First, let’s dispel the number one old garden myth about perennials. “Once I plant perennials, I will never have to do anything else to my flowers.”

False!

Yes, it is true you will not have to buy plants each year, but there are several chores to do throughout the year for a successful perennial planting. Let’s get started!!

Choosing a Location

Since a perennial flower bed will be a permanent fixture in your yard, make sure it is located properly. If you want a sunny location, be aware of shadows from houses, trees and other objects.

After the decision is made as to the location, then it is time to prepare the ground. Since the planting bed will be permanent, prepare the soil very well and it will last for many years.

Preparing the Soil

Start by first tilling the area and removing the weeds, grass, etc. In Central Kentucky, we are blessed with some of the best type of soil, and also some of the muckiest clay that you can find anywhere. If you have soil that is dark and loose and relatively goodsoil, then all you need to do is add some more amendments such as compost, or peat moss to give your soil a boost.

If you are blessed with some of our Kentucky clay soil, then you MUST add a good 6 inches of top soil on top of the clay. Do not mix into the clay soil already in your garden, but rather, leave it on top and when you plant in this the flowers will have good soil to grow in. If you plant directly into the clay soil, I guarantee that you will not be satisfied with the results and will be frustrated every year.

Now that your soil is tilled, there is one final step to preparation. That is fertilization and weed control. Spread on top a well rounded fertilizer such as 10-10-10. This will get you plants off to a good start. At this point, you need to control the long term weed problem. It is possible to pull the weeds by hand as they appear, but that is a time consuming task and it does not always get accomplished. For that reason, I recommend a pre-emmergent weed control. There are several different types but Preen is a well recognized brand. Put it on at this time and then again eight weeks later for season long control.

Choosing Plants

Now that your flower bed is ready it is time to start thinking about what plants to grow. Remember, most perennials do not bloom all season, so scheduling blooming periods with early season, mid-season and late season is important. A good idea might be to mingle some annuals with your perennials because they bloom all season and it will help to fill in the slow blooming times with color in your bed.

Height of your flowers is also important. If your new perennial bed is an island, and can be viewed from all sides, then the taller varieties need to be planted in the middle of the bed with the shorter types closer to the edge all the way around the planting area. But, if your viewing area for the bed is on one side only, such as next to a building or along a walk, then the taller varieties need to be in the back of the planting area and the mid-level and shorter plants need to be in front of the bed.

In choosing plants and deciding where they go in the flower bed, keep in mind one thing. It is not rocket science. If you choose a plant that happens to be tall, and unknowlingly put it in front of a short plant, the problem can be remedied for next season very easily. A spade, and a few minutes, the plant can be moved and switched to a new location. Likewise, if you choose a plant that is not to your liking, then fine – remove it! (Then give it to that worrisome neighbor down the street.)

If you are new to perennials, and not quite sure what to plant, we are more than happy to help you make a selection. Start with the basic perennials and then expand each year as you become more adventuresome.

For sunny locations, I would start with varieties such as Coreopsis, Rudbeckia goldstrum (blackeyed Susan), Hemerocallis (daylilies), Echinacea (coneflower), salvia, Veronicas and several others. For shade try the king of the shade areas, Hosta, or ferns, astilbe, bleeding hearts and many more.

Yearly Maintenance

Now that you have your perennial bed planted, it is just a matter of taking care of it. As the plants mature, you might want to divide them. This way, the centers of the plant clumps will not die out, and it will help to keep your plants vigorous. Early spring, right as they start peeking through the ground, or sometime in fall, late Sept. or early Oct., is the best time to divide your perennials.

Fertilize your perennials in early spring with a well rounded fertilizer. Do not fertilize in the fall.

Late winter is a good time to clean up the dead growth that was killed off by the frost.

Conclusion

In preparing for your perennial bed, the number one thing to remember is soil preparation. If you cheat on this, then no matter how well you design the bed, no matter if you have the most spectacular selection of plants, you will not have good success with your flowers, and it will always be a big headache in your yard. Prepare your soil well, and you will have success with your flowers.