Whether you’re planting a flower garden or planning an indoor garden, perennial flowers serve several different purposes for your garden. They’re more flexible in terms of size and shape, and they also can do better in less-than-ideal soil conditions. This means that your flower garden will grow better if you plant it in a slightly different way than you might have done otherwise. With this information, you’ll have better success with your planting and maintenance decisions when it comes time to replace your perennial herbs or plants.
Perennial flowers, like all plants, require an organic source of nutrition each year to keep them alive. Unlike annuals, which must be repl planted each spring, perennials die completely to the earth at the very end of their growing season, and then just regrow the next year from the very same roots. Annual plants rely on a supply of organic matter, such as in winter, to keep them growing; Perennial plants get their supply of organic matter in the fall, after the flowers have bloomed. For this reason, perennial gardeners may be more inclined to “go green” in the fall, and to use sustainable materials for their gardening.
Some common examples of this vegetable-flowering type include peonies, phlox, and scented peonies. Other examples include sweet peas, daffodils, hydrangeas, and irises. Each of these plants has a single flower that blooms for one year, then slows down significantly (or stops all together) to bloom again the following year in succession.
Most perennial vegetables and flowers need fairly heavy watering to keep them growing, as well as to help them survive their dormant growing season. Mulching around plants can help keep them from drying out too much during the winter months. It’s also important to be sure to mulch where it will be unavailable or will not damage the plant or its roots. Mulch should be used around plants as a soil conditioner, not as a water conditioner. Mulching under trees should be avoided if possible, as falling leaves can wash out mulch and cause disease to both the tree and the plants that are nearby.
Many perennial flowers, including those such as daffodils, hydrangeas, and irises, can be planted in potting mix with a medium level of nitrogen. Some can even be planted in flowerpots. However, many perennials will need to be started from seed, so make sure you choose your plants carefully. If you are a beginner in perennial gardening, selecting plants carefully, and ensuring that you have the correct conditions for planting will make your first year of planting much easier.
Another way to divide perennials is to create a small fence or screen. This works particularly well if you want to plant a plant or flower that is currently blooming but won’t bloom for a few months. Constructing a fence can also be a great way to separate different species of flowers from each other. For example, if you have a deer fence, it could be used to help prevent other species of deer from eating your prized rose bushes. Fencing doesn’t have to be extremely high, as long as you know how tall and wide the plants you plan to divide are.
Of course, many perennial flowers only bloom for a limited amount of time each year, such as crocus and phlox. Part of the joy of these plants is the fact that they will typically return to full bloom time again. Some of these, such as the crocus, do exceptionally well if planted in a shaded area. Part of the challenge for gardeners in this situation knows the correct times to plant these plants so they will be able to return to their full glory.
Knowing how to plant perennials correctly is essential to make sure they thrive in your garden and keep coming back year after year. Gardeners should take special care to not dig up and kill any roots before replanting them. Digging up the roots of a plant that will bloom a limited amount of times can lead to the plant suffering and wilting. You also want to make sure your planting area is free of weeds and completely clear of roots before you plant perennials. It’s also a good idea to follow up with a good watering the next day to ensure that the roots are getting the water they need.