New Edition of Armitage’s "Herbaceous Perennial Plants" Released

Jul 22, 2020
New Edition of Armitage’s “Herbaceous Perennial Plants” Released

Horticulture icon Allan Armitage, Ph.D.,’s newest edition of his perennial plant masterpiece, “Herbaceous Perennial Plants: A Treatise on Their Identification, Culture, and Garden Attributes,” fourth edition, has hit the shelves in both hardback and paperback editions.

Published by Stipes Publishing LLC, this newest edition includes dozens of new species and hundreds of new cultivars from breeders throughout the world.

While Armitage’s comments on morphological characteristics provide sound scientific guidance for gardeners and horticultural fans, his testaments to plants’ “garden worthiness” add a unique, solid perspective for readers deciding which plants will perform best in their spaces.

First published 31 years ago, “Herbaceous Perennial Plants” quickly became a leading resource in the field of horticulture. Recognized as one of the “Best 75 Books in the Last 75 Years” by the American Horticulture Society, Armitage’s book gained ongoing popularity and praise with each new edition for his comprehensive, thoughtful insight into the world of perennials.

Last updated in 2008, the newest edition provides easy-to-read information for more than 500 genera, species, and cultivars used in the gardening and landscape trade. Throughout the 1,100 pages, Armitage includes plant pronunciation guides, more than 300 color photos, observations about plants’ performance, cultivar selection, and current taxonomy. 

“In the 12 years since the third edition was published, there have been colossal changes in horticulture,” says Armitage. ”New plants, new cultivars, changing taxonomy, natives and invasives — to say nothing of the people who are actually using our plants — I knew it was time to give my old friend an update.” 

“Herbaceous Perennial Plants” is available through Stipes Publishing (https://stipes.com/) and from Armitage (www.allanarmitage.net). The book retails for $89.80 (hardbound), $79.80 (paperback) and those copies ordered through the Armitage website can be personalized and autographed.