How to Choose Perennial Flowers

Perennials can be a beautiful addition to any flower garden by adding structure, color, and interest throughout the year. They can be attractive in borders, in beds, between shrubs, and even grown in containers. With careful planning, a perennial garden can provide continuous blooms from early Spring through late Autumn.

Things You'll Need

• Knowledge of soil conditions
• Sun exposure
• Climate changes
• Drainage

Instructions

How to Guide for Choosing Perennials

1. When choosing perennials, keep in mind variations in height, texture, and form. Some perennials grow quite tall and are considered specimens, while others may be somewhat low-growing and more compact. Consider choosing plants of varying heights so they can be staged properly. In general, taller perennials should be planted in the back of the border, graduating toward the shortest plants in the front. This staging ensures that no plant is hidden behind another. When planting island beds, the taller plants should be placed in the center of the bed, while the shorter plants are planted along the outer edges.

2. Perennials should also be chosen by when and how long they flower. For the best display, know the flowering habits of each plant. For example, a bright and cheerful springtime planting could include primroses and hyacinths. Summer blooming perennials include delphiniums, daisies, poppies, and phlox. Late summer and early fall bloomers include such plants as sedum, asters, and salvia.

3. Other than their extravagant beauty, some perennials may be planted for their fragrant flowers, decorative leaves, flowers for cutting, and flowers for drying. Perennials are available in many forms such as seeds, as dormant, bare-root plants, in cell packs like annuals, and in larger containers. Plants sold in larger containers will be more costly, however, they will produce a full look sooner and may already be in bloom.

4. When choosing perennials, try to choose fresh, green plants that are bushy and compact. Try to avoid plants that are in full bloom as this drains the strength of the plants and makes it harder to establish a new root system. It is a good idea to remove any blooms at planting time so that the plant may redirect it's energy to developing strong roots.

Tips & Warnings

• Be sure to read the instructions on the labels accompanying the plants. These labels give recommendations on proper spacing, sun requirements and soil conditions needed.

• Do not leave plants sitting around after buying them. They need to be planted soon after purchasing to get a good start. Remember to water, fertilize and stake plants when necessary after planting.