Year-Round Care for Perennial Plants

Perennials are celebrated for their durability and consistently attract attention. As winter fades, these plants begin to emerge in spring after a period of dormancy. While they typically require minimal care, some maintenance is essential to ensure their vibrant return each year.

To help gardeners manage their perennials effectively, here’s a seasonal care calendar:

• February / March:

  • Begin by cutting the plants back significantly. Although this may seem daunting, trimming the stems close to the ground promotes a more abundant and beautiful bloom. This step also clears the way for new shoots to emerge.
  • As winter ends, it's important to clean up: remove dead leaves and old stems.
  • Mark and identify the perennials that will soon sprout.

• March / April:

  • Once the soil warms up, it's crucial to aerate it and amend it if necessary. Keep an eye out for the emerging perennials.
  • If needed, this is also the time to divide plants. While not an annual task, division is vital if the perennials have become too large and are crowding neighboring plants. This process will enhance their vigor.
  • Additionally, remember to cultivate the soil to improve aeration and watch for the presence of slugs.

• May:

  • With spring in full swing, it's time to pinch back taller perennials such as phlox, asters, rudbeckias, and kalimeris. Pinching involves removing the tip of a young shoot using your fingers or pruning shears for thicker stems. This encourages the growth of lateral shoots, resulting in a denser and bushier plant while preventing excessive vertical growth.

• June / July:

  • Depending on weather conditions, monitor watering needs.
  • Early summer is also a good time to prune perennials that can bloom again, including sages, geraniums, and delphiniums.

• August / September:

  • Continue watering as necessary.
  • Support any perennials that require staking.

• October:

  • Fertilize the soil and apply mulch. Mulching not only protects the soil from harsh weather but also helps suppress weed growth. As it decomposes, organic matter enriches the soil.

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