How do you take care of perennials?
Water newly planted perennials regularly for their first year, until they’re settled in. After that, most only need extra water during long dry spells. Perennials in containers should be watered regularly during the growing season, and especially in hot weather. The best times for planting perennial flowers are during the spring and fall. Planting during these seasons will ensure your plants grow healthy and strong. In the spring, you have warmer soil, plenty of rainfall, and longer days with more sunlight. Planting in the fall also has its advantages.Perennials are best planted in spring (March to early May) or autumn (late September to October), while the ground is moist. Barerooted plants These need to be planted at the optimum times, mentioned above.
What is the lifespan of a perennial plant?
perennial plants are those with a lifespan that lasts at least three years, though they can live significantly longer as well. Perennial foliage may die back during the winter months but will regrow from dormant roots the next season. Fruit bushes such as currants and gooseberries will benefit from thinning out, while perennials that lack decorative seed heads should be cut back to the ground. Autumn is also the time to prune tender plants such as lavender and rosemary, which won’t withstand pruning in winter.Perennials are not demanding plants, but trimming them after flowering finishes in autumn helps improve their appearance and flowering. However, you can leave some stems over winter to provide homes and food for wildlife, and then trim back in spring.
What is the best month to plant perennials?
The best time to plant perennials is roughly 6-8 weeks before the first hard frost in your area. This gives the plants enough time to establish roots before the ground freezes. For example, in many northern areas, this means aiming for late August, possibly into early October. How Long Do Perennials Live? Once planted, perennials come back each year. Depending on the type of plant you’ve planted, they can live anywhere from 3 to 15 years!
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. Most gardeners should use a complete fertilizer with twice as much phosphorus as nitrogen or potassium. An example would be 10-20-10 or 12-24-12. These fertilizers usually are easy to find. Some soils contain enough potassium for good plant growth and don’t need more.Perennials may benefit from a single fertilizer application just before or at the time that new spring growth is pushing up. The most common recommendation is to apply no more than 1 pound of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet if no compost is used.
What soil is best for perennials?
Most perennials grow best in soil that is well drained with good fertility and a pH of 6. Adding organic matter to soil improves the fertility, texture, and water-holding capacity. Apply a two to three inch layer of mulch to conserve water, reduce the need to weed, and keep soil temperature cool. Most perennial plants prefer a sunny location with well drained, fertile soil, but a good number can adapt or may actually prefer shade. The size and shape of your garden will depend on the space available, but try to place the garden where you will enjoy it most.