OKAY, SO WHAT IS A PERENNIAL PLANT?
No
flower border is complete without at least some herbaceous perennials.
These are the non-woody plants that die right back in autumn and emerge
again in spring. Some herbaceous perennials are evergreen - but not many.
In size they vary in height from 6in (15cm) right up to 15ft (150cm).
Some perennials can be ground covering (prostrate in shape), bushy, mounding
or very upright. Others are more flower based, some are best grown for
their foliage.
When choosing a perennial look at the bit of the garden you want to plant
them in. Ask yourself questions - is the site sunny, shady, wet or dry.
Decide which months you want flowers in - that’s if you want flowers,
and for how long you want them to bloom. Those that bloom for a long time
tend to be shorter lived (that because they reproduce easily) while the
more exotic plants such as peonies may take longer to establish but are
trouble free and like being left.
In general most perennials are very easy to grow, requiring little in
the way of attention especially during the growing season. Remember most
of the wild forms of perennials are to be found in poor rough ground,
such as along roadside verges, in poor, dry prairie, in poor, rocky land
and crevices or near and beneath trees. Do not cosset them too much -
they do not like it.
Planting
We sell our plants in two ways. In containers that can be planted throughout
the year, and bare rooted. These have to lifted and planted when the plant
is dormant, from autumn to spring.
Whether planting a containerised or bare rooted variety, dig the hole
deep enough to accommodate both the plant and its surrounding compost.
Back fill with soil and water well. This is very important in spring and
summer, and also if we get a dry autumn. Make sure the plant is kept moist
for a least a week.
Maintenance
Most perennials do not like being fussed with. Generally they are plants
that originate from deprived areas and their survival depended on their
ability to be starved, eaten and trodden on. So any fertiliser you wish
to add such be kept to a minimum.
Moving
If, when the plant comes into flower, you find that its not in the right
place, most perennials can be moved at any time of the year, provided
you follow some rules. Water it before you dig it up. Then lift the plant
with as much soil around it as possible. Replant it in its new location
and water well. Keep it watered for at least a week. If it is in full
growth and flower, it is best to cut the growth down to at least 6in (15cm)
- this means it won't loose any more water through transpiration.
Cutting back
I cut back our perennials at different times. Some are cut just after
they flower so that they produce flowers later in the season (hardy geraniums
in particular); others are cut back to stop mildew (which can be bad in
a warm, wet summer). In autumn I only cut those plants that look tatty
and continue this process throughout the winter depending on the variety.
Perennials are excellent for providing over wintering insect's shelter;
so try to keep some foliage until spring comes.
HARDY PLANT SOCIETY
For anyone truly interested in herbaceous plants, take a look at the Hardy
Plant Society.
