Tips for Perennials

When to Plant
Perennials can be planted in early spring. Add long lasting fertilizer and bone meal when planting.

Mix spring, summer and fall bloomers in a perennial border. The easiest way to accomplish this is to visit the garden center from early spring until summer and buy what’s in bloom.

Staking Tall Perennials
Some tall perennials should be staked to prevent them from bending or falling over during wind and rain. When staking is done correctly, the plants grow to cover the stakes. A floppy perennial plant may be an indication that the plant is not receiving adequate sunlight and needs to be relocated.

Encouraging Re-Blooming
Remove old flowers to encourage your perennials to re-bloom. Many perennials should be cut back to ground level after flowering has finished to encourage new leaf growth from the base.

Dividing Perennials
If perennials become overcrowded, they may require division Signs that perennials need dividing are flowers that are smaller than normal, centers of the clumps that are hollow and dead, or when the bottom foliage is sparse and poor. In general, it is best to divide spring and summer blooming perennials in the fall, and fall bloomers in spring. Remember to make sure all new divisions are watered frequently until established.

Overwintering
Remove dead foliage and stems in the fall, and mulch to protect crowns and roots from alternating mild and freezing weather. Remove mulch when the forsythias bloom.

And Most Importantly…
Install a bench near your garden so that you can enjoy the gorgeous blooms and the happy pollinators visiting the flowers.