Perennials are plants that can grow in your garden for several years. Unlike annuals, they do not die off in winter which makes them a very economical choice for garden plants. Not only that, but they typically multiply either through seeding, sending out tubers or creating new bulbs. With perennials you can have a constant supply of new plants year after year!
Perennials are typically purchased in small pots at your local garden store. These are already growing and can be transplanted in the garden. If you order them through mail order, you might get them as ìbare rootî plants which look like a pile of dead sticks! You can store these in a cold place until you are ready to plant them and donít be put off by their appearance, once you put these dead looking sticks in the ground, they will begin to grow!
Perennials should be planted in spring, but when buying them as already growing plants in pots, you can, of course, plant them all summer long. Of course, the earlier in the season the more established the root system will be come winter and thus the better chances for survival of the plant.
Planting perennials is easy! Just dig a hole as deep as the container the plant is already in and a bit wider. Then shake the plant loose from the container ñ gently of course so you do not damage it. The roots may be compacted, in which case you want to gently try to separate them as much as you can. Put the plant in the hole and fill it back up with the extra soil that you dug out from the hole. Perennials should be planted at the same level as the container they were in. If you are planting dry root plants, soak them in water for 1 hour before planting.
Perennials like to grow in a well drained soil to which you can add some 5-10-5 fertilizer before planting. After planting, be sure to water your plants thoroughly and then cover the area with mulch to help keep moisture in and weeds out.
Perennials will multiply and you can divide them and transplant them in another part of the garden. If you do this, be sure to do it in cool weather and keep the divided parts cool as you transplant them. Take extra care if the plant is flowering. Different perennials like to be divided at different times ñ it is quite plant specific so make sure you know when your particular plant should be divided before you start this process. Some popular perennials include tulip, daffodil, columbine, iris, delphinium and peony.