Summer is the season to enjoy the perennial flower garden as its ongoing display peaks in full glorious bloom. Although most perennial plants can be considered low maintenance if grown in an appropriate location (see Right Plant Right Place), there are a few routine tasks flower gardeners should perform to help their perennial garden look its florific best.
Perennial Gardening: Deadheading Flowers
Deadheading sounds terrible, but the action itself is not. To deadhead means to remove the spent flowers. This keeps things looking neat and tidy. It also prevents the plant from trying to form seed, so it has more energy for blooming and overall health. Once the blooms fade, trim them off neatly. Large blooms, such as roses and peonies, are cut off one by one. Plants with a multitude of stems and blooms, such as dianthus or lavender, may be sheared. Prompt deadheading prevents reseeding in the garden and may encourage rebloom.
Watering Perennial Flowers
Watering should not be done on a set schedule. Instead, it should be done based on the weather, the specific flowers you are growing, and their location. Many perennials do fine in a hot, sunny, well drained spot and so would need little, if any, supplemental water. Perennials requiring an evenly moist soil might need frequent watering -- if your weather is dry. Ideally, you will have grouped together flowers with similar moisture needs so you can water efficiently.
Mulch Your Perennial Bed
Mulching is basic. It helps keep the soil moist and cool. It helps control weeds. Best of all, it feeds the soil gradually over time as it breaks down. Check your mulch periodically to see if you need to fluff it with a rake or replenish it. Keep it between two to three inches thick. Apply mulch in a flat layer over the root area but do not allow it to touch the stems of your plants. (See Mulching the Flower Garden for more details.)
Weed the Perennial Flower Bed
Weeding is an ongoing task in the flower garden. Check periodically for weeds and take steps to control them as needed. Often a quick pull (if the soil is moist) will take care of it, but you may need to resort to stronger measures. If you opt for herbicide, read and carefully follow all of the label directions. Remember, the label is the law. (More on Flower Garden Weed Control)
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) for Perennial Flowers
Sometimes, bad things happen to good plants. Modern IPM practices include regular garden inspections or scouting. If you observe a problem, first identify it. Next, determine if you need to take action. If so, use the best, least toxic means of control.
Following the above guidelines will empower your flower garden. Well grown, healthy perennials look beautiful, live longer and provide so much joy.
For basic pointers on starting a perennial garden, see Starting With Perennials
All Flower Gardens Articles So Far
Above photo of English Lavender courtesy W.Atlee Burpee & Company.
Copyright 2006 Barbara Martin
