Successful Perennial Gardens Begin with thorough and thoughtful bed preparation. Some of the key points include: eliminating perennial weeds before turning the soil; insuring a well drained soil yet having it retain enough moisture for good plant growth; providing for sufficient organic matter in the soil; and adding fertilizer as needed.

When to Plant

 Most perennials are best planted in the spring. However, with the availability of material in containers, the planting season often extends well into the summer and early fall with autumn planting continuing until the first of October. The earlier perennials are planted the better the root system will be when the plant enters the winter. Late fall plantings can sometimes result in frost and loss of perennials.

Planting Depth
Containerized perennials should be planted at the same depth they were grown in the container. Planting too high results in plants drying out and too low invites crown rots. Containerized plants should be watered before planting and bare root perennials should be soaked in water for one hour prior to planting in order to re-hydrate the plants.  Some perennials require a shallow planting, in order to bloom.  Examples include peony and iris.


Transplanting
Most perennials are transplanted in the spring as growth starts or in the late summer or early fall. It is usually best to wait until the plants have flowered and then cut back by half just prior to moving. If plants are moved out of season, they may need to be shaded for several days to allow them to recover.

Some Recommended Varieties

Partial Shade Perennials  Anenome, Gold Splash Euonymus, Variegated Jacob's Ladder, Ferns, Columbine, Heuchera,Monkshood, Lady's Mantle, Astilbe, Lily of the Valley, Hosta (select varieties), Annabelle Hydrangea, Endless Summer Hydrangea, Bleeding Heart, Forget-Me-Not, Periwinkle, Pincushion

Sun Perennials
Salvia, Snow- In- Summer, Stella D' oro Daylilly, Shasta Daisy, Oriental Poppy, Lupine, Liatris, Peony, Purple Cone Flower(Echinachea), Iris, Purple Dome Aster, Silver Mound, Coreopsis,Veronica, Autumn Joy Sedum, Rock Cress, Sedum, Baskets of Gold, Soapwort, Cranesbill ( Geranium), Hens-n-Chicks, Lamb's Ear, Snow in Mountain, Flax (Linium), Blue Clips, Balloon Flowers, Delphinium, Black Eyed Susan, Gaillardia, Dianthus,Creeping Phlox, Monarda, Tyme, Penstemon, Russian Sage, Lavendar, Creeping Phlox, Catmint.

Perennial Vines  Clematis (selected varieties), American Bittersweet, Virginia Creeper, grapes(select varieties), Purple wintercreeper, Dropmore Scarlet Honeysuckle.