Herbaceous Plants at www.japanese-home-gardens.com

Many herbaceous plants develop a compact, fleshy crown that is not easy to pull apart. The best way to propagate these plants is by division. The size of divisions will depend on preference, but must include at least one developed shoot. Avoid latent buds, which do not always develop satisfactorily. Propagate herbaceous plants with fleshy crowns toward the end of their dormant season.

SHRUBS ARE commonly grouped either with other shrubs or with herbaceous plants and annuals, but some kinds look their best planted as isolated specimens and some can be trained against walls. Magnolia stellata is an excellent example of the former type and pyracantha, Japanese quince (Chaenomelesjaponica), and ceanothus all do well against walls, where their stiff branches may provide support for genuine climbers, such as the less rampant varieties of clematis. Most shrubs take several years to attain their full size. In the meantime, temporary plants, such as dahlias, annuals and herbaceous perennials, can be used to fill the space until the shrubs require it all.

Where space permits, whole borders or beds may be devoted to them or they can be used with shrubs, annuals or bedding plants, or as isolated plants or groups of plants. An open, sunny position is best for beds or borders devoted exclusively to herbaceous perennials since this will suit the majority, but there is no shortage of kinds that will grow in shade that is not too dense.