Planting perennials is a smart, low-maintenance gardening choice. You might wonder, what exactly are perennial plants? Unlike annuals, which last just one season, perennials return year after year—no need for replanting.
But what if your garden is already full, or you lack outdoor space but still wish to enjoy perennials’ beauty and resilience? Here’s some good news: you don’t have to limit these robust plants to your garden or flower beds. With the proper setup and care, many perennials can adapt well to indoor environments, providing lasting greenery, and even flowers, in your home all year long.
Native perennial varieties often do best indoors, especially those that tolerate filtered light or temperature variations. By placing them thoughtfully and respecting their natural cycles, these plants can thrive on a sunny windowsill or in a well-lit room just as they would in a garden bed.
How to care for perennials indoors
While outdoor perennials need regular watering to stay healthy, indoor perennials have their unique requirements. Light is the most important factor. Consider where the perennial would naturally grow outdoors and how much daylight it would receive, then adjust its indoor position accordingly.
Most perennials prefer bright locations with ample sunlight, making south-facing windows ideal. If light reaches only one side of the potted plant, rotate it periodically for even exposure and growth. Indoors, perennials should be planted in containers with good drainage for root health, using soil or potting mix similar to what they would have outdoors.
Watch out for drafts, watering, light, and pests when bringing perennials indoors. Cold or hot drafts can stress plants, so keep them away from doors or vents. Ensure soil is consistently moist but well-drained to avoid root damage from improper watering. Light levels change with the seasons, so even bright windows may not provide enough light in winter; supplemental grow lights can be beneficial. Regularly inspect plants to catch any pest issues early.
Which perennials can thrive in your home?
The key to growing perennials indoors is choosing varieties that thrive in such conditions. Fortunately, several perennials are suitable for indoor life. Dwarf hydrangeas like macrophylla (mophead) are excellent indoor plants as they thrive in pots and prefer cooler temperatures and bright light. For vibrant blooms, miniature roses can be grown in indoor pots on sunny windowsills, where they can be watered regularly. Pansies (Viola × wittrockiana) and violets (Viola odoratas) add brightness to windowsills and can double as edible decorations for desserts.
Apart from flowering perennials, many perennial herbs such as mint, rosemary, chives, tarragon, and thyme are ideal for sunny kitchen windowsills. Keeping herbs within easy reach not only promotes healthy growth but also makes them more likely to be used in cooking, making your indoor garden both attractive and practical.
In summary, you can and should grow perennials indoors, particularly if you wish to introduce life to your home or lack outdoor space. Indoor perennials offer year-round greenery, seasonal blooms, and fresh herbs at your fingertips.
