As the trends in landscaping change, homeowners across the U.S. are adding perennials to their gardens. These stunning flowers come in many colors, sizes, and shapes, making them perfect for transforming any property. Like all plants, they require custom garden maintenance, and you’ll find answers to common questions below to ensure they thrive in your yard.

A Brief Guide to Perennials

What are perennials?

Perennials are flowers that only bloom once or twice each year, usually during a dedicated season. They can continue growing between blooms and can live up to a decade with proper garden maintenance.

Daylilies are a popular option because they’re durable and can grow almost anywhere, including in poor soil and on slopes. Gardens also love dangling salvias because they’re drought-tolerant and bloom in the fall. Many homeowners love lavender because of its calming fragrance.

When should you plant perennials?

You can begin planting perennials in late April and continue into the fall.  Spring and fall give plants plenty of time to settle in the soil without summer heat being a roadblock. You’ll also avoid frozen ground, which is usually the cutoff point for planting new perennials.

Do they need to be fertilized?

Plant fertilizer will give these flowers the boost they need to grow, bloom, and remain healthy. For optimal plant growth, apply a balanced fertilizer, one that contains nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus and trace elements.

Plan on applying fertilizer every 6 to 8 weeks throughout the growing season. Keeping perennials well-fed during this time may lead to additional blooms and ensure they’ll enjoy healthy growth next year.

What garden maintenance is required?

If you have perennials, make sure that they aren’t too crowded, especially if they’re in pots. Small containers can restrict growth, so make sure there’s enough space for the spreading roots.

Make sure to trim dead foliage in fall to prevent pests and plant diseases, and mulch over them during summer to keep the sun from evaporating the moisture in the soil. While most species have their own watering requirements, in general, water perennials once a day when summer arrives.

 

Quality plant fertilizers are crucial to every garden, and Nelson Plant Food of Bellville, TX, carries many options for a variety of needs. This family-owned and -operated supplier has provided quality products since 1982 to ensure customers have the products they need for garden maintenance. You can learn more on their website or connect on Facebook to receive more plant health tips. Call (979) 865-8596 to speak with a sales associate.