Denny's Soapbox

Picking - Planting - Perennials - Properly

The definition of a true perennial is a plant that grows, blooms, makes seeds, then dies back to the ground in late fall only to return and repeat the same process in the next growing season. There are all types of perennials. Some perennials grow in full sun, some in full shade. There are many varieties which are satisfied with a half day of sun (for sun lovers) and others satisfied with morning sun to all shade (for those shade lovers).

I recommend you purchase new perennials that are already growing in a pot. Depending on the size of the plants you wish to purchase, they are available in 3 inch, 4 inch, 1 gallon, and 2 gallon containers. Plant newly purchased perennials in the right location for the plant to acquire the required amount of sun needed to grow. They also like locations with good drainage (no standing water). Dig a hole twice as wide, but no deeper than the soil clump. Break up the back fill soil so no pieces are bigger than a golf ball. If you’re dealing with heavy clay soil, add up to 30 percent peat humus or compost to the back fill. Be sure to loosen any roots that are wrapped around the outside of the soil clump. Place the soil clump in the hole and back fill. Water in well to settle the back filled soil.

If you’re transplanting existing perennials, do this as soon as you can this spring. Replant the transplant to the same depth it was growing in its old home. Most perennials should be divided into 2 to 3 new clumps every 4 to 5 years. All perennials, new or transplants want a happy home so again make sure you plant your perennials in the right location for soil type, sunlight, moisture, and growing height and spread.

To ensure you get the right information for successful perennial gardening, you can shop garden centers and greenhouses that have a knowledgeable nursery staff (preferably certified by the Ohio Nursery Landscape Association) or reference a good perennial book (there are many to choose from).

Here’s some of my favorites for color and ease of growing.

Perennials that Grow in Full Shade to Morning Sun

• Hostas – many different growing heights and leaf variegations to choose from. Blooms either white or lavender.

• Astilbe – attractive, glossy foliage, summer blooming flowers of red, pink, peach, or white. Some will grow up to 3 ft high and 2 ft wide while some varieties only grow 12-14 inches tall.

• Bleeding Heart – heart shaped flowers of pink or white, will grows up to 18 inches high and wide.

• Siberian Bugloss (Brunnera Macrophylla) – there are several varieties all with bright blue flowers in the spring. The color of the leaves range from all green, to silver and green variegated to green and white variegated.

• Coral Bells – really a diverse group of shade and sun loving plants that comes in every leaf color imaginable. Some favorites are “Obsidian”, “Midnight Rose”, “Carmel”, “Citronelle”.

• Heucherellas – this is a hybrid between Coral Bells and Foamy Bells.

• Heucherella “Burnished bronze” - has glossy bronze foliage with soft pink flowers in spring.

• Heucherella “Alabama Sunrise” - has bright yellow leaves with dark veination.

Also check out Lenten Rose, Foam Flower, and Toad Lily.

Perennials that Grow in a Half Day of Sun to Full Sun

• Daylilies – by variety, bloom different colors and vary in height. Most will grow 24-36 inches in bloom with the repeat bloomers growing to 15 inches high.

• Coreopsis – by variety, blooms during the summer, “Moonbeam” has yellow daisy flowers that hug the ground. Other varieties grow as tall as 24 inches.

• “Crème Brulee” is more mildew resistant than “Moonbeam” and has creamy-lemon flowers.

• A newer variety of Coreopsis “Jethro Tull” has large golden-yellow fluted flowers and blooms throughout the season.

• Coneflowers come in many different sizes and colors. New exciting colors this year are “Tiki Torch” which has orange flowers that hold well in the heat.

• “Pink Double Delight” has double flowering pink blooms that look like pom-poms.

• “Coconut Lime” has white double-flowers that thrive in tense heat and humidity.

• Black Eyed Susan’s – another great summer blooming perennial that blooms for 2 months.

• Hardy Geraniums – grow to 12 inches tall. There are several different colors and is a group known for their scented leaves.

Other great sun lovers include Veronica, Blue Salvia, Hardy Phlox, Russian Sage, and Shasta daisy.

Take this list to the nursery and see if what you like compares to mine.