You should know the proper seasonal care guide for perennial flowers, especially if you are thinking about growing them. Perennials can be the core of a garden. They create a unique look. They make your garden look unique. But if you don’t really know how to care for them, everything will go into a waste.
The Difference of Annuals and Perennials
Annuals are plants that generally grow for a single season only, then produce seeds, and die. Perennials, on the other hand, usually live for longer times – in most cases, more than 2 years. Perennials will die in fall, but their roots remain intact and survive during winter months. And then they will re-grow back again during spring times.
When compared to the root system of the annual plants, the perennial roots are sturdier and stronger. Once you are able to develop them, they will return from year to year with very minimal efforts. Of course you need to know how to properly care for them, but if you do everything right, the plants will be able to survive on their own.
Some examples of the annuals include marigold, sunflower, petunia, or zinnia. While the examples of perennials include aster, bee balm, Russian sage, purple coneflower, peony, salvia, yarrow, and bearded iris. Knowing about seasonal care guides for perennial flowers can help create an epic appearance for your garden. Plus, you don’t have to break a sweat to create the perfect look that you want.
The General Requirements
Here are some of the basic things you need to know about perennials, including when to plant perennial flowers.
The best time to plant them is during spring or fall months. They will grow well when the temperature is cooler. It will give them the time to grow their roots and settle in.
Perennials love well drained soil with a pH level between 6.0 and 7.0.
Tips for Perennials Care
Don’t forget to apply mulch. It will help prevent weeds from forming. Plus, you can manage the proper moisture and also temperature of the soil. You want to apply and cover the bare soil, but make sure that you don’t overcrowd the plant. You should provide just a little space (especially around the plant’s base) for airflow.
Create a solid watering schedule, do it deeply and slowly. You want to keep the soil humid and moist, but don’t flood it. Do this for around 3 months after you have planted it. Afterwards, you can cut off the watering routine and adjust to the current condition of the soil.
You should fertilize the plants, but don’t do it too much. Feed them once after 4 to 6 weeks of planting.
Consider using a stake when you want to support the plant. Some flowers may be a bit heavy on the top. Provide a stake so they can have better support during their growth.
Final Words
Caring for perennials isn’t as complicated as it seems, but still….you need to pay attention to the proper way of caring and maintenance. Once you understand the seasonal care guide for perennial flowers, the rest would be easy.