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Perennials: A Guide for Beginners
What are Perennials?
Perennials are plants that live for more than two years. They come back year after year, providing beautiful flowers, berries, and seeds from spring to autumn.
Types of Perennials
There are many different types of perennials, including:
- Woody perennials: These perennials have woody stems, such as lavender, cistus, and rosemary.
- Evergreen perennials: These perennials keep their leaves all year round, such as bergenia and some types of agapanthus.
- Herbaceous perennials: These perennials die back to the ground each autumn and emerge again in spring, such as delphinium and cranesbill geraniums.
Choosing Perennials
When choosing perennials for your garden, consider the following factors:
- Maintenance: Some perennials are low-maintenance, while others require more care.
- Growth rate: Some perennials grow quickly, while others take more time to establish.
- Season of bloom: Choose perennials that bloom at different times of the year to ensure a continuous display of color.
- Wildlife value: Some perennials are attractive to bees and other wildlife.
Planting Perennials
To plant perennials, follow these steps:
- Choose a sunny or partially shady location with well-drained soil.
- Dig a hole twice the width of the plant’s root ball and just as deep.
- Place the plant in the hole and backfill with soil, tamping down gently to remove any air pockets.
- Water the plant deeply.
Caring for Perennials
Perennials need regular care to thrive. Here are some tips:
- Watering: Water perennials deeply and regularly, especially during hot, dry weather.
- Fertilizing: Fertilize perennials once a year in spring with a balanced fertilizer.
- Pruning: Prune perennials as needed to remove dead or diseased stems and to encourage new growth.
- Cutting back: Cut back herbaceous perennials to the ground in autumn after they have finished blooming.
Perennials for Different Purposes
Perennials can be used for a variety of purposes in the garden, including:
- Low-maintenance gardens: Choose low-maintenance perennials for a garden that requires minimal care.
- Fast-growing gardens: Choose fast-growing perennials to quickly fill in bare spots in your garden.
- Wildlife gardens: Choose perennials that are attractive to bees and other wildlife to create a haven for nature.
Conclusion
Perennials are a great way to add beauty and interest to your garden. By choosing the right perennials and providing them with proper care, you can enjoy their blooms for years to come.
