Perennials: Your Questions
I have been told that my perennial needs dividing. What does this mean and how can I do it?
Regular dividing of perennials every 3-4 years keeps the plants healthy and blooming well. Crowding can often reduce flowering. The best time to divide is early spring just as the new growth begins to emerge if the plant blooms in mid-summer or later. If it is spring-blooming wait until the flowering is finished and then divide. To divide the plant dig up as much of the root ball as possible with a spade or a garden fork. Cut the root ball into approximately 4” (10cm) pieces, depending on the size of the clump. Plant the divided perennials at the same depth as they were before you dug them up. Ensure that they get constant moisture when transplanted. When the top growth begins to show, fertilizer may be applied. Generally the divided plant will take a year to recover and eventually suprass its original state. However, if not divided the plant will gradually fade over time.
What is a perennial?
In garden centers perennials are herbaceous plants that live for at least three years. There are however, some evergreen perennials like bergenia.
Will perennials flower the first year they are planted?
Generally speaking perennials establish their roots when first planted and flower the following year. Plants that bloom early in the season are not likely to bloom in the garden the year they are planted. Later blooming ones will have more chance.
When is the best time to plant my perennials?
Generally in Alberta we suggest planting after the May long weekend. Planting before then increases the risk of your new plants being killed by frost.
How can I have flowers all summer long?
Make sure to include plants that flower in spring, summer and fall as well as long bloomers like blanket flowers (Gaillardia).
Who decides what will be the perennial of the year?
The Perennial Plant Association has a committee that casts votes to choose one of four selected plants. Criteria for the plants are: climate types, low maintenance, easy to propagate, true to seed, and exhibits multiple seasonal interest
Which perennials attract butterflies?
Asters, blanket flowers (Gaillardia), daylilies (Hemerocallis), goldenrods (Solidago), and scabiosa are a few of the many plants butterflies enjoy.
What perennials grow under spruce trees?
Look for dry shade plants such as bergenia, goatsbeard (Aruncus), lady’s mantle (Alchemilla), lamium, lily-of- the-valley (Convallaria), and snow-on-the-mountain (Aegopodium) and sweet woodruff (Galium).
Am I limited to Zone 3 Plants?
No, zones are guidelines only. There are areas in your yard that are warmer than Zone 3. You should also mulch your plants in after the ground is frozen for the winter. You will never know what you can grow in your garden until you try.
Why won’t my peony bloom?
Don’t expect flowers on a peony in an area that is too dry or too shady. Newly planted peonies usually will not bloom for one or two years. Peony crowns must be planted no shallower than 1” deep and no deeper than 2” below the surface, any deeper and they will never bloom.
Why won’t my daylily bloom?
Plants must be established in good soil; the area must not be too shady or too dry. Various weather conditions can reduce blooming. Essentially, daylilies bloom better some years than others.
Are perennials considered low maintenance?
To some degree yes! Many should still be divided every few years to maintain vigour. Others may be short-lived but could be allowed to re-seed themselves. Lower maintenance perennials include balloon fl owers (Platycodon), bleeding hearts (Dicentra), conefl owers (Echinacea), and peonies (Paeonia).
When can I transplant my iris?
Iris plants should be transplanted every 3 to 4 years (2 to 3 blades per section) just after they fi nish blooming. Cut away all soft and rotten pieces, divide into sections. Replant as soon as possible, with the top of the rhizome no more than one inch below the soil. Iris will push itself above the soil.
Is it a good idea to deadhead my perennials?
Removing the spent fl owers or forming seed heads is good practice for some plants as it can encourage further fl owering. If the seed heads have already formed then scatter the seeds around your garden, some may take – just be careful when weeding in the spring! For plants like delphiniums, hollyhocks (Alcea), and foxglove (Digitalis), leave the seeds to develop and soon you’ll have a thick bed of flower spikes. These newly seeded perennials can take over two years to become fully established.
