How to Grow and Care for Perennials

Perennials reach maturity in as little as two growing seasons.With the right selections they can create a fine tableau of texture and colors with both their flowers and foliage adding spectacular visual effects in the garden for months on end.Perennials are so versatile they can be featured as specimen plants in a herbaceous border,or added with annuals,biennials and shrubs in a mixed border.They can have specific theme designs such as a herbal garden.They can be added in containers and window boxes, or grown among fruit and vegetables in a kitchen garden for variety.Perennials are probably the most diverse plant group,providing a massive array of shape,form,size,color,texture and scent giving a wide range of design and visual effects.With the following article you will not only learn how to plant perennials but you will learn how to make them thrive allowing you to have a beautiful, well established perennial garden.

Soil Requirements

* When choosing perennials match the needs of the plants when choosing a site.Plant all perennials in carefully prepared ground.Perennials require a deep, well-drained garden soil that retains moisture. Work soil well, 2 to 2 1/2 feet deep.

* For container grown perennials use loam based compost.Ensure that the compost in the containers does not dry out when plants are in growth;water on a daily basis in hot, dry weather.

Planting

* An ample sized hole,usually doubling the size of the root spread is best, in a sunny location, unless plant prefers shade such as ferns. Roots should be spread well apart and the soil brought in contact with the roots and pressed firmly leaving no air pockets.After planting, the plants should be thoroughly watered and lightly mulched. The average planting distance for perennials is 1 foot apart. Vigorous growers such as peonies require as much as 3 feet. Keep the surrounding area free of weeds,and water young plants on a regular basis until established.

Care After Planting

* Water and fertilize plants regularly throughout the growing season.

* Most perennials produce vigorous shoots in the spring, but some may be spindly.If this is the case when the plant is about one quarter of its final height,pinch out or cut back weak shoots ; the remaining remaining sturdy shoots will usually bear larger flowers.Stake plants that will require support when young to ensure that the stems will remain upright.

* Dead-head regularly to prolong flowering.

* In spring when the ground is moist, apply a mulch of organic matter such as bark chips.Perennials grown in a border should be divided not only for propagation purposes,but also to maintain their vigor,ideally every three years.Take care when lifting and replanting not to damage the roots of surrounding,plants ,shrubs or trees.

* In Autumn cut shoots down to base and remove dead and faded growth as well as any surrounding weeds leaving the bed and borders tidy.Mulch with hay, straw after the ground is frozen to help prevent winter injury to plant.

* In the winter in very cold areas leaving the top growth in place until the spring offers some frost protection to the crown of the plant.

Cultivation

* Begin cultivation early and continue all season. Perennials can be propagated by seed,division,cuttings or grafting.Sowing seed is more preferable for species when planting in large numbers .Hybrids and cultivars never come true from seed,take by division or cuttings.

Small List Of Perennial Growing Information:

* Iris and similar plants should be planted with the roots below the surface of the ground and the rhizome just on the surface.

* Peonies and similar plants should be planted with the tips of the buds just below the surface of the ground, about 1″. Peonies do not bloom well if planted too deeply.

* Plants on which the leaves spring from a crown, such as the Shasta Daisy, should be planted with the crown just at the dirt line. These plants should be protected with a mulch which does not pack and cause leaves to rot. Chrysanthemums and similar plants may be mulched with sand.

* Hollyhocks and other plants with fleshy roots should be planted with the tap root straight down and the bud just below the surface of the dirt. Sprinkle soil around the roots. Press firmly and water well

Perennials With Special Care Requirements:

• Aster – should be planted 18″ apart in full sun or partial shade.
• Carnations – Plant 20″ apart in full sun and well-drained soil.
• Clematis – Plant Clematis 3-4′ apart in light loamy, well-drained soil. (Add peat moss for best conditions.) Give vines lots of sunlight, but shade roots with small plantings. Each spring, prune back to about 2′ to speed new growth.
• Cushion mums – Plant 18 to 24″ apart and as close to the original depth as possible. To keep plants bushy and compact be sure to pinch out the tip of each shoot when it has 6 to 8 leaves. Pinching should be stopped after July 15.
• Daisies – Plant 20″ apart in full sun or partial shade. Need good drainage.
• Delphinium – (Hybrid) – should be planted about 2′ apart and as deeply as formerly planted. Flower stalks should be staked.
• Hibiscus – Plant in full sun in well-fertilized loam with sand and peat added. Water generously.

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