When thinking about how to plant perennials, you should first think about your garden space. Gardens tend to work better with a mix of perennials, evergreens and annuals because they tend to give interest to the space throughout the year. You should also consider adding trees and think about the best trees for small gardens.
Perennials are super easy to plant and look after because if you get it right from the beginning they pretty much take care fo themselves!
WHAT IS A PERENNIAL?
A perennial is a plant that comes back year after year. Unlike annuals which tend to survive for only one season before dying, perennials are cold hardy and will grow back once the weather gets warm again.
Perennials usually need clipping back in the spring to get rid of the old growth so light can get through to the new spring growth. They usually flower, but only for once season per year.
Perennials give great structure and definition to a garden and are pretty low maintenance plants!
HOW TO PLANT PERENNIALS
Here’s my simple guide to planting a perennial:
- Check the label to see what position it likes. It might say “sunny” or “partial sun” or “shade”
- Check the label to see what soil conditions it likes. Some perennials like lots of drainage and some prefer boggy soil conditions.
- Find the correct spot for it in your garden!
- Now clear it of weeds
- Dig a hole twice the size of the plant pot
- Fill with a little compost of soil improver, or grit if drainage is poor.
- Place your plant in the hole and fill in, firming so there are no air pockets.
- Water in well
Perennials should be watered regularly when they are first planted, until their roots are established and you see new growth.
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO PLANT PERENNIALS?
Spring is always the best time to plant perennials. There are lots of gardening jobs for the spring time. At this time they are yet to start growing rigorously and so wont suffer too much from being replanted. If you don’t manage to get it in the ground in the spring, the next best time is Autumn.
Autumn is also a good time as you will have had the advantage of seeing how your garden has progressed throughout the summer and will be better informed about where you might require new planting.
WHAT IS THE EASIEST PERENNIAL TO PLANT?
Of course, the easiest perennial to grow is going to largely depend on your specific garden and conditions. There is no ‘easiest’ plant, rather the right plant for the right space. If you get that bit right, every perennial becomes easy!
A lot of perennials self seed, which can be wonderful and annoying, depending on your love of the plant. Lambs ear, asters and sedum are all super spreaders and will take over your entire garden if given the chance!
I hope this gave you a little advice about the best time and way to plant perennials in your garden. Happy gardening!
