How to Grow and Care for Perennials

How to Grow and Care for Perennials

Perennials are the backbone of many beautiful and long-lasting gardens, offering a wide array of colors, shapes, and textures that can bring life and vibrancy to your outdoor space year after year. Unlike annual plants that need to be replanted each year, perennials return from their root systems, providing continuity and ease of maintenance. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting, learning how to grow and care for perennials can be a rewarding experience that enhances the beauty of your garden. This guide delves into the critical aspects of developing and managing for perennials to help you create a stunning and thriving garden.

Choosing the Right Perennials

The first step in successfully growing perennials is selecting the right plants for your garden. Consider factors such as your climate, soil type, sunlight availability, and the overall aesthetic you want to achieve. Some perennials thrive in full sun, while others prefer partial shade. Choosing perennials that are well-suited to your local climate is crucial to ensure they can survive the winter and thrive during the growing season.

Site Preparation
Before planting perennials, proper site preparation is essential for their success. Start by clearing the area of weeds, rocks, and debris. Depending on your soil type, you might need to amend it with organic matter to improve drainage and fertility. This could include compost, well-rotted manure, or peat moss. Proper drainage prevents root rot and other soil-borne diseases affecting perennials.

Planting Perennials

When planting perennials, consider the spacing requirements of each plant to prevent overcrowding as they mature. Dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball and place the plant at the same depth it was in the nursery container. Gently backfill the hole with soil, pressing it down firmly around the plant. Water thoroughly after planting to help settle the soil and eliminate air pockets around the roots.

Watering
Proper watering is crucial during the establishment phase of perennials. Water newly planted perennials regularly to keep the soil moist but not soggy. Once established, most perennials are more drought-tolerant but still require regular watering during dry periods. Water deeply and less frequently to encourage profound root growth. Mulching around the base of your perennials can help retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Fertilization

Feeding your perennials is essential for their growth and blooming potential. Before planting:
Incorporate a balanced slow-release fertilizer into the soil.
Add a layer of compost or well-rotted manure each year to replenish nutrients.
Be cautious not to over-fertilize, as this can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of flower production.

Pruning and Deadheading

Pruning and deadheading are critical tasks in perennial care. Deadheading involves removing spent flowers to encourage the plant to redirect its energy into producing more blooms. This not only extends the flowering period but also enhances the plant's overall appearance. Pruning, on the other hand, involves removing damaged or diseased foliage and shaping the plant for a neat and tidy appearance. Cut back perennials in late fall or early spring, depending on the plant's growth habits.

Dividing Perennials

Many perennials benefit from periodic division, which helps rejuvenate the plant and maintain its vigor. Dividing involves splitting the plant into smaller sections and replanting them. This process is typically done every few years or when you notice the center of the plant becoming crowded and less productive. Dividing perennials promotes healthy growth and allows you to multiply your plants and share them with friends or neighbors.

Winter Care

As the growing season comes to a close, it's essential to prepare your perennials for the winter months. Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the plants to protect the root systems from freezing temperatures and frost heave. Some perennials benefit from leaving their foliage intact during the winter, as it can protect them from harsh weather. However, if you're concerned about the appearance of dead vegetation, you can cut it back in late fall.

Common Perennial Pests and Diseases

While perennials are generally resilient, they can still be susceptible to pests and diseases. Watch for common issues such as aphids, slugs, snails, and powdery mildew. Regularly inspect your plants for signs of trouble and address any problems promptly. Integrated pest management practices, such as natural predators or organic treatments, can help keep pest populations in check without harsh chemicals.

Conclusion

Growing and caring for perennials can be a fulfilling and enjoyable endeavor that yields beautiful results year after year. By selecting the right plants, preparing the site correctly, and providing adequate water, nutrients, and maintenance, you can create a thriving perennial garden that becomes a centerpiece of your landscape. Whether you're aiming for vibrant flower beds, serene woodland gardens, or low-maintenance landscapes, perennials offer diverse options to suit your preferences. Patience and dedication will reward you with a stunning garden that evolves and matures over time, providing endless joy and satisfaction.

Annual Phlox - TN Nursery

Annual Phlox

Annual Phlox blooms in spring, summer, and fall, making this perennial so popular. It also has a long blooming season in the fall and stays blooming for weeks. This delightful flowering plant brings robust color and charm to any landscaping project. As an annual plant, it completes its life cycle within a single growing season, but its attributes make it a popular choice for gardeners year after year. Let's explore why this annual is a fantastic addition to your landscape. Annual Phlox is a long-blooming and easy-to-grow plant known for its diverse and colorful blooms. With cheerful shades of lavender, pink, white, and red, these plants are among the favorites for all types of gardens and landscaping situations. These flowers are native to North America and commonly found in Texas, California, Alabama, Arkansas, and as far north as Minnesota. The Annual Phlox Blooms In 3 Seasons Their blooming season starts in spring and continues until the hot summer; however, they bloom again in fall. If you opt for a pollinator garden, they are ideal companion plantings that attract early pollinators with their sweet scent and vibrant blooms. By choosing them, you can support biodiversity and the local ecosystem. Whether you are an experienced flower farmer or have found a new passion for planting vibrant blooms in your garden, order your annual phlox plants from TN Nursery. Add these plants to your garden to enhance its aesthetic appeal and enjoy the beautiful, sweet scent in the air. Features of Annual Phlox The annual phlox plant has a subtle, sweet scent similar to honey or melon. The fragrance and vibrant blooms attract early pollinators to feed on nectar and collect pollen, ultimately supporting the ecosystem's health. Under ideal conditions, the plant can grow 6 to 18 inches tall. Annual Phlox Loves Well Draining Soil The plants can thrive in most garden soil but bloom best in well-drained soil and full sun with moderate watering required. Make sure to plant it in a large pot with a drainage hole. The plants are known for their reputation for being easy to grow and care for, making them an ideal option for new and experienced gardeners. You can buy starter phlox plants for sale from TN Nursery and plant them in your beautiful garden. The plants also support companion planting, which means you can plant them alongside other sun-loving plants such as Yarrow, Bee Balm, and Orange Daylily to enhance your garden’s appearance.

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Hedwigia Ciliate Moss - TN Nursery

Hedwigia Ciliate Moss

Hedwigia ciliate moss (Hedwigia ciliata), commonly known as "Hedwig’s fringed moss" or "fringed hoar-moss," is a species of moss in the Hedwigiaceae family. It's distinctive for its appearance and habitat preferences. Hedwigia ciliate moss forms compact, cushion-like patches or tufts that are typically grayish-green in color. The leaves are triangular or lance-shaped, with a noticeable fringe or cilia along their edges, giving the moss a “frosted” appearance. Hedwigia Ciliate Moss is perfect for topiaries, decor, and walls. It thrives in almost any environment, is easy to grow, and has many uses. One of the primary benefits of incorporating this plant into landscaping is its ability to add a touch of natural beauty and charm. Plants like this have delicate, lush textures that bring a sense of tranquility and elegance to garden settings. Their fine filaments and intricate structures create a captivating visual appeal, especially when contrasted with other plant forms or hardscape elements. Hedwigia Ciliate Moss Grows In Many Places  The natural beauty of Hedwigia Ciliate Moss makes it a stunning addition to any garden. In the realm of botanical wonders, it is beloved as a non-flowering plant that can grow in a wide range of places and settings. It is often found growing on exposed rocks, especially those made of limestone or other calcareous substrates. It prefers dry, open habitats with good light exposure and can also be found on old walls or building structures. If you dream of a mossy haven to complete your garden, accentuate the rocks near your pond, or add a whimsical, fairy-tale forest to your landscape, you will surely adore its vibrant green color and soft texture. Hedwigia Ciliate Moss Makes Gardens Healthy  Not many gardeners consider adding them to their landscape, but these exciting plants are an excellent addition that can support a healthier garden. They do not compete with other plants. On the contrary, they can help retain water so your other plants can stay hydrated and nourished. Its cheerful green leaves and endurance bring new, exciting life to a garden. It can support a tree bed, act as a natural weed barrier, and help purify the air for a fresher environment. Its fringe leaf is easy to care for and thrives where it is planted. It sprouts rich, green leaves with light edges that dazzle on a rock and under the sunlight. Because it grows roughly 2.5 cm tall, it will not easily overtake a space or distract from other greenery. Instead, you can appreciate the wild beauty of this soft, delicate plant that creates a plush carpet no matter where it is housed. This wonder can be an excellent addition to a topiary as both an indoor and outdoor plant. Its lush, velvety foliage adds a beautiful touch of greenery that brings sophistication and tranquility to your topiary. Overall, Hedwigia ciliate moss is a resilient and visually distinct species that thrives in harsh, rocky environments where few other plants can survive. Hedwigia Ciliate Moss Brings A Sense Of Calm Hedwigia Ciliate Moss brings a natural sense of calm and ease to anyone who views it. Reminiscent of babbling brooks and soothing streams, it can infuse your landscape with a relaxing aura that will instantly put you at ease.

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Jack In The Pulpit - TN Nursery

Jack In The Pulpit

Jack In The Pulpit is a woodland perennial known for its distinctive, hood-like spathe that covers a spiky, upright structure called the spadix. It features two or three large leaves and is typically found in shaded, damp environments. Jack in the Pulpit (Ariseama triphyllum), known as the "Indian turnip," is an unusual spring wildflower with striped, hooded green blooms. This eye-catching plant makes a beautiful and unique addition to shady gardens. Habitat Of Jack in the Pulpit It is a native plant in moist woodlands, oak-hickory forests, and tree-filled swamps in eastern and central North America. This perennial can live 25 years or more and spread and colonize over time. Appearance Of Jack In The Pulpit As individuals grow, they will sprout one or two leaves, each of which splits into three leaflets that spread out from their stalks. The plants can rise to a height of one to three feet. Their characteristic bloom appears on a separate stalk between April and June. Its spathe, or "pulpit," is a green hooded cylindrical structure with a maroon-to-brown striped interior surrounding and concealing its spadix, or "Jack." When you look inside the spathe, you can see tiny greenish-purple flowers at its base. After they bloom, they go dormant or become hermaphroditic. In late summer, usually during August and early September, a cylindrical cluster of bright red berries will form on the pollinated flower stalk. When adding Jack In The Pulpit to your landscape, it helps to plant it in a setting that will mimic its natural habitat, like a woodland garden or boggy area. When conditions are right, it will naturalize and form small colonies. It significantly impacts when planted in clusters and surrounded by ferns, wildflowers, and hostas. When it goes dormant in the summer, you can fill the bare soil surrounding it with annuals like impatiens. Red berries on your plants in late summer may attract birds and small mammals to your garden. Thrushes and wild turkeys will eat the plant's fruits, which have a tomato-like consistency. Jack In The Pulpit Is A Unique Flower  If you want to add a unique flower to your garden that will be a conversation starter, consider planting them. These classic wildflowers will add a touch of mystery to your landscape and delight your eyes for years to come.

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Lyreleaf Sage - TN Nursery

Lyreleaf Sage

Lyreleaf Sage is a perennial wildflower characterized by its delicate, lyre-shaped leaves and spikes of tubular, purple-to-blue flowers. It is often found in dry, open woodlands and meadows. When thoughtfully integrated into landscaping designs, it presents a range of benefits. Its distinctive appearance, adaptability, contributions to biodiversity, and potential for enhancing outdoor spaces' visual and ecological aspects make it a valuable addition to gardens and landscapes. Lyreleaf Sage Produces Flowers Annually  Lyreleaf sage, also known as Salvia lyrata, is an herbaceous perennial. This means that its stems usually do not consist of any woodsy parts. It produces flowers annually before losing them every winter and usually lives for over two years.  Also, being described as "sage" means that it is a hardy, vigorous plant that can withstand being walked on much more than is the case for many other types of greenery. It is also known for its ability to resist, especially wet or dry conditions. This plant is the only one with this specific description native to North America. It should not be confused with the nightshade, an East Asian flowering plant. Lyreleaf Sage Has A Long Stem With Blooms This hairy perennial grows a rosette of leaves at its base, and those leaves, which have irregular margins, can extend up to 8 inches. Its stem usually reaches 1-2 feet long, and leaves typically grow higher, although those located there are much simpler. Its leaves are dark green for much of the year, usually changing to dark purple in the winter. Flowering tends to happen more extensively in April, May, and June, although it can occur sporadically throughout the year, with fall commonly being another significant time. These blue or violet flowers reach an inch long and attract butterflies and hummingbirds, while bees are their predominant pollinators. This plant can transition from being a seed to flowering in just a few months. Where Lyreleaf Sage Is Found The natural settings for most of these flowering plants include open areas and along forest edges. It is also commonly found in clearings, meadows, and sand. Many use it in gardens and lawns. Lyreleaf Sage's native area is spread throughout much of the eastern half of the United States, specifically from Connecticut south to Florida and west to Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas.

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