If you want to plant perennials in the fall, don't get in the way. The perennials can still grow and gain strength until the frost.
Planting perennials is actually not witchcraft. Nevertheless, there are a few important points to consider. These relate to the time of planting, the correct planting and the care of the perennials. After all, they need a little support to be able to develop vigorously.
When should perennials be planted?
Autumn is the best time of year to plant new perennials. So you can look forward to a particularly lush bloom in spring. In the meantime it is the case that there are no longer any specific planting times. You can always plant more or less. Nevertheless, it makes a difference whether you plant perennials in spring or in autumn. If you plant the perennials in autumn, they can continue to grow and gain strength until the frost. The plants then have a new growth spurt in spring.
Which perennials can be planted in autumn?
Columbines, chamois, bergenia and pasqueflower are particularly suitable for planting in autumn. You should also plant the peony in the fall. However, it takes three to four years to reach full bloom.
If the perennials are moisture-sensitive plants such as daylily or catnip, you should plant them in late summer, as too much moisture in winter causes rot and can damage underdeveloped plants more easily. Perennials that are sensitive to frost, such as lilies, should be planted in spring (March to May).
How to plant perennials correctly
❶ Perennials generally like loose and humus-rich soil. So before planting, loosen the soil a bit and work some compost into the soil.
❷ Now remove some of the soil around the perennial's root ball and soak it in a bucket full of water for a few minutes.
❸ Now place the plant in the perennial border. Then water the freshly planted perennials well.
Tip: Because there are larger gaps between the perennials where weeds can spreadit is best to cover them with a thin layer of mulch. That way weeds don't grow in the gaps and the mulch also provides important nutrients.
» Reading tip: Make your own mulch - Here's how!.
Perennials need proper care
❍ casting:
You only need to support the perennials a little in the first year. You have to water them e.g. during longer dry periods. Then it is best to always water in the morning or evening hours.
❍ Fertilize:
Perennials need quite a bit of nutrients. It is therefore best to always fertilize them in the spring with compost, which you work into the soil around the plant.
If the plants don't want to bloom, you can help with some liquid fertilizer. However, you should not give anything after August, otherwise the plants will become more sensitive to cold.
❍ Pruning:
If you have perennials in your garden, you should cut them back to just above the ground in autumn. This creates space for new growth in spring. When all the plants have been cut off, spread a thin layer of compost around the plants. It serves as a spring fertilizer. This revitalizes the perennials and extends their lifespan.
❍ Taper:
You should divide perennials that have become too large, do not bloom or are too old (reading tip: divide perennials). To do this, dig up the root ball and lightly shake off the soil. Then divide the root ball with a sharp knife. Then plant the parts in their new location in loose soil that you have enriched with some ripe compost. After that, all you have to do is water the perennials.
❍ Overwintering:
Perennials don't really need any protection in winter as they are frost hardy. However, if you have just planted them, then you should cover the young perennial plants with some brushwood.