January 2026

What kind of fertilizer do peonies need? Peonies thrive in well-draining, nutrient-rich soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6. Fertilize in early spring with a balanced mix like 10-10-10 and again after blooming to support roots. Feeding the peonies in summer and fall is prime time because it’s when the plants stop focusing […]

Should you fertilize plants right after planting? About a month after planting, begin a plant food regimen to replenish nutrients so your plants can thrive all season long. Established plants like trees and shrubs also need plant food as they begin to wake-up at the start of the growing season. Early spring: Feed new growth

What fertilizer is best for perennials? Broadcasting a slow release fertilizer is the best choice to meet season-long plant nutrient requirements, but you can also use a balanced fertilizer such as 20-5-10. If your soil test indicates that you do not need phosphorous, choose a product such as 20-0-10. A good all-purpose fertilizer would be

What is the best fertilizer for perennials and shrubs? A good general-purpose fertilizer that works well for both annuals and perennials is a balanced 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 NPK fertilizer. These numbers represent the nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium content, respectively, and a balanced ratio promotes healthy growth in a variety of plants. In general, fertilizers formulated

What is the longest flowering perennial plant? Geranium. Probably one of the longest flowering garden plants, hardy geraniums start flowering around may, and continue to october, depending on the variety. One of the longest flowering varieties is geranium ‘johnson’s blue’ (illustrated) which is also attractive to bees. Butterfly bush have one of the longest bloom

What are hardy flowering perennials for pots UK? Some of the best varieties for growing in containers are achillea, agapanthus, allium, aquilegia, aster, Astrantia, bergenia, bellflowers, crocosmia, echinacea, geraniums and daylilies. Suitable plants Try box (Buxussempervirens), bay (Laurus nobilis), skimmia, euonymus, ivy (Hedera) or Gaultheria mucronata varieties. Ornamental cabbage and kale provide additional foliage interest.

How to keep plants alive in winter outside? Apply mulch and water soil before a freeze. Cover plants with breathable fabric; add heat if temperatures are forecast to be dangerously low. Remove covers when daytime temps rise and surfaces thaw. Covers and mulches reliably protect against light frost (a few degrees below freezing) and short-duration

When’s the best time to cut back perennials? Plants like these should be pruned after the first few frosts in late fall or early winter. Other perennials like mums and coneflowers are better off being pruned in spring just before new growth comes in. Plants like these provide food for birds throughout winter. Pruning in

How far back can you prune geraniums? Jane recommends pruning geraniums and pelargoniums back by between one third to one half during March or April. Come spring, the plants will rocket away, bush up beautifully and give a lovely flush of flowers. Cutting back hardy geraniums for winter and any remaining stems and leaves to

How to keep potted plants alive in winter? To protect outdoor potted plants in cold weather, insulate pots with bubble wrap or burlap to reduce root freezing. Elevate pots off cold surfaces using pot feet or bricks to improve drainage and prevent waterlogging. Mulch the soil surface to retain moisture and regulate temperature. Cover Plants