Tips on Planting Perennial Flower Beds

A challenge of the season

“Perennials are so beautiful! But how do I plant them?"

Perennials are present in the spring, summer, fall and winter, which makes planting perennial flower beds a wonderful experience for gardeners or landscapers.

Once planted and under the right conditions, perennials will thrive for a number of years, as they have a rhizome or a perennating part, that allows new herbaceous growth, from season to season. Even in the autumn, when the flowers, leaves and stems die, the root lives on. In the spring, it will generate new life.

Planting perennial flower beds represents a bit of a challenge to a gardener, because the seasons change. The perennials come into blossom and begin to generate new seed, for the next year. Most of them do not bloom continually, like annuals that are planted in the spring.

Here are some tips on planting perennial flower beds.

Selection of location

The location of your perennial flower bed is important, but almost any location can be used, as long as the perennials selected for planting have the appropriate requirements for sun, soil and drainage.

Sun and shade

Many perennials will in grow in either sun or shade, but most perennials will do better where there is sun for at least 6-8 hours per day. Many will grow quite close to buildings or in shaded areas near trees.

Soil conditions

The soil conditions will determine what will grow. A sandy loam soil is ideal for most perennials. Some will grow in very sandy soil, while others do well in wet or poorly drained areas. The ideal soil ph is approximately 6. It should be well fertilized with compost or organic fertilizer, although commercial fertilizer can be used.

Weed control

Weed control can be a problem in perennial flower beds, because perennials multiply and spread quickly. In order to avoid weed problems, the soil should be worked before any perennials are planted. Placing leaves, sawdust, bark or wood chips around the plants, will help to keep the weeds under control. Spraying for weeds may not be possible, once the perennials start to grow. This should be done cautiously, so as not to kill the perennials. 

Drainage conditions

Choosing an area that is well drained ensures the perennials will not get root rot. Planting a perennial garden on a slope works well with respect to drainage, as the water will drain naturally.

Plant selection

Plant selection is important in a perennial garden. Depending upon the size of the flower bed, it is a good idea to plant a wide variety of perennials. Careful selection will ensure that you have blossoms for the entire spring, summer and fall. Many perennials remain attractive, even in the winter.

Begin with perennials that blossom early in the spring, like peonies. They can grow very large and are a beautiful addition to a perennial garden. Peonies can grow close to buildings. While they will make excellent flower arrangements, they do attract ants.

If you are looking for perennials that are tall, select bright pink or red holly hocks. These will grow well beside a wooden fence or close to a building. Lupins are not quite as tall and show well with a bright blue blossom.

For a dry, sunny area, yucca plants in blossom can be wonderful to behold. A hot, sunny corner on the south side of a house, is an ideal location for them. Rock garden plants, like hens and chickens or sedum will do well when planted, in the same area.

In lower, wet areas, different kinds of irises will blossom, early in the spring. Lilies or tiger lilies will bloom in the mid to late summer. They can be attractive with their yellow and orange flowers, in the midst of thick green foliage. These both do well shaded by large trees.

Daisies come in many different sizes and colors. They will thrive, even in a sandy, dry area that has a lot of sun. Straw flowers do well in the same environment.

Baby's breath is a great addition to a perennial garden, because it can be picked for arrangements with any of the other flowers.

Cross pollination

Cross pollination is important for the growth of perennials, so plant perennials that attract bees, butterflies and birds.

Planting perennials

Many perennials can be planted by seed in the spring, while others will seed themselves, if they have been planted previously.

Normally, there is a good display of perennials for spring planting in garden shops, as many perennials can be transplanted in the spring, summer and fall. Some bulbs should be planted early in the spring, but others do better if planted in the fall. If you plant in the summer, it is important to make certain that your plants receive enough moisture. Allow plenty of room between perennials when planting, because they do tend to grow rapidly and will rapidly overtake a flower bed. Allow room for weeding between the plants.

Watering

Watering regularly ensures that the root system will develop well enough to survive a cold winter. Water weekly but do not over water.

Fertilizer

Fertilizing a perennial garden on a regular basis, helps to ensure the growth of the perennials. It will increase the flower size and may lengthen the blossoming time. Make certain that the fertilizer has a good balance that feeds the flowers, leaves and roots. Do not over-fertilize, as your perennials may grow too quickly and you may have to thin some of them out. If you are taking perennials out of your garden, share them with your neighbors. They will love them.

Wintering

To ensure that your perennials survive the winter, a good layer of leaves, sawdust or mulch will help to protect the roots. If you live in a cold area, it may be advisable to dig up some of the bulbs for re-planting, just in case. Most of your perennials should be fine and will still look attractive, even without their blossoms.

Follow these tips and you will be able to enjoy your perennial garden, all year round!