Herbaceous Perennials are an important part of any mixed planting scheme. There is such a wide range of shapes, sizes and flowering periods, which means there are perennials to suit any garden, large or small. They associate well with other plants such as roses, shrubs and evergreens. Most are easy to care for and require the minimum of attention. Perennials can often be bought as bare-root plants, in pots or as cell grown (plug) plants.
Cultural Instructions - Bare root Plants
- For best results plant as soon as possible, avoid planting if the soil is waterlogged or frozen.
- Soak the roots for a couple of hours in a bucket of water before planting.
- Dig a hole larger than the plant roots.
- Mix some compost or general purpose fertilizer such as fish, blood and bone or dried/pelleted chicken manure, with the soil from the planting hole.
- Loosen the soil in the base of the hole to enable the roots to penetrate.
- Put a layer of the soil and compost/fertiliser mixture into the base of the hole.Place the root on top so that the crown of the plant is at the same level as the surrounding ground.
- Add half the remaining soil, shake the plant gently to distribute this around the roots to make sure there are no air pockets.
- Add the rest of the soil firm gently and water well.
Pot-grown or cell (plug) plants
It is not quite as critical to plant pot-grown plants immediately, as they can be left in their pots for some time, provided they are not allowed to dry out.
- Before planting, water the pot well to give the roots a good soak.
- Dig a hole larger than the root-ball.
- Mix some compost or general purpose fertilizer such as fish, blood and bone or dried/pelleted chicken manure, with the soil from the planting hole.
- Make sure the soil in the bottom of the hole is loose to enable the roots to penetrate.
- Place the plant in the hole at the same depth as it was in its container.
- Back-fill the planting hole with the soil mixture, firming gently to remove any air pockets, and water well.
Aftercare
- Mulching round plants with compost or bark chippings will help to keep down weeds and prevent water loss.
- Water regularly during the first year after planting.
- Dead-head when the flowers fade, this will prolong the flowering period of most varieties.
- When the plants die down in the autumn, remove any dead stems or leaves.
- Feed each spring with a general purpose fertiliser and they will return bigger and better each year.
