Use and Care Guide

About is Plant

• Perennials are plants that grow and bloom over the spring, summer and into fall, then die back to the ground

in winter, returning in the spring from their roots. Most perennials are grown for their owers, but some

oer colorful leaves and interesting seed heads that add interest and brighten the landscape. When planting,

plan for a succession of blooms. Combine perennials that have dierent bloom times so the garden has color

all season, but also group varieties with similar times for a spectacular show.

Using growth habits in the landscape

• When creating a perennial bed with a variety of perennials, tall upright perennials should occupy the center

of an island planting or the back of a bed or border that is located against a wall, fence or building. Use

medium size mounding plants in the middle and the shortest trailing plants in the front.

• To make a huge visual impact, plant the same variety and color perennial in one area. is is commonly

referred to as a mass planting.

• In combination planters, use tall perennials as the centerpiece surrounded by mounding varieties with

contrasting owers and foliage. en add trailing varieties to cascade over the edge of the planter. Annual

owers can be added to ll in between blooming cycles.

How to Plant

• Prepare the area for planting by conditioning the soil. Loosen the soil and incorporate an organic soil

conditioner according to directions.

• Dig a hole 2 times the width of the root ball and a depth slightly less than the height of the root ball. Allow

the top surface of the root ball to rest 1/2 inch higher than the soil line.

• For container grown plants, carefully remove plant by squeezing container and slowly removing the root

ball. Never pull on the plant trunk. Instead let the root ball slide out by tipping the container. If the plant is

heavily rooted, loosen roots by gently pulling a few away from the root ball. is encourages stronger root

growth. Set root ball in hole making sure the top of the root ball is slightly higher (1/2 inch) than ground

level. Place soil mix under root ball if too low. Backll soil mix around plant to ground level and tamp lightly

removing all air pockets.

• For biodegradable pots, follow the directions on the container.

• For bare root plants, trim any broken, twisted or discolored tips. Determine the original soil line by the

change in color on the plant trunk. Set the plant in the hole so the soil line is above the surrounding soil.

Space the roots evenly. Backll soil mix around and between the roots and tamp lightly removing all air.

• Water thoroughly to settle the soil around the plant. Add more soil mix around plant if necessary aer

watering. Apply root stimulator to encourage new root growth and fast establishment.

• If a large plant; build a soil ring around the plant, 6" beyond the edge of the hole, to use as water reservoir to

assist in watering until established.

• Add a 2-3" layer of mulch around plant to conserve soil moisture and eliminate future weeds.

• For large shrubs, it may be necessary to secure the trunk by using three stakes placed at equal distances

around the plant.

PAGE 1
About This Plant • Perennials are plants that grow and bloom over the spring, summer and into fall, then die back to the ground in winter, returning in the spring from their roots. Most perennials are grown for their flowers, but some offer colorful leaves and interesting seed heads that add interest and brighten the landscape. When planting, plan for a succession of blooms.
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How to Water • New plants require more frequent watering than established plants. After planting check for water regularly until fully rooted and established. • For large plants; build a soil ring around the plant to use as a water reservoir. This will assist in watering until the plant is established. • Always water slowly and deeply making sure the root ball is completely saturated. • Don't water at night if possible. Watering in the morning helps prevent disease.