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PLANTING PERENNIALS
Planning is Key to a Perennial Garden
A perennial plant or perennial is a plant that lives for more than
two years. Perennials grow and bloom over the spring and summer
and then die back every autumn and winter, then return in the spring
from their root-stock rather than seeding themselves as an annual
plant does.
While perennials do not require replanting each year, they still require care. For best results, initial planning, proper soil preparation and
occasional maintenance are necessary. With proper attention to these
details, a perennial garden can provide color and interest in the landscape throughout the growing season.
Site selection
Most flowering perennials prefer six to eight hours of sun per day.
Areas of shade will reduce the numbers of species that can be grown.
Planning
Planning the perennial garden is important to insure continued
bloom and desired combinations of color, texture and height. The
blooming period of a particular species can usually be classified as
spring, early summer, midsummer, or late summer/fall.
Planting
Perennials generally are planted in the spring (April-May).
Watering
One inch to one and three quarters inch of water per week is a general rule. Once established, many species require watering only during
prolonged dry periods.
Fertilization
Fertility of the soil can be improved before planting with the incorporation of a complete fertilizer.
Maintenance
Soil preparation
Most perennials require only routine maintenance. A mulch applied
This is probably the most important factor in deto the soil will help suppress weeds while also conserving moisture.
termining the success of a perennial planting. Soil with
good water drainage characteristics is a necessity. Incorporating organic matter such as compost or peat
moss aids in improving soil drainage. Spading or rotoMost perennials can be divided and in fact need periodic division to
tilling the soil to a minimum depth of 8-10 inches also maintain vigor and maximum flower production. This may need to be
is important. All this should be done before planting. done annually.
Dividing and transplanting
Flower/Plant
Bloom Time
Height
Hardiness
Light
Blue Speedwell
Early summer to late autumn
18” to 24”
To 40˚ F
below zero
Full sun to very
light shade
Purple Coneflower
Midsummer to early autumn
2-1/2” to 3’
To 40˚ F
below zero
Sun
Black-Eyed Susan
Midsummer to late fall
2’ to 2-1/2’
To 40˚ F
below zero
Sun
Purple-Leaved
Beard-Tongue
Early to late summer
2-1/2’ feet
To 40˚ F
below zero
Sun
Pink Astilbe
Midsummer to early fall
18” to 20”
To 30˚ F
below zero
Partial sun
to full shade
Midsummer to early fall.
12” to 14”
To 30˚ F
below zero
Full sun to very
light shade.
Blue Perennial Sage
Midsummer to fall
22” to 28”
To 25˚ F
below zero
Full sun
Purple Coralbells
All summer long
12” to 14”
To 30˚ F
below zero
Partial sun to
partial shade
Threadleaf Tickseed
Early summer to fall
16” to 18”
To 35˚ F
below zero
Full sun to very
light shade.
Midsummer to fall
3-1/2’ to 4’
To 30˚ F
below zero
Full sun
Blue Pincushion Flower
Russian Sage
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