Van Dycks

Perennials are among the most rewarding of all garden plants. They have long been considered the backbone of the flower garden. Their popularity continues to grow as gardeners discover the innumerable varieties with their range of colors, sizes, forms and blooming times. There are perennials suitable for almost any spot in the garden, from tall flowering perennials for the sunniest part of the garden to low-growing perennials that provide a bright spot in a dark, shady area.

Perennials do not provide an instant garden, but, once established, continue to perform in the garden for a number of years. As tempting as it may be to space perennials closer than recommended, refrain from doing so. Otherwise, you will just have to dig them up and replant them in a year or two when they are crowding each other out.

With some careful planning and preparation, your perennial garden will produce amazing results from a relatively small financial investment. It is important to remember that any new perennial planting is an investment for the future. Few perennials will properly bloom or develop to their full potential their first year in the garden. However, they will come back the next year and in following years in all their perennial splendor.

A perennial garden can be a fun challenge. Unlike many annuals, no single perennial gives a continuous show of color (from flowers) from spring to fall. A careful selection of perennials is necessary to achieve a continuity of bloom. Include a range of bulbs and a few annuals and you will have flowers from early spring through the summer and well into fall.

As with any plant, it is of utmost importance to choose the right perennial for the site. A sun-loving perennial will grow straggly in the shade, likewise a shade-loving plant will be blasted in full sun. Choose low-growing plants for the front of the garden, and tall plants for the back. Occasionally plant heights can be confusing. Some plants, like Heuchera, have foliage that is relatively low to the ground with flowers up to 30". Yet, because the flowers are on airy sprays, you can plant Heuchera in the foreground without obliterating the view of plants behind. Look also to the foliage to provide form, color, contrast and textural interest when the plants are not in bloom.

When planning your garden, whether you are making a new garden or just adding some perennials to an existing garden, there are several basics to remember.

Most perennials need at least one square foot of garden space per plant. It may look like a lot of space at first, but the plant will fill out in time. Plant like the professionals, in groups of 3, 5 or 7. A single plant is not enough to make a good showing.

Plant your perennials as soon as you receive them. Be careful when handling the plants so that the roots do not dry out and break. Take the time to plant your perennials right. Make sure the soil is the type required. You can always amend the hole for the particular plant to suit it; however, you cannot easily turn a shady spot into a sunny one, nor readily make a sandy area rich and moisture-retentive. Dig a hole large enough to accommodate all the roots comfortably. Spread the roots outward as well as downward so that they can start to grow and establish themselves. If the perennial has a large crown, set the crown on a little mound of firm soil in the center of the hole, allowing the roots to trail down. Always plant the perennials at the same depth at which they were growing. Fill in around the plant with soil, gently firming with the palms of your hands to eliminate any air pockets, but not so heavily as to compact the soil. Mulch with several inches of organic mulch to conserve water and keep weeds from growing.

Varieties

Acanthus

(Bear's Breech) Plant in full sun in welldrained, ordinary soil. A mixture of compost and sand is preferred. They do not like heavy clay or loam. Once planted, do not disturb. They become established slowly. If transplanting is absolutely necessary, it should only be done in February and March. Grows 3-4' tall. Blooms July-August. Hardy in zones 6-10.

Achillea

(Yarrow) Yarrow thrives in poor or light, well-drained, dry soil in full sun. Plant horizontally, 1-2" below the soil line, with any green growth above soil level. Allow 1-2' between plants. Stake if planted in a windy place. Divide in spring or fall. Grows to 36" tall with an 18" spread. Blooms June-September. Hardy in zones 3-9.

Aconitum

(Monk's Hood) Grow in partial shade in rich, moist, slightly acid, well-drained soil. It will grow in full sun if the soil is moist. Space plants 12-18" apart. Do not disturb the roots. Stake tall flower spikes. All parts of the plant are poisonous if consumed. Grows 24-48" tall with a 12" spread. Blooms June-September. Hardy in zones 3-8.

Acorus

(Sweet Flag) An ideal plant for planting on the edge of ponds or to be submerged into a pond, but not deeper than 8". Plant in plastic or earthenware container in heavy top soil. Cover the entire plant with growing medium unless green growth is showing. Any growth should be exposed to the air. Water thoroughly after planting. Let plant grow to about 4" tall before submerging the pot into the pond. These plants can also be planted directly into the ground as long as there is an abundance of moisture. In cold areas, plants should be protected from frost by applying a layer of straw or leaves. Grows 36" tall. Blooms in the summer. Hardy in zones 4-11.

Agapanthus

(Lily of the Nile) Thrives in deep, rich, well-drained, moist soil in full sun to light shade. In zones 8a

Agastache

Plant in spring or fall in full sun in moist, well-drained average soil. Space plants 18-24" apart. After 3-4 years, divide plant in spring or fall. Remove spent flower stems after blooming. Grows 24" tall and 18-24" wide. Blooms July-August. Hardy in zones 5-9.

Ajuga

(Bugleweed) Plant 12" apart in shade in any well-drained soil. Spreads rapidly to form a 4-6" tall groundcover. Blooms in spring. Hardy in zones 4-9.

Alcea

See Althaea rosea

Alchemilla Mollis

(Lady's Mantle) Plant in rich, moist soil. Grows best in partial shade, but will tolerate full sun. Grows 18" tall with 24" spread. Blooms June. Hardy in zones 3a

Alstroemeria

(Peruvian Lily) Plant 12" apart in deep, rich, organic, well-drained soil in full sun. Water well during growing season. Fertilize occasionally with liquid fertilizer. Grows 18-36" tall. Blooms July-September. Hardy in zones 7-10.