Perennials
by Jenna Marshall
Perennials are the backbone of the garden. Lasting three years or longer, these plants give maturity and stability to the garden. They can be used to create a framework and structure a garden, while still giving a colorful show when in bloom. If well-maintained, perennials can offer plenty of unique shapes and textures to your garden. It is important to remember that no two varities are alike. Be sure to do a little research to identify your plant's specific requirements. In general, most perennials will do well with the guidelines listed below.
There are three main types of perennials: hardy, half-hardy and tender. The term "hardy" refers to how well the plant responds to the cold. Hardy Perennials - These are plants that can tolerate the cold. They will need little to no protection during the winter months. They can handle frost and light freezing without much damage. They cannot, however, handle extreme heat or drought well. In those conditions, it is common for them to wither a bit. Be sure that they are properly watered and they should bounce back when the temperatures cool down. This is a good reason to know a little about your plants before you plant them - some plants are not meant for some climate zones. Half-Hardy Perennials - These are plants that can take a little bit of cold, but will need extra protection during severe winters. A layer of mulch 2-4 inches thick will provide extra protection to the roots. A cover, such as plastic sheeting or a pot turned upside down (depending on the size of your plant) will protect the body of the plant. Tender Perennials - These are plants that cannot tolerate the cold. They are native plants to warmer regions of the world, such as the tropics. They will need protection from fall through early spring, depending on the severity of your winter. Typically, when the temperature of the soil is about 60 degrees farenheit, the plants can be uncovered. Some tender perennials, like bulbs and tubers, require being dug up and brought indoors.
The best thing you can do for any type of plant is to give it a well-prepared bed of soil. Well-tilled soil with plenty of organic matter is a good starting point for your perennials. It is advisable to till down about 10 inches to work in your amendments. The pH should be between 5.5 and 6.5, but may vary depending on the type of plant.
You can plant your perennials in the fall or early spring for best results. Planting in the fall gives the plant more time to establish its root system before the active growth cycle begins in the spring. Just be sure to plant at least 5-6 weeks before the first hard freeze. Spring is also a good time, but is best if done in early spring. In late spring, the temperatures are rising. The more time your plants have to establish their roots before the temperatures get too warm, the better. Whatever season you choose, plant in late afternoon or on a cloudy day. This will help minimize transplant shock. To plant your perennials, dig a hole the same depth as the pot or the roots. To ensure the roots have room to grow to the sides, the hole should also be about twice as wide as it is deep. Place your plant in the center and refill the hole, gently packing the soil around the plant. This will help eliminate air pockets. The roots need to be in contact with the soil to have access to nutrients and water. The crown (where the stem meets the roots) should be level with the surface. When planting bare root plants, it is important to give them a good soaking before you plant them. Submerge the roots in water for 30-40 minutes before planting. When planting perennials from pots, give them a good watering before removing them.
When you have first planted your perennials, you should keep them well-watered. The soil should be damp, but not soggy. If you pick up a handful and give it a squeeze, it shouldwring out a few drops, not a puddle. Too much water can lead to root rot. Once they have started to develop new growth, one inch of water per week is sufficient. Deep watering is best because it incourages strong, deep roots. Soaker hoses are excellent for achieving this. If you prefer overhead watering, be sure to avoid getting too much water on the foliage. This can encourage disease and pests. Watering early in the day also helps since the water has time to evaporate before the sun goes down.
Pruning is important in maintaining the overall health of a perennial. Removing dead or damaged branches will reduce the chances of disease and pests. Pruning will also help keep your plants from falling over because they are top-heavy. Different plants have different needs for pruning, so do a little research first. Dead-heading is another important task. This is simply removing the faded blooms from the plant. This serves a few purposes. First, it just makes the plant look better. Nobody wants to look at a bunch of dead flowers. Second, decaying plant matter attracts insects and disease. Removing them will help keep the plants healthy. Third, removing the spent blooms will encourage more blooms, making the plant more attractive. Dividing a perennial is often necessary every few years. The plant's roots can get overcrowded and the plant stops thriving - this is when it is necessary to divide the plant into separate plants. Generally, it can be divided in half or thirds. However, some plants will have to be divided into several new plants. Check your plant's requirements before beginning. Weeding is also essential in any garden. Weeds can detract from the beauty of your garden, plus bring pests and disease to your garden. Not to mention they are taking vital nutrients away from your plants. For these reasons, it is best to keep them out of your garden. It is advisable to visit your plants every few days, and catch the weeds while they are young. They are easier to pull this way, and they don't have a chance to take root.
|
