Perennials

What is a perennial?

A perennial is any plant that lives year after year, storing up energy in its roots during its dormant period, typically winter, and then renewing itself in the spring using that stored energy.  Trees and shrubs have such life cycles, but the distinction “perennial” generally refers to herbaceous perennials (flowers and grasses).  Most perennials die back to the ground during their dormancy, but there are some that will   remain evergreen and provide some winter interest.

Why grow perennials?

A carefully planned perennial border provides the gardener with a sense of anticipation like no other landscape planting.  Because there is a perennial that blooms for every season, you can easily plan for a constant , ever-changing flower show in your landscape.  Varying foliage textures and hues create a lush, inviting atmosphere even absent of blooms.  Staggered heights allow the gardener to create a garden showcase, every spot pleasing to the eye.

Perennials typically will bloom only for a short period of time when compared to annuals.  And, while they do not require yearly replacement, as do annuals, you still must “deadhead” (remove spent blooms to  promote flower production) and fertilize at key points during the growing season.  It is also a good idea to rid the garden of debris by cutting back the tops of your perennials when they die down to the ground in the winter.  This small amount of clean up can make a big impact on the prevention of disease in your  garden.  Otherwise, perennials are very easy to grow and will return year after year to grace your landscape with abundant, unique blooms and remarkable foliage.  Perennial plants remain in the ground year after year.  Once established, many perennials need minimal upkeep in the form of watering and   fertilizing, since their roots are more far-ranging than annuals plants’ roots.  Many perennials spread  readily, filling out garden spaces and providing more and more color each year.

Planting Depth

Containerized perennials should be planted at the same depth they were grown in the container. Planting too high results in plants drying out and too low invites crown rots. Some perennials such as bleeding heart, iris and peony need shallow planting in order to flower properly. Containerized plants should be  watered before planting and bare root perennials should be soaked in water for one hour prior to planting in order to re-hydrate the plants.

Transplanting                                                                                                                                            

Most perennials are transplanted in the spring as growth starts or in the late summer or early fall. It is usually best to wait until the plants have flowered and then cut back by half just prior to moving. If plants are moved out of season, they may need to be shaded for several days to allow them to recover.

Watering

Water is a vital part in getting newly planted perennial gardens established. Soak the plants initially after planting and then check regularly to prevent drying out. Mulching helps to cut down on watering frequency. The general rule of thumb of one inch of water per week for established plantings holds true.

Less frequent but deep watering encourage perennials to root more deeply and thus become better able to handle drought conditions.

The most common and time efficient way to water perennial gardens is to use soaker hoses. Many perennial gardeners will snake a soaker hose through the     garden and leave it there all summer. When water is needed they will connect it to a faucet and turn it on. To make the hose invisible, bury it just under the mulch.