Perennials: Selecting, Buying and Planting

About Perrenials:
Selecting, Buying and Planting

A Perennial is a plant that lives for 3 or more years, although many perennials live much longer. During winter most perennials will die down to the ground. But don’t worry their roots are still alive and come spring will start to grow again.

Perennials are planted in spring and fall. You can purchase perennials in quart or gallon containers or bare-root through catalogs.

Choose a perennial that will fit the planting space that you have chosen. If the planting area gets a lot of sun you will need to choose a perennial that grows well in full sun. If your area is shaded choose a perennial that will tolerate shade.

Some popular perennials are: Daylilies, Bleeding Heart, Coral Bells, Salvia, Peonies, Coneflower, Hosta, Hydrangea, Golden Rod, and Aster.

When purchasing perennials through catalogs or online your perennial will arrive at the proper planting time for your planting zone. Many times the perennial will arrive bare-root which means there will be no dirt surrounding the roots. Although your perennials may look dead or dry when it arrives in the mail, it’s most likely in a dormant state. Following the directions that come with your plant and watering regularly are usually all you need to do.

Don’t forget to give your perennial several weeks to adjust to its new home. Many times your purchase will come with a warranty, just in case.

	Daylilies, Native Stunning old-fashion daylily is the one that flowers all season long. A sturdy prolific orange bloomer.

	Pink Coneflower Lilac-pink petals turn reddish purple, circle coffee-colored cones. Easy to grow plants are drought resistant.

	Salvia Plumosa Repeat Bloomer with Double Flowers

	Pink Old-Fashioned Bleeding Heart Dainty, heart-shaped flowers dangle from 2- to 3-foot stems in late spring.

	Variegated Hosta- Buy One, Get One Free! Shade loving!

	Nikko Blue Hydrangea Huge 9-inch flowers in stunning all-out bloom from June to August. Full and fluffy, they load the foliage--a glorious display of color.