keywords=the+well+tended+perennial+garden+by+tracy+disabato-aust
Then American Horticultural Society offers two huge comprehensive references. One is A-Z ENCYCLOPEDIA OF GARDEN PLANTS. We use an earlier version as the "big book" reference at the garden club plant sale. It covers not only perennials but some woody shrubs and trees and some plants that are not hardy in our zone. It's also a bit outdated and does not include some of the cultivars. However, as a one-stop go-to reference I still like it.

There's also the A H Society's A-Z ENCYCLOPEDIA OF PERENNIALS, which is also huge and comprehensive. However, it too, covers some perennials not hardy here. Have been tempted to buy this one but haven't sprung for it yet.

Link for both of the above:
http://www.ahs.org/gardening-resources/gardening-publications/ahs-gardening-books

Best wishes,
Gail