Gardening with Perennials

There is nothing more rewarding than watching those little green 'heads' popping up in the spring.  Those tiny little four inch plants you watched grow last spring and summer are coming back again for another display.  Gardeners love to use perennials for many reasons including the infinite varieties available, their hardiness of course, and their ease of propagating.  Because they come back every year they are more cost effective than annuals.  So, you ask, how do you select what is right for your garden?

Light: 

Your first consideration must be light.  Most of us don't live on a property that is totally sun or shade.  It is usually a little mixture of both, except of course unless you live in a new home with absolutely no trees around it.  For heavily shaded areas Hostas, Astilbes and ferns are always good choices, but the list is almost endless when it comes to perennials that like the shade.  Remember, most perennials that like shade can tolerate morning sun, it is the hot Oklahoma afternoon sun that can literally 'cook' them.  If you live in a spot with lots of sun there are hundreds of choices out there for you as well. 

We like to tell our customers to actually go out into their yards at different times of the day and watch the way the sun is hitting a certain spot.  We can be deceived into thinking a west location is full sun, when the neighbors Oak tree may be shading it all afternoon. The same goes for an east location, if there are no trees around, it may be 12:30 or 1:00 before the sun gets over the house and off those plants.  Many shade loving plants don't like sun after about 11:00 or 11:30, especially in Oklahoma with our hot searing summer sun.

Color:

Perennials come in every color in the rainbow.  Salvia, Delphinium and Veronica come in many hues and shades of blue.  Asters and Monkshood are both beautiful shades of purple.  Pink can go from light to hot just by the choice of perennial.  Moonbeam Coreopsis is lemon yellow, and Rudbeckia varies in color from yellow to gold.  Peonies can be brilliant red to soft white in color.  The choice is up to you!  Keep in mind other plantings or what annuals you like to plant when choosing your perennial colors. 

Height:

Perennials fall into three distinct height categories, you guessed it, short, medium and tall.  The short varieties are usually used in rock gardens, as ground covers and as edging plants. One of the most versatile low-growing perennial for a sun garden is Sedum.  Medium sized perennials include such favorites as Peonies and Shasta Daisies.  Tall varieties are Hollyhocks, Purple Coneflower and some Ornamental Grasses fall into the tall varieties.  Remember: some tall varieties may need staking.

Time of Bloom:

Unlike annuals that bloom all summer, perennials have a limited flowering time; sometimes just a day; like a day-lily, or a few weeks as with an Astilbe, or several months such as the Pincushion flower or the Coreopsis.  The trick is to plant perennials so you can have blooms continuously throughout the season.  When planning your perennial garden keep this in mind.  Also keep in mind that deadheading is a good way to keep your plants looking fresh and blooming.  Beautiful foliage perennials such as ferns can be planted with blooming perennials to create even more effect. 

How to Grow Perennials:

Fortunately, perennials come in every size, shape, color and adaptability.  They all do best in well-drained soil that has been enriched with a soil amendment such as Back To Nature® or Hu-More.  Perennials may be purchased as starter plants in small pots or in various sized pots from 1-5 gallon containers.

Always remember: when buying a larger size pot, you are buying the root system, not the top growth! 

When planting always check to see if the plant is root-bound.  If this is the case gently loosen the moistened root-ball with your fingers, place in the planting hole, and firm the soil around it.  Keep your perennials well watered the first year they are in the ground to get them good and established.  Don't over-water!  Check your beds before you get out the garden hose and start soaking those plants!  

Before winter sets in, or after the first or second frost,  most of your perennials can be cut back close to the ground unless you wish to leave seed pods for winter interest or as a food supply for birds.  Don't prune back your ornamental grass, leave it as a nice interest in your fall and winter garden.  Water your perennials deeply before the ground freezes up in late autumn and continue watering if we have a dry fall and winter.  The water actually acts as an insulator for the plant roots. 

Dividing Perennials:

If your perennials start to flower less or become smaller or do not develop fully, the perennial more than likely needs to be divided.  This job is usually best done in the early spring when you see the first sprouts coming out of the ground.  With a sharp spade or garden fork, ease the plant out of its hole, being careful to get as much of the roots as possible.    With the clump out of the ground, take a sharp knife and cut the sides off of the plant, leaving the mother plant intact.  Depending on how large the plant is you may get many transplants or just a few.  If you have too many share them with a neighbor.   An exception is Peonies which are best divided in the fall.  If you are in doubt or have any questions about dividing your perennials always call or e-mail us with your questions.  We'll either have the answer immediately, or we can research and give you an answer as soon as possible.  If you are new to gardening or are new to gardening with perennials; they are relatively easy to grow and take care of.  It is always a good idea to ask questions about the particular perennial you are considering.