Unit 2216 Planting Perennials

What is a perennial?

• Herbaceous perennial is a permanent plant

• Dies to ground in winter

• Resumes growth in spring

• Will last for several years

Culture of Perennials

• Can be used in many ways example: cut flowers, or just having permanent flowers

• Can be grown alone or with annuals or bulbs• Propagation done by seeds, cuttings, or divisions• Most common way is division• Plants can be divided yearly to increase number of

plants• Fertilizer in the spring of the year

Culture of Perennials cont.

• Water as needed based on temperature and when planted

• Mulching with the first year• Mulching prevents heaving in spring• Size and shape of ornamentals can be

affected by puring• Disbudding is process of producing larger

flowers

Wildflowers and Ferns

• Colorful flowers

• Easy to grow

• Require little care

• Ferns like moist, shady locations

• Some wildflowers are by protect by state law

Bulbs

• Enlarged underground portion serves as storage organ

• Used in many settings, example: cut flowers, with other plants, etc.

• Advantage some flower early and some flower late

• Like medium sandy loam• Fertilize in summer usually June

Bulbs cont.

• Mulching conserves moisture

• Reduce soil temperatures

• Controls weeds

• Protects the bulb

• Remove leaves after they turn brown

• Then bulbs can be lifted and replanted

• May need to support the leaves