Growing Perennials

Adequate drainage and organic matter a must.

For most effective use of perennials, provide them with a background to show them off. Evergreens or wooden fences make excellent backgrounds.

Perennials are flowering or foliage plants whose roots live from year to year. Their tops may or may not die back depending upon the types. They give color to the garden in shady or sunny spots, plus some types provide cut flowers during the spring, summer or fall. Among the more popular perennials are Daylilies, Iris, Hollyhock, Phlox, Carnation, Hosta, Shasta Daisy, Blue Salvia and many others.

Some perennials flower the first year after planting; others only after one or more years of growth. Usually perennials will not flower unless they are exposed to some cold then exposed to increasing day lengths and increasing temperatures. Their flowering time is the result of this sequence of day length and temperatures.

For successful perennials…

By proper selection and culture, flowering may be achieved during most every month of the year. Hopefully perennials will last for several years. However, this does not mean they will survive without fertilization, thinning and replanting, or starting new plants. For success with perennials keep in mind that a well prepared soil containing plenty of organic matter is essential.

Always start with vigorous plants or fresh seed. Garden centers and nurseries carry many perennials as packaged items or as dormant container plants, or as actively growing and sometimes flowering plants. Be sure to plant at the correct time. Check your gardening books for specific times for different perennials.

Spacing and placement…

Be sure to provide adequate space when thinning seedlings or planting started plants. Proper spacing is essential for fullest development and effective flowering. Cultivate only when necessary to remove weeds or keep plants in bounds. Fast growing and spreading annuals should not be interplanted with perennials. Be selective about your annuals to be used among the perennials.

Amend the soil for perennials…

You'll also need to provide adequate drainage, good aeration, and plenty of organic matter. Even the worst of red clays can be amended to grow perennials. To accomplish this, spread 3 - 4 inches of organic matter plus 1 -2 inches of coarse sand over the area to be planted in perennials. Pace yourself because lots of digging, plowing or rototilling is necessary to thoroughly mix these materials down to a depth of 10-12 inches. Depending upon source, cost, and ease of handling you may select from rotted manure (preferred), peat moss, leaf mold or compost, or finely ground pine bark.

The degree of success with perennials can often be equated with the effort that goes into soil preparation. Your soil may need liming to bring it into range for perennials since many of them grow best at a pH of 6.5 - 7.0. The last step in soil preparation is to bed up the soil so that the planting area will be slightly higher than the surrounding ground. This will reduce the risk of too much water during rainy periods or will eliminate the chance of poor surface drainage.

Plan wisely, select plants carefully, and thoroughly prepare the soil for rich rewards with perennials.

For more information on growing perennials, contact your local county Extension office.