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Garden Express :: Perennials
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Perennials |
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Perennial plants add colour to your garden through every season - Hellebores in winter, Alstroemeria in spring and beyond, Delphiniums in summer, Gingers in summer and autumn. You can find perennials that love sun and others thrive in the shade and all give displays year after year.
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Planting and Growing Guide for Perennials |
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General information: Many perennial plants are supplied as bare rooted crowns, rhizomes or tubers. The root section of crowns may resemble a
ballerinas’ skirt, or hairy leggy bits, and the crown or growing tip often resembles a mass of dead leaves or stems. Upon receipt of your order it is recommended that these are planted as soon as possible. If you cannot, store in a cool, well ventilated area in the original packaging. This is only suitable for a few days as the plants may die if allowed to dry out or stay too wet.
Planting distance: Refer to the information on specific varieties online or in the catalogue.
Depth:
A hole large enough to accommodate the root mass should be dug. The crown of the plant (where the leaves and roots meet) should be planted at the soil surface. Cover the roots with soil and water the plant well. If planted too deep it can cause rotting and death to the plants. Ideally, plants can be placed into mounded beds, and this will assist with any drainage problems. Rhizomes or tubers are generally planted just below the surface with the growing tips at ground level. When planting support the rhizome or tuber with a mound of soil allowing any roots to trail outwards over the mound to provide stability once covered over.
Positioning: Refer to the information on individual plants though for most perennials it is usually full sun to part shade.
Soil: Most
plants appreciate well prepared, free draining soil. Prepare soils beforehand by working through well rotted animal manure
and organic matter. An application of blood and bone whilst preparing the soil is usually beneficial.
Watering: Do not over or under water the plants. Most perennials appreciate adequate water during the growing period.
Keep soil moist but not too wet.
Fertilising: An application of a slow release fertiliser during spring will help your plants
put on a wonderful show when flowering season approaches.
Pruning: Trimming off dead flowers stems once the blooms
have faded can usually encourage a second flush of flowers. During winter many perennials become dormant; this is the
ideal time to cut back to about about 3cm (1 inch) above ground level.
Tips: These plants can easily be divided after a few years. Simply dig up and divide clumps with a sharp knife (or sharp spade for large clumps) during winter then replant
as soon as possible.
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