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PERENNIAL BASICS
Perennials: are plants that bloom and produce seeds for more than one year. They may last for a few years or for generations. Herbaceous perennials, the one that will be in this section, normally die back to ground level in the winter. Their roots are what renews the plant each spring.
Sun or Shade?: Even if perennials say they require full sun, they will do well as long as they have morning sun and are shaded through the hottest part of the day. Sum -loving plants will thrive
in an area where they receive morning sun and afternoon sun with some shade during the hottest part of the day. Although some perennials actually prefer shade, no plant can bloom in deep shade. If you have an area with deep shade, plant ferns, hostas and plants with nice foliage. Or you can try removing the lower branches of the trees causing the shade, in hopes of letting in enough sun for blooming.
Soil: Most perennials prefer a soil that is loamy, well-drained and high in organic matter. Many of those that will do well in poor soil will thrive in a better soil. Ph level is another thing to consider when planting perennials. Most perennials prefer a ph level between 5.5 and 7.5, test your soil with a ph test kit or send a soil sample to a local soil test lab. Test kits are inexpensive and can usually be found at your local nursery. You can adjust the ph of your soil easily by adding lime to acid soil or adding sulfur to alkaline soil. A generous amount of sphagnum peat will make your soil slighty more acidic.
Fertilizers: A complete fertilizer contains nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. The amounts of each of these elements are described as numbers on the labeling of the package. The first number refers to the nitrogen level. The second number is the phophorus level and the third number is the potassium or potash amount.
Perennials grown for their flowers prefer a fertilizer that is low in nitrogen, nitrogen encourages the growth of foliage at the cost of blooming. I use a root stimulator at planting time, and pelleted form
each spring. If something isn't blooming well, a liquid fertilizer high in phosphorus or a granular formula of phosphorus is added during the growing season. Liquid fertilizers are a short term fix, continuous use of liquids can cause a salt build up in the soil.
Pests and Disease The best way to avoid problems is to keep weeds and debris out of your beds. Water early in the day, so the foliage has time to dry before sunset. This will help keep fungi growth to a minimum. If you do need to resort to sprays or dusts to control problems, contact your local nursery or extension office for advice on which product to use.
Some products claim to be organic, but even insecticidal soaps have a chemical makeup to them. A professional nursery person can advise you on which product will be most effective with the least amount of harm to the enviroment. A good way to feel safe about a product is to find out the breakdown time of the chemicals, chemical breakdown times can vary from 24 hours to several years.
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last updated September 18, 1996
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