Perennials are those flowers which reliably bloom year after year
After growing throughout the spring and summer, perennials die back to the ground each winter only to reemerge again the following spring. With their vibrant colors and interesting textures, they’re at the heart of most gardens. Perennials are easy to grow and need little maintenance. There are, however, a few guidelines to follow which will help your garden flourish.
After the spring clean up, cut back to the ground any stalks which were left standing over the winter. Survey the perennial bed early in the spring and take note of what you have. See if there are any empty spaces which could benefit from additional flowers. Ideally, the perennial bed should provide colorful blooms all season long. To compliment the perennials, plant some annuals in the garden for added color. Annuals will bloom from spring until the first frost.
Additional Articles You’ll Also Like:
Article: How Flowers Can Brighten Up Your Life
Article: Early Blooming Flowers For your Spring Garden
Article: Create A Perennial Garden For Beauty Every Year
In the spring, apply a slow release garden fertilizer. This will help the perennials grow vigorously throughout the entire season. Cultivating some compost into the garden each year will improve soil consistency and keep the soil nutrient rich.
Throughout the summer there is the need for deadheading. This is the process of snipping off flowers which have gone by. It keeps the garden looking great all season. Deadheading annuals is even more important as it encourages a continuous bloom from spring to fall. Cultivate the garden soil a few times during the growing season. It will keep weeds from encroaching on the garden and will allows water and nutrients to penetrate the soil surface.
Taller plants, especially those with large flowers, will require staking. After rain shower, the flowers are weighed down and the plant’s stalk will often bend or break.
Late in the fall, perennials begin to fade as their foliage starts to die back to the ground. Their roots are still alive but the above ground part of the plant is done for the season. Though cutting back the plants can be done in the spring, it’s generally done in the fall for aesthetic reasons. There are some perennials, such as black eyed Susan, which, if left standing, add character to the fall and winter landscape.
Dividing perennials is an easy and free way to increase your plant stock. After a few years of growth, perennials may begin to outgrow their allotted space. Dividing overgrown perennials solves the problem of over crowding in the garden. Dividing also gives you new plants to add to your garden. To divide a perennial dig the plant out of the garden preserving as much of the root system as possible. Then divide the perennial in half with a shovel or edger. Replace the perennial back in the ground and back fill with a mix of compost and existing soil. Fall is the best time of year to divide perennials.
Perennials are adaptable to a variety of landscape conditions so analyze the conditions of your own garden to determine what will work best. Also, have a plan or list in hand before you head out to the greenhouse. Perennials need little maintenance once they are established and provide years of care free gardening enjoyment
Perennials are those flowers which reliably bloom year after year. After growing throughout the spring and summer, perennials die back to the ground each winter only to reemerge again the following spring.
By: R Birch
Top 10 Perennials: List Compliments of I-Village (Link Here)
Perennials will bring joy to your garden year after year with their continuous blooms. The perennials on this list are not only easy to care for (just some slight pruning in the spring), but they will become the workhorses of your garden.
1. Coral Bells, ‘Palace Purple’
You’ll love the deep and dramatic purple hues of this plant. Its showy foliage is also a great way to break up a floral-heavy garden.
2. Northern Sea Oats
Imagine large bushes of oats, right in the middle of your garden. Let this bushy wild perennial give your garden texture and atmosphere year after year.
3. Bleeding Heart
Be still my bleeding heart; These flowering beauties with their heart-shaped blooms are quite a sight. Drooping gently from their thin branches, you will fall in love with this magical plant.
4. Canadian Phlox, ‘Laphamii’
Looking to plant something in the shade? This phlox is for you. Colorful and intriguing, these violet-blue flowers will bring a tranquil feeling to your garden.
5. Clematis, ‘Ville de Lyon’
Most gardeners will say that the clematis is a popular flower because it’s a vigorous climber and easy to grow. But we know better. The carmine red blooms of this ville de lyon are a stunner!
6. Hosta, ‘Wide Brim’
Who doesn’t love the hosta? Perfect for a shady corner, this leafy hosta will bring a great green texture to your garden and is easy to grow.
7.Cinnamon Fern
If you love lots of green, this is the plant for you. This clump-forming fern spreads slowly, and its intriguing wooly texture will surprise any fern lover.
8. Carpathian Bellflower, ‘White Clips’
Imagine hundreds of white bells, right in your garden! Plant these white bell-flowers to add some variety to your colorful garden and let the sun sparkle on their white blooms.
9. Purple Lilac
So, you’ve always wanted a lilac bush. Now is the time! Not only are lilacs popular because of their incredible scent, but the pastel blooms are unlike anything else that grows in the spring.
10. Bee Balm, ‘Raspberry Wine’
Red raspberry. Deep color. Bright and cheerful. This mildew-resistant plant with its spiky flowers will bring a spirited bloom to any garden.
Help Out Home Information Guru by Following Us On: FaceBook, Twitter, & Pintrest
