The most successful perennial gardens start with thorough and thoughtful bed prep and planning. Most important is that of sun exposure. Be sure to select an area of your yard with the correct amount of sun exposure for your new plant. Too much or too little sun can lead to burnt leaves, poor flower production, or plant loss.
Other things to consider when planning and planting your decorative garden include; eliminating perennial weeds before turning the soil, insuring you have created a well drained soil that retains sufficient moisture for plant growth, amending the soil at the time of planting with sufficient organic matter for nutrients, spreading mulch to protect the plant in the winter and to aid in moisture retentions, and adding fertilizer during planting and as needed throughout the years.
Important: If you can’t plant immediately after delivery, open the box to give the plants air and keep in a cool place, out of the sun. Soak bare root plants (except iris and bulbs) a few hours before planting to rehydrate them. We recommend you plant bare root plants, rhizomes and bulbs as soon as possible for best results. Potted plants are a little more patient, and if kept moist and in the correct amount of light, you should be able to plant them at your convenience.
INDIVIDUAL RECOMMENDATIONS:
Daylilies: Before planting, soak plants for 4-6 hours. Soil should be worked loose, dig a hole and make a mound in the center of the hole. Set the plant in place with the roots spread on each side of the mound, and the crown about 1″ below the surface of the soil. Plant about 18″ apart. Full to part sun and well drained soil is best.
Iris: Sunny, well-drained location is best. Work soil loose and place the rhizomes just below the surface of the ground with the roots well spread out underneath so the rhizome is within reach of the sun’s rays. Be sure to firm the soil tightly around the rhizome when planting and follow ordinary garden practice of watering .
Hosta: Plant in shade and partial shade. Soak the plant 4-6 hours before planting, if bare root, if potted, not necessary. Work soil 8-10 inches deep. Make a mound in the center of the hole, and place the plant on top of the mound spreading the roots around the mound. Pack the soil around the plant and water regularly. Plant 18″ apart.
Peonies: Select a sunny, well-drained location. Plant 2-3’ apart. Work soil loose and dig a hole. Plant eyes at proper depth for your location. Northern US – 2″ deep, Middle US – 1″deep, Southern – Just below the surface. Pack soil well and water plants immediately after planting.
Bulbs: Select a sunny, well-drained area. Cover the nose of the bulb with 3 to 5 inches of soil. Plant pointed end up. Plant in groupings of three or more for a good show.
Grasses: Select a sunny, well-drained area. Dig a hole twice as wide and only as deep as the root ball. Plant the grass so the top of the root is about 1-2″ above ground level. Build a watering basin around the plant high enough to hold 3-4″ of water. Foliage should be cut down to within 6″ of the ground early every spring.
General Perennial Tips: Select a location with the correct amount of sun exposure for your new plant. Dig a hole twice as deep and wide as the pot or root ball, and fill with a fertile, well-drained soil, leaving space for your new plant. Place the plants in the space, and fill reaming space with soil, packing lightly. Fertilize. Water after planting and when the soil loses moisture, being careful to not let the soil dry out too much before the plant is established.
General Fertilizer Tips: Plants will thrive without feeding, but will respond positively to a gentle application of a balanced 10-10-10 fertilizer applied as a top dressing dusted around and in between the plants in early spring.