How to Care for Perennials

It’s Spring and you are itching to use that gardening tool set that you were gifted from Radius Tools. Without question perennials make attractive additions to any landscaping design. Perennials are recurring plant blooms which fill in gardens and, when perennials are cared for properly, they return each season, only to add color and beauty to your landscape. If you are considering adding perennials to your landscape this year, here are some facts about how to care for perennials.

Facts About Perennials

So, what is a perennial? A perennial plant or just known as a perennial is a plant that lives more than two years in the ground. There are even some instances where perennial plants are plants that live more than three years. Some perennials are evergreen and they keep their foliage through the winter, while others go dormant, and often die back to the ground. Because of their longevity, perennial plants are a great investment in your garden. Let’s discuss how to care for perennial plants.

When Should I Plant Perennials?

The specific planting schedule depends on the perennial. Get out in the garden and plant some varieties, like daylilies, in the fall. In the spring plant peonies. No matter the type of perennial, you need to plant perennials at a time of year when the plants are able to grow roots with the least amount of stress on the plants possible.

There are some perennial plants that can be planted in late March and April since they can withstand when it’s a bit colder outside.  While perennials can be planted at other times throughout the year, be sure to provide water and proper care for your perennial plants.

Should Perennials Be Cut Back?

Dead foliage is generally addressed in the fall so that pests and diseases are minimized throughout the winter season. Even if it is chilly outside, prune your perennials which will help them to recover faster. When you prune away the dead portions of the plants, the perennials are able to bloom again every year with even more vigor.

Is Mulch Good for Perennials?

If your goal is to retain moisture and keep out weeds, you'll need mulch for your landscape. As a matter of fact, it is a smart idea around your perennial flowerbeds. When you have newly planted perennials, make certain to retain moisture for roots while keeping weeds out of your landscaping. After adding mulch to the area, make it a point to not spread it too thick over the crowns of the plants, because mulch too close to the crown can lead to crown rot.

Should You Fertilize Perennials?

Perennials are known for their longevity. Usually, applying a low-nitrogen, high-phosphorous fertilizer one time in the spring is the perfect amount to provide proper nutrients. If you want to give your plants a feed for that next mid to late bloom, you may also consider another application in the middle of the growing season.

 When You Need to Learn How to Care for Perennials

Learning how to care for perennials can be an easy proposition. Perennials are hardy plants that can handle even the most neglectful of care.