Perennial Gardens

Photo by Kate Cullen on Unsplash 

The Fuji apple is a cultivated variety originally developed in Japan from two American apple varieties, Red Delicious and Ralls Janet. It produces large, crisp, and sweet fruit and grows best in full sun with well-drained soil. Apples are widely enjoyed as an edible fruit and contain beneficial compounds such as antioxidants and fiber that support heart health. While not native to Ohio, Fuji apple trees can thrive in temperate climates with proper care and pruning. Apples have also held symbolic meaning across cultures, appearing in myths from Norse and Greek traditions as symbols of immortality, and in Christian tradition as the “forbidden fruit” associated with knowledge. 

The Gala apple is a cultivated variety that originated in New Zealand and is not native to North America. It produces small to medium-sized fruit, typically about 2–3 inches in diameter, with a crisp texture and sweet flavor. Gala apple trees grow best in full sun and thrive in temperate climates within USDA hardiness zones 4–10. The fruit is widely enjoyed fresh and provides nutritional benefits, including fiber and antioxidants that support overall health. Although not poisonous, apples should be eaten without seeds, as they contain compounds that can be harmful in large quantities. A fun historical note is that the Gala apple was named in honor of Queen Elizabeth II after she reportedly declared it one of her favorite apples. 

The Rainier cherry is a cultivated variety of sweet cherry developed in 1952 by horticulturist Harold Fogle. It produces large, yellow cherries with a red blush, typically about 2–3 centimeters in diameter, known for their sweet and delicate flavor. Rainier cherry trees grow best in full sun with well-drained soil and thrive in temperate regions such as Washington, Oregon, and New York. The fruit is safe to eat and is rich in vitamins A and C, which support immune function and overall health. Although it does not have a strong tradition of folklore, it is highly valued for its quality and is considered a premium cherry variety. 

The Van cherry is a variety of sweet cherry tree that produces dark red, edible fruit. It is not native to the United States, but originates from Europe and western Asia and is now widely cultivated in temperate regions. The fruit is safe to eat and is commonly used in fresh eating, desserts, and jams. Van cherry trees grow best in full sun and prefer well-drained soil with consistent moisture. In addition to their fruit, cherry trees are admired for their spring blossoms, which are often associated with beauty and the changing of the seasons. 

The raspberry is a perennial plant native to parts of Europe and Asia that produces small, edible red fruits. It grows best in full sun and prefers slightly acidic, well-drained soil in temperate climates. Raspberry plants are widely cultivated and can be used fresh or in jams, desserts, and other foods. The fruit is rich in vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants that support overall health. In Greek mythology, raspberries were once believed to be white until the goddess Ida pricked her finger on a thorn, turning the berries red with her blood. 

Aronia berry, also known as black chokeberry, is a perennial shrub native to North America and well adapted to regions like Ohio. It typically grows 3–8 feet tall and wide and thrives in full sun to partial shade, tolerating a range of soil conditions as long as they are well-drained. The berries are edible, though quite tart, and are often used in juices, jams, and baked goods. Aronia is especially valued for its exceptionally high antioxidant content—among the highest of any berry native to North America—which contributes to its reputation for supporting heart health and reducing inflammation. The plant is not poisonous and is also an important food source for wildlife. 

Ground cherry is a small fruiting plant in the nightshade family native to much of North America, including the Midwest. It produces small yellow to orange berries enclosed in a papery husk, giving the fruit a lantern-like appearance. The ripe fruit is edible and has a sweet, slightly tropical flavor, while unripe berries and other parts of the plant can be mildly toxic. Ground cherries grow best in full sun with well-drained soil and are often found in gardens, fields, and disturbed areas. Most varieties grow about 1–3 feet tall and spread outward as they mature. In some cultures, the plant’s lantern-like husk has been associated with protection and good luck, symbolizing a guiding light. 

Rhubarb is a perennial plant that grows best in full sun and thrives in cool climates with fertile, well-drained soil rich in organic matter. It performs especially well in regions with cold winters and mild summers, typically growing 2–4 feet tall and wide. The plant produces thick, colorful stalks up to 18 inches long and large, heart-shaped leaves that can exceed a foot in width. The stalks are edible and commonly used in pies, jams, and desserts for their tart flavor, while the leaves are toxic due to high levels of oxalic acid and should not be consumed. Rhubarb has a long history of medicinal use, particularly in ancient Chinese medicine, where it was used to treat digestive issues and fevers. Although originally native to northern Asia, most rhubarb grown today is a cultivated hybrid rather than a wild species.