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Perennials, Seminars

GA Webinars | Perennials – Selection, Planting, and Caring for them

Posted on by Brandi
GA Webinars | Perennials – Selection, Planting, and Caring for them
29
Apr

Perennials are plants that live for two or more years and are cold-hardy. Today, horticulturist, Colin Hayles shared tips on selecting perennials for your space and caring for them throughout the seasons. A big thank you to everyone who attending our webinar today. We look forward to all the successes you’ll encounter this spring! Continue reading for a recap of todays event and for links on all of Colin’s recommendations

 

Perennials

Perennials are plants that live 2 or more seasons and are usually cold hardy. Trees and shrubs are technically also perennial, but we’re focusing on the herbaceous ones like rhubarb, delphinium, and Echinacea. There’s a great diagram on Colin’s PowerPoint presentation (see below in “resources”) showing the life cycle of a perennial. A perennial begins the season growing  vegetative growth. It progresses to a flowering state before developing a seed. Heading into autumn, the perennial will prepare for winter by falling into dormancy. The plant will stay in that state until it begins the cycle again next spring.

 

Types of Perennials

Here’s a little garden inspo for the types of perennials you can grow in Calgary which is zone 3/4. Keep sun exposure in mind. Keep benefits like bees and fragrance in mind too. Perennials don’t all bloom at the same time! When selecting perennials for your garden, consider adding diversity so you can appreciate blooms in spring, summer and even fall.

  • Spring Bloomers
    • Bleeding Heart (SHADE) | IN STORE
    • Iris (SUN) (FRAGRANT)
    • Woodruff (SHADE) (FRAGRANT)
    • Lily of the Valley (SHADE) (FRAGRANT)
    • Peony (SUN) (FRAGRANT) | LINK
    • Brunnera (SHADE) | LINK
  • Summer Bloomers
    • Echinacea (SUN) | LINK
    • Phlox (SUN) (GROUND COVER) | LINK
    • Daylily (SUN) | LINK
    • Black Eyed Susan (SUN) | IN STORE
    • Hosta (SHADE) | LINK
    • Shasta Daisy (SUN) (FRAGRANT) | LINK
    • Clematis (SUN) (CLIMBER) | LINK
  • Fall Bloomers
    • Sedum (SUN) (GROUND COVER) | IN STORE
    • Heuchera (SHADE) | LINK
    • Golden Rod (SHADE)
    • Joe Pye Weed 
    • Turtlehead 

This is by no means a comprehensive list. Feel free to visit your local garden centre and see what’s growing where you live.

Fun Idea: Moon Gardens

Have you heard of these? Colin had the opportunity to sit in one under the full moon and would absolutely recommend trying it. A moon garden consists of white or pale flowers so the moon can easily illuminate them. Add in some lighter foliage too. You don’t have to do your entire garden, just a section that the nocturnal pollinators can find and you can enjoy from your patio or something.   

 

Planting Perennials

Location

Consider the end goal when deciding on a location for your new perennial. it will eventually grow to the size on the tag, so plan for that. Make sure it’s getting the right sun exposure. Will another plant shade it, therefore depleting it of much needed sunlight? Furthermore, beware of pathways and gates as the plant may crowd them. Also, consider planting by bloom time. Place different bloom times together so you can get a diversity flow of flowers throughout the growing season. See examples above.

How to Plant

Always loosen and amend your soil. This should actually be done every year, but exercise caution for tender roots on more established plants. Perennials do best in a garden bed as opposed to pots and raised beds so you can stick to your more heavier and rich amendments. See below for Colin’s recommendations. You’ll want to amend only 2-4 inches down. Any deeper, you’re wasting your money. Dig your hole bigger than the plant and place the plant in so the root ball is ground level. Back fill and firm down. Water heavily. See watering tips below. You may also want to top with a mulch and get the added benefit of moisture retention and weed control. If your perennial will become big a bushy by the end of the season, also consider installing a cage or stake early on for additional support.

 

Transplanting Existing Plants

We had a great question from a participant who was wondering about transplanting ferns. Basically, they had a major deck project done last year and unfortunately her perennial ferns were damaged. Colin recommended that they wait to see if anything comes up in the spring because they may be totally done. Ferns can be resilient, so if there is new life popping up, then dig them out, and plant them in another shady spot. Treat that new transplant like a new plant. Use a transplant fertilizer and water daily for the first couple of weeks to establish roots.

This kind of approach will work for most perennials. If you’re ever unsure though, reach out to out perennial department to learn the best course of action for your specific plant.

  • Transplant Fertilizer | LINK

If you need to transplant a bunch of plants, say your renovating an entire bed, then here’s a tip. Dig a trench away from the space you’re fixing. Put perennials in and cover the roots with soil. Water. This will protect and hydrate the roots so you can spend the day renovation the garden. You don’t want those roots exposed to sun and drying out.

Caring for Perennials

Deadheading

Removing finished blooms/stem so the plant doesn’t create a seed pod. This is different than cutting back which is done at the end the end of the growing season to prepare it for winter and clean up the garden bed. Based on the perennial, you can remove either the bloom or the entire stem. There’s a great diagram in Colin’s PowerPoint which you can access below. not only does deadheading redirect energy to producing more flowers, but it can help keep your garden looking tidy.

  • Floral Snips | LINK
  • Mini Trimmer | LINK
  • General Pruners | LINK

Here’s a great tip from one our participants today! Consider leaving seed pods on your perennials over the winter so the birds have access to food. Leave the stems to give bees, and other garden friends, some habitat support over winter and early spring.

Watering

New plantings will require water everyday for the first couple weeks to help establish roots. Taper off at the plant establishes and  Plants in bloom need a lot of water to produce flowers, so consider watering more than usual. Continue watering until dormancy in the fall. In Calgary, we get chinooks, so you may want to water periodically throughout the winter. You don’t need to soak it like the summer, but a little here and there is okay. Water won’t hurt the plant over winter.

  • Soaker Hose | Even, gentle watering | LINK
  • Nozzle | LINK
  • Watering Wand | For reaching into deep gardens | LINK

Fertilizing

Start a fertilizer program after planting, or as soon as the garden wakes up in May. Always follow manufacturing directions because they stand by their product. Don’t try to use a more concentrated mix because you could encourage burning your roots.

  • Promix Bone Meal | LINK
    • Colin’s Fav. Slow release fertilizer you sprinkle on. Great if you have a busy life and don’t want to think about fertilizing every week. Can also be used when planting bulbs, so a great tool to have on hand.
  • All Purpose |  LINK
    • Perfectly fine if you’re looking for a general fertilizer for the whole garden. All three numbers are the same.
  • Perennial & Vine | IN STORE
    • Specialized fertilizer if you primarily have perennials and want the best of the best.

 

 

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Calcium Nitrate:

Mix Ratio: Apply ¼ teaspoon per 2 litres once a week. I full scoop makes 24 litres or 6 gallons.

Recommended preventing blossom end rot and calcium deficiency in tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, pumpkins, zucchinis, and cannabis. It is also highly beneficial for all leafy greens and cruciferous plants (cabbage, Brussel sprouts, broccoli etc.).

Caution: Do not exceed the recommended amount. Keep out of reach of children and pets.

Iron Chelate

Mix Ratio: Soil drench – apply ¼ teaspoon (1gram) /per 1 Litre of water once every 2 weeks. A full scoop makes 12 litres or 3 gallons.

Mix ratio: Foliar spray - apply ¼ teaspoon (1gram) /per 4 Litres of water once every 4 weeks. A full scoop makes 24 litres or 6 gallons.

Recommended for correcting iron deficiency in a variety of plants grown in high pH soil. Iron deficiency is diagnosed by the yellowing or pale colour of the plant leaves, especially in young growth.

Caution: Do not exceed the recommended amount. Keep out of reach of children and pets.

High Drainage

Moisten Thoroughly before use: (optional) Peat moss can be water-repellent. Before use, thoroughly wet the soil.

Potting:

Use pots with drainage holes to prevent root rot.

Fill the pot with the moistened soil, leaving enough space for the plant's root ball.

Gently place the plant in the pot and fill in around it with more soil.

Firm the soil gently.

Watering:

This is crucial! Water frequently, especially during hot weather.

Check the soil moisture regularly by sticking your finger into the soil.

Water deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry.

Fertilizing:

Since peat moss is low in nutrients, fertilize regularly with a balanced liquid fertilizer.

Consider Amendments:

For plants that prefer more moisture retention, you can add a small amount of coco coir or vermiculite to the mix.

Important Notes:

Overwatering: While frequent watering is necessary, avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot.

Plant Selection: This type of soil is well-suited for seed starting as well as plants that prefer well-drained conditions, such as cacti, cannabis, succulents, and some tropical plants.

Adjustments: You may need to adjust your watering frequency based on the specific plant and environmental conditions (temperature, humidity, sunlight).

Alberta Blend

Moisten the Peat Moss before use: (optional) Peat moss can be hydrophobic (water-repellent) when dry. Before using it, thoroughly moisten it. You can do this by placing it in a container and adding water, then squeezing out any excess.

Mixing: (optional) Our Private Label Alberta Blend comes ready to use, expertly formulated for your plants, either indoors or outdoors.

If you're using this mix as your own base, combine it with worm castings, volcanic dust, vermiculite, etc. to improve nutrition, drainage and/or aeration.

Potting:

When potting your plants, ensure that the pot has drainage holes.

Fill the pot with the moistened potting mix, leaving enough space for the plant's root ball.

Gently place the plant in the pot and fill in around it with more potting mix.

Lightly firm the soil around the plant leaving ½ inch to an inch of space at the top for watering.

Watering:

Because peat moss retains water, be careful not to overwater.

Allow the top layer of soil to dry out slightly before watering again.

Fertilizing:

Since peat moss is nutrient-poor, you'll need to provide your plants with regular fertilization.

Use the correct fertilizer according to the plant's needs.

20-20-20 Houseplant Complete

Mix Ratio: For all houseplants apply ¼ teaspoon (1gram) /per 1 Litre of water once a week once every week. A full scoop makes 12 litres or 3 gallons.

It is highly recommended to start your houseplants on a fertilizer regime, but only while they are actively growing. Houseplants tend to have a period of dormancy (normally winter, however poinsettias, Xmas cacti etc. are exceptions to this rule) and whilst dormant they should not be fertilized.

Caution: Do not exceed the recommended amount. Keep out of reach of children and pets.

22-6-15 Plus Herb and Leafy Vegetable

Mix Ratio: For all herbaceous and leafy vegetable plants apply ¼ teaspoon (1gram) /per 1 Litre of water once a week. A full scoop makes 12 litres or 3 gallons.

This fertilizer is ideal for all leafy vegetables and for herbs. This product can be used year-round if you grow herbs indoors.

Caution: Do not exceed the recommended amount. Keep out of reach of children and pets.

20-12-28 Tomato and Fruiting Vegetable

Mix Ratio: For all fruiting vegetable plants apply ¼ teaspoon (1gram) /per 1 Litre of water once a week. A full scoop makes 12 litres or 3 gallons.

Use this fertilizer on planting day and push right through until the plant either stops producing or reaches the end of season. In the case of transplanted seedlings this fertilizer should be used after the 2 feedings of Js - Jump-Start & Transplant.

Caution: Do not exceed the recommended amount. Keep out of reach of children and pets.

10-52-10 Jump-Start & Transplant

Mix Ratio: For outdoor summer plants apply ¼ teaspoon (1gram) /per 1 Litre of water. Normally two applications, one at the time of transplanting, the second application can be done one week later from the initial fertilizing. A full scoop makes 12 litres or 3 gallons.

Mix Ratio: For seed starting - apply ¼ teaspoon (1gram) /per 1 Litre of water. Do not over water seedlings, feed every 2 weeks until transplanted outside. Feed them at the time of transplanting outdoors, then one more feeding a week later. After that start using the correct fertilizer for type of plant. A full scoop makes 12 litres or 3 gallons.

 e.g. Vt Vegetable: Tomato and Fruiting for tomatoes, F3 Flower flower flower for bedding out/annual plants.

Caution: Do not exceed the recommended amount. Keep out of reach of children and pets.

4-5-28 Perennial Complete

Mix Ratio: All perennials (in warm seasons) apply ¼ teaspoon (1gram) /per 1 Litre of water every 2 weeks from spring to late summer. A full scoop makes 12 litres or 3 gallons.

This formula is professionally blended for all your perennials. For existing perennials, we recommend starting to fertilize when you see active growth (i.e. new shoots etc.). For new perennials we recommend that you start fertilizing at time of planting and go through to mid August.

Caution: Do not exceed the recommended amount. Keep out of reach of children and pets.

28-14-14 Plus Trees and Shrubs - Fruit and Flower

Mix Ratio: Trees and/or shrubs (in warm seasons) apply ¼ teaspoon (1gram) /per 1 Litre of water per week. A full scoop makes 12 litres or 3 gallons.

This formula is professionally blended for all your fruiting and flowering trees and shrubs.

For existing trees, we recommend starting to fertilize when you see active growth (i.e. bud break, new shoots etc.).

For new trees we recommend that you start fertilizing at time of planting and go through to mid August.

Caution: Do not exceed the recommended amount. Keep out of reach of children and pets.

14-7-21 Tree and Shrub Leaf & Needle

Mix Ratio: Trees and/or shrubs (in warm seasons) apply ¼ teaspoon (1gram) /per 1 Litre of water every 2 weeks. A full scoop makes 12 litres or 3 gallons.

This formula is professionally blended for all your evergreen/coniferous and deciduous trees and shrubs.

For existing trees, we recommend starting to fertilize when you see active growth (i.e. bud break, new shoots etc.).

For new trees we recommend that you start fertilizing at time of planting and go through to mid August.

Caution: Do not exceed the recommended amount. Keep out of reach of children and pets.

15-10-30 Flower, Flower, Flower

Mix Ratio: Outdoor plants (in warm seasons) apply ¼ teaspoon (1gram) /per 1 Litre of water twice a week. A full scoop makes 12 litres or 3 gallons.

This formula is professionally blended for all your annual plants. We recommend starting to fertilize at time of planting outdoors and go through to first frost.

Caution: Do not exceed the recommended amount. Keep out of reach of children and pets.