Perennials. They're the plants that you simply stick into the ground and they keep coming up year after year, for ever and ever, amen. Right?
Well, not exactly.
I've had several questions recently from readers about different aspects relating to perennials. It seems some people want to know exactly what perennials are, how to help them thrive, and which perennials I recommend for their landscaping projects.
It would probably be helpful to agree on what we mean by a "perennial" plant. Once planted, perennials (often described as non-woody plants) return year after year. They continue to grow and mature until they reach middle age, at which time (like you and me) they tend to lose their vigor. This generally happens after about 3 or 4 years, depending upon the variety. They can indeed live longer after they reach this point. However it is usually considered best to replace them. And yes, you can divide perennial plants to produce new plants.
So whereas no perennial will not live forever, you can expect several enjoyable years in their company!
Planting and caring for perennials does require a few extra steps on your part than if you were simply planting annuals, which by definition would only be around for a single season.
As a rule of thumb, you'll find that most flowering perennials do best when they can enjoy six to eight hours of sun per day. There are varieties that can adapt to different situations, but conditions such as heavy shade and wet soils will narrow your choice of plants. Before you select your plants, decide where they will be situated and what the soil and sunlight conditions will be.
According to an article published on the Internet by the University of Nebraska Cooperative Extension, soil quality is probably the most important factor in determining the success of a perennial flower planting. Adequate soil moisture is needed during the growing season but it is very important that the soil not stay excessively moist during the winter dormant season. To improve waterlogged soils, add drainage tile, raise the bed or incorporate organic matter such as compost or peat moss. Most perennials grow best in slightly acidic soils.
You can read the entire article at http://www.ianr.unl.edu/pubs/horticulture/g828.htm and there is a direct link to that and many other helpful articles from my web site. Go to www.landsteward.org and find this column under "The Plant Man" heading. That article contains more in-depth information than we have room for here, and you can find out more about planting, watering, mulching, fertilizing and protecting your perennials.
Another source of information that I highly recommend is "Perry's Perennial Pages". Dr. Leonard Perry of the University of Vermont has compiled an impressive web site with literally hundreds of sub-pages on everything you would ever want to know about perennials! The web address is http://www.uvm.edu/~pass/perry/index.html and again, there's a direct link from this column at my web site.
And now to some of my favorite perennials. It might seem too early to be thinking about fall planting, but it will be here before you know it, and a little advance planning is never a bad idea! If you would like some personal recommendations, or would like to receive my free newsletter, simply send me an e-mail at: steve@landsteward.org
Blue Flax (Linum lewsii) is an erect, branching perennial that has narrow leaves and lots of shallow-cupped blue flowers that bloom from May to September.
Firecracker Penstemon (Penstemon eatonii) is pretty darn spectacular! It displays 2-foot tall flower stalks with tube shaped red flowers. Blooming from March through June.
Cinnamon Fern (Osmund cinnamonea) is the ideal choice if you're looking for a perennial to plant in the vicinity of your pond or pool. It grows to a vase-shaped cluster and this is one that is suitable for moist garden sites. It grows to about 5' tall, and is attractive alone or among low-shade loving perennials.
Lady Fern (Athyrium felix-feminand) This is a good one to put on your list as a backdrop to colorful perennials or shady borders. Lady Fern produces soft, emerald fronds and delicate texture, and is one of America's most popular ferns. It's also hardy, and fast growing.
Palmer Pestemon (Penstemon palmer) is a good choice if you're looking for a fast-growing perennial. It has waxy gray-green leaves and displays 3-foot long flower spikes with puffy pale-pink flowers.
I'm certain we'll re-visit the subject of perennials in a future column, so please let me know if you have any specific topics you'd like me to address.
The Plant Man is here to help. Send your questions about trees, shrubs and landscaping to steve@landsteward.org and for resources and additional information, including archived columns, visit www.landsteward.org often.
