Planting With Perennials

Perennials are herbaceous plants with soft, non-woody stems. These plants live for more than one season. The top growth dies back each winter, but the roots survive underground and send up new shoots in the spring. Some perennials last only a few years while others survive for decades.

Planning the Garden Spot for Perennials

Perennial plants will occupy their space in the garden for a long time. Therefore, it is expedient to carefully plant the garden space before planting. A rough, colored drawing can help visualize the space. Arrange plants in combinations that will exhibit their colors and foliage. Plants with fast fading foliage should be planted behind those that keep their good looks a bit longer. Choosing plants with attractive foliage is desirable since the plants only bloom for a brief period of time.

Growing Perennials Plants

Perennial plants are available in nurseries and gardening shops, but they can easily grow from seeds.

Growing plants from seeds, not only saves money, it gives a greater plant selection. Plants should be started in pots or nursery beds until they are ready to set in the garden. Most perennials take about 2 years before they are ready to bloom.

Growing perennials from seeds also saves energy. The difficult work is done once. Most plants require full sun and moist, well-drained soil and will grow happily under these conditions. Perennial plants should be planted in the spring in warmer climates and in the fall in climates that are cooler.

Maintaining Perennial Plants

Although perennial plants are low-maintenance, they do need a certain degree of attention in order to continue to thrive at their best. Tall plants should be staked; they may incur damage if they topple over. Flowering plants need regular deadheading or pruning to keep blooms coming in profusion. Yellow leaves must be left on the plants after the blooming period to help build the plant for the next year. Plants should be divided and transplanted when they have outgrown their allocated space. Plants should also be regularly inspected for pests. Winter mulching may be necessary in some cases.

Perennial flowers come in a variety of colors, sizes and forms. Because different flowers will bloom for different lengths of time and at different time periods, gardeners can plan an “ever-blooming” garden. The hollyhock can grow up to about 9 feet tall and produces multiple flowers on a single stalk. Crocuses are 4 to 8 inches in height and are the first flowers to bloom in the spring. Yarrow will grow almost anywhere and favors dry, lean soil. Other flowers perform best in moist, rich soil and partial shade.

Winterize Perennials

Once the foliage of the perennials begin to yellow naturally, it is time to begin the winterizing process. Dear flowers and flowers should be removed and mulch applied to the area. The roots of the plant will continue to grow underground and send forth new shoots in the spring.