How to Stake Perennials

You can use premade supports to stake border plants.

One of the most overlooked techniques for tending perennials is staking. You may find that your perennials need no staking if you choose short varieties or pack the plants close together. But most gardens contain at least a few perennials that need to be staked.
Staking is particularly important for perennials in exposed areas. There are several possible ways of staking.

Things You'll Need

• Perennials Staking materials Sting for ties

Instructions

1. Identify which perennials need staking. If the perennial is especially tall growing or top heavy then it will need staking. Some perennials that generally need staking are Achillea Campanula, Centaurea, Delphinium, Helenium Paeonia, Papaver orientale and Sedum.

2. Decide which type of staking will work best for your plants, There are various types of proprietary staking, such as this hoop or stakes that link together in various patterns to secure plants.

3. Put the staking in position while the plants are small. The plants will then grow up through the mesh. Adjust the height of the support so that it will come about halfway up the fully grown plants.

4. Use Pea-sticks (brushwood). Pea-sticks are a cheap and renewable source of support. If foraging for your own, ensure they are not diseased. Push the sticks into the ground around the plant, being careful not to damage tender roots. Bend over the tops to create a mesh.

5. Use a mesh wire netting suspended on short stakes above the plants for larger areas of plants. Again, the plants will soon grow through the mesh, gaining support and at the same time hiding the wire.

6. Use individual ties. Tall single-stemmed plants can be individually tied to stakes. Place the stake behind the plant so that it is hidden from view as much as possible. Add additional ties as the plant grows taller.

Tips & Warnings

• Choose the staking materials based on the size of the plant.