Monrovia - Horticultural Craftsmen

MAINTAINING YOUR PERENNIALS

Follow these simple instrustion for healthier plants.

Definition of a Perennial

Most perennial plants, if provided with suitable growing conditions, will live for many years. Some are short-lived, lasting only three of four years, but their lives can be extended by dividing them every year or two. Other perennials will live for many years undisturbed. Most perennials are "herbaceous,' referring to plants with non-woody stems. Top growth such as foliage and stems dies back to the ground each winter, but the root system remains alive and sends up new growth each spring. Some perennials such Phlox subulata, I beris and Lavandula are 'evergreen,' in that their foliage and stems survive cold winter temperatures. Some perennials are semi-evergreen in warmer climate zones, but in colder areas their tops growth completely dies back in winter.

Shaded Areas

Area that receive six or more hours of shade per day, primarily afternoon shade, are considered shaded areas. Shaded borders facing east or north, low maintenance ground cover, woodland gardens, colorful flowering and foliage accents foe low light areas.

Sunny Areas

Areas that receive six or more hours of sun per day, primarily afternoon sun are considered sunny areas. Sunny island beds, west or south facing boarders, edging plants, rock gardens, cutting gardens, or butterfly gardens, bog or wetland areas. Place the plant in a hole and partially backfill using existing soil. Bo not fertilize. Water to settle soil around roots, Finish backfilling with loose soil and water thoroughly to eliminate any air pockets. After two weeks, if necessary, feed with a balanced granular or liquid fertilizer following label instructions.

Mulching

Proper use of mulch in summer will retain soil moisture, reduce weed problems, and keep perennials roots cool. Organic material such as compost, shredded leaves and bark are good choice . A 2-3 inch layer of mulch is recommended but must be kept away from plant stems and crowns to prevent decay or disease problems. In northern areas, winter mulches are effective in protecting shallow rooted perennials from winter injury and prevent frost heaving of late plantings. Material s such as evergreen boughs, pine needles or march hay may be applied after the ground is frozen in late fall or early winter.

Perrennial Plants for Sunny Areas

• Achellea (Yarrow), 18"-30"
• Alcea (Hollyhock), singles 5-7ft, doubles 4-5ft
• Allium (Ornamental Onion), 4-4 1/2ft
• Aquilegia (Silver Mound), 6-8"
• Artemisia (Columbine), 18-30"
• Aster (New York & New England), dwarf 12-15",
• New York & New England 36-48"
• Astible (Astilbe), dwarf 6-8", standard 18-24"
• Astible (Astilbe), tall, 30-40"
• Campanuala (Bellflower), dwarf 6-8", medium 12-18", tall 24-36"
• Clematis (Clematis), 8-12 ft
• Chrysanthemum coccineum (Painted Daisy), 24-30"
• Chrysanthemum x superbum  (Shasta Daisy), 12-36"
• Chrysanthemum x morifolium (hardy Garden Mum), 18-24"
• Clematis (Clematis)
• Coreopsis grandiflora  (Lanceleaf Coreopsis), 12-24"
• Coreopsis verticillate  (Threadleaf Coreopsis),10-18"
• Delphinium (Delphinium),  semi dwarf, 24-36"
• Delphinium (Delphinium), giant, 60-72"
• Dianthus (Pinks), 4-6"
• Dianthus Barbatus  (Sweet William), 6-10"
• Dicentra (Bleeding Heart), everblooming, 12-15"
• Dicentra (Bleeding Heart),  old fashion, 24-30"
• Echinacea purpurea  (Purple Coneflower), 30-36"
• Euphorbis (Cushion Spurge), 12-18"
• Gallardia (Blanket Flower), 10-18"
• Geranium (Hardy Geranium), 12-24"
• Grasses-Oramental, dwarf 6-18"
• Grasses-Oramental, large 36-72"
• Gypsophila ( baby Breath), 24-36"
• Hemerocallis (Daylily), Dwarf, 12-18"
• Hemerocallis (Daylily), Standard, 24-36"
• Heuchera (Coral Bells), 12-18"Hibiscus (Giant Rose Mallow), 48-60"
• Iberis (Candytuft). 8-12"
• Iris germanica (Bearded Iris). 20-30"
• Iris sibirica (Siberian Iris). 24-36"
• Lavandula (Hardy Lavendar), 12-18"
• Liatris (Spike Gayfeather), 26-48"
• Linum (Flax), 12-18"
• Lupinus (Lupine), dwarf 12-18"
• Lupinus (Lupine), standard 24-30"
• Mondarda (Beebalm), 24-30"
• Nepeta (Catmint), 12-18"
• Oenothera (Evening Primrose), 10-18"
• Paeonis (Garden Peony), 30-40"
• Papaver orientale,  (Oriental Poppy), 24-30"
• Penstemon (Beardtongue), 15-30"
• Perovskia (Russian Sage), 36-48"
• Phlox paniculata (Garden Phlox), 30-36
• Phlox subulate (Creeping Phlox), 4-6"
• Physostegia (Obedient Plant), 24-36"
• Platycodon (Balloon Flower), 24-30"
• Potentilla (Cinquefoil), 10-18"
• Rudbeckia (Black Eyed Susan), 24-30"
• Salvia x superba (Violet Sage), 24-36"
• Sedum (Stonecrop), dwarf, 4-8"
• Sedum (Stonecrop), standard, 15-24"
• Sempervivum (Hen & Chicks), 3-6"
• Stokesia (Stokes Aster), 12-18"
• Trollius (Globeflower), 24-30"
• Veronica (Speedwell), 10-20"

Perennial Plants for Shaded Areas

• Aegopodium  (Snow-On-The-Mountain), 6-10"
• Ajuga (Bugleweed), 6-10"
• Alchemilla (Land's Mantle), 6-12"
• Anemone x hybrida (Japanese Anemone), 24-36"
• Aruncus (Goatsberd), dwarf, 8-12"
• Astilbe (Astible), dwarf, 10-16"
• Astilbe (Astible), standards, 18-24"
• Astilbe (Astible), tall, 30-40"
• Bergenia (Saxifrage), 12-18"
• Brunnera (Heartleaf Brunnera), 12-15"
• Convalleria (Lily of the Valley), 7-10"
• Corydali, 12-15"
• Dicentra  (Bleeding Heart), everblooming, 12-15"
• Dicentra (Bleeding Heart), old fashion 24-30"
• Epimedium (Epimedium), 6-12"
• Ferns, low, 8-18"
• Ferns, high, 24-48"
• Galium (Sweet Woodruff), 6-12"
• Hedera (Enlish Ivy), 6-10"
• Hosta (Plaintain Lily), dwar, 6-12
• Hosta (Plaintain Lily), medium, 12-24"
• Hosta (Plaintain Lily), large, 24-36"
• Lamiastrum (Yellow Archanglel), 9-12"
• Lamium (Spotted Dead Nettle), 5-8"
• Ligularia (Ragwort, Senecio), 36-60"
• Liriope (Lily Turf), 12-15"
• Lysimachia nummularia (Moneywort), 18-24"
• Pachysandra (Japanese Spurge), 6-9"
• Phlox divaricata (Woodland Phlox), 7-10"
• Polygonatum (Solomon's Seal), 36-48"
• Primula (Primrose), 9-12"
• Pulmonaria (Lunngwort), 8-10"
• Sagina (Corsican Pealwort), 2-4"
• Tiarella (Foamflower), 9-12"
• Tricyrtis (Japanese Toad Lily), 24-36"
• Vince minor (Periwinkle, Myrtle), 6-9"
• Waldstenia (Barren Strawberry), 6-9"