Perennials

When to plant Perennials

Perennial flowers should be planted either in the spring or the autumn, when temperatures are lower. During these seasons, they are able to establish and expand new roots. It is a good idea to plant your perennials in the autumn when they are on sale and before winter approaches. Please note: Smaller perennials in four-inch pots cost less and catch up to larger perennials within one year of planting!

How to plant Perennials

It is best to prepare your soil ahead of time for perennial planting (up to a year or so in advance). A loamy, well-drained, well-aerated soil enriched with organic material is best for perennials. You can plant perennials in the spring if you prepare the soil in the fall. Add as much organic material as you can to make the perennials strong. You may plant perennials in the spring if you prepare your soil beforehand.

• Before digging planting holes, water all of the plants you will be planting.
• Dig holes twice as wide and slightly deeper than the pot the plant is in, one hole at a time to prevent the soil from drying out. When you put the plant in the hole, it must be at the same level as in the pot.
• Toss a handful of organic material into the hole.
• After removing the plant from the pot, gently break up the roots near the base of the root ball with your fingers. (Don't worry, you won't harm the plant.)
• Set the plant in the hole so that it is at the same level as in the pot. Do not bury the crown, the point where roots and stems meet.
• Firm the soil around the plant with your hands rather than your feet after backfilling the hole with a mixture of soil and organic material.
• Water well after the irrigation so that the water sinks down to the root system.
• 2 to 3 inches of mulch should be added around the plants.  Avoid covering the stem with mulch; instead, mulch around it as if it were a donut hole.

How to take care of your perennials

• Water your perennials thoroughly in the first growing season, or regularly until frost if planting in the fall.
•  The soil should never be excessively wet or dry. The soil should not get water on the foliage, or else disease might develop.
• Use a low-nitrogen, high-phosphorus fertilizer to promote additional blossoms and less foliage. Although most perennials don't require large amounts of fertilization, it is usually sufficient for them to be fertilized with a tiny amount of fertilizer in the spring (after the soil has warmed).
• Remove spent flowers (deadhead) to prevent plants from wasting energy producing seeds and to stimulate reblooming. Coreopsis, phlox, veronica, and delphinium are examples of rebloomers.
• It is best to put plant supports in place early in the season, before plants get too big, so as not to disturb their roots. For clump-forming plants—such as peonies—utilize a hoop. Tie the stem gently to the support.

Buying perennials at Horticentre

If you're looking to plant perennials in your garden or on your patio, come to Horticentre in Overton. We love to help you with some personal advice on which perennials to plant and when. In our web shop you'll find a selection of our perennials and everything you need to take care of them in the best possible way. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.