Planting Perennials

The plant that keeps on giving! 

Gainan's Garden Center 

Every year, our love for perennials grows stronger! When you first plant one, it might look a little sad, but don't worry. Give it some time, and soon it will bloom beautifully year after year. Perennials are the perfect "plant once, enjoy for years" option. They die back each fall and return in the spring, ready to wow you all over again!

Perennials are like nature's fireworks, bursting with shapes, sizes, textures, and colors! While they might not provide season-long color like annuals, their individual flowers are simply unbeatable. Think of the unique charm of columbine and bleeding hearts or the dramatic spires of delphinium and foxglove. They bloom at different times throughout the season, letting you create a garden color scheme that dazzles from spring to fall. You could begin with purples and pinks in early spring and end with the golden tones of Black-Eyed Susans in the fall.

Other perennials are valued for their foliage, such as hostas, ferns and ornamental grasses which add texture to a garden. Use perennials in combination with shrubs and evergreens to provide color and variety. Low, spreading perennials are often used as ground covers to give a greener, softer feel to an area.

Great soil preparation is key to all plantings, but especially with perennials since they will occupy their spot in the garden for years. Most prefer well-drained soil rich in organic matter. With heavy soils that may drain poorly, you may consider raising the area to improve drainage. For heavy or light soils, incorporating garden compost, or peat into the top 8 to 12 inches will increase the organic matter and aid in drainage and soil aeration. A top dressing of organic mulches like wood chips, compost, shredded bark, or leaves provide a cool, moist environment, reduce weeds, and help protect plants – especially newly planted and shallow rooted plants - in the winter.

Many perennials love a good divide! Periodically dividing them keeps them from getting crowded and losing vigor. Iris, daylilies, and lilies thrive when divided every three years. If left undivided, they can become crowded, lose vigor, and become more susceptible to diseases.

When you start paying attention to perennial foliage, you'll discover a world of textures and colors. From the graceful arches of grasses and delicate fronds of ferns to the silvery-gray of artemisias and burgundy leaves of coral bells, foliage can be as striking as the brightest blooms.

HERE ARE FIVE TIPS FOR SELECTING THE PERFECT PERENNIALS FOR YOUR GARDEN:

• Choose colors and textures that you love.
• Know the space you have and how large your plants will get.
• Pick plants that provide a burst of color throughout the growing season.
• Choose plants that match the sunlight and shade in your garden.
• Look for companion plants with similar light and water needs.

Choose plants that fit both your garden and your gardening style. Pay attention to the amount of light your garden receives. Sun-loving plants won’t thrive in shade, and shade-loving plants will struggle with too much sun. For a low-maintenance garden, select plants that don’t need a lot of attention. But if you enjoy a daily dose of gardening, try varieties that need a bit more care.

Perennials are the ever-faithful stars of the garden, bringing beauty and texture year after year. By understanding their needs, you can create a garden that delights the senses throughout the growing season. Happy gardening!

About Gainan's Midtown Flowers & Garden Center 

Gainan's Flowers and Garden Center is family owned and operated with a rich and storied history. We are committed to offering only the finest floral arrangements and gifts backed by service that is friendly and prompt. That is why we always go the extra mile to make your gift perfect. Our business is to turn feelings into flowers. Together, we have celebrated births, weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, and mourned with our customers seeking sympathy tributes. We are so fortunate, and thank our community of customers beyond measure for allowing us the opportunity to partner with them in all the seasons of their lives.