WHERE TO PLANT
When deciding on the location of your new sun plant, the amount of shade needed greatly differs from plant to plant. Please read each plant’s characteristics for the greatest success. Many sun loving plants tolerate full sun, but even though they love the sun, most will appreciate a little protection from the hot afternoon sun.
Any good garden soil is appropriate for gardening success. Humus or peat moss and sand should be added to heavy clay soil. Compost must be incorporated into sandy soil to lessen its porousness and to increase water retention.
Unless specified, plants should be planted in a well-drained soil. One method of achieving adequate drainage in problem areas is to prepare a raised bed 3 to 6 inches above ground level.
Planting sun loving perennials in too much shade will usually make the plant not bloom and make them more suspectable to fungus and disease.
WHEN TO PLANT
Most perennials do well if planted in the spring before the soil temperature reaches 65 degrees. In the fall, you need to plant 4 weeks prior to the ground freezing to alleviate heaving.
HOW TO PLANT
If you cannot plant immediately after receiving these plants, place them in a dappled sun/shade spot in your garden or home. Keep potted plants watered until planting. Plants should be planted ASAP to decrease stress and increase the overall plant success.
We suggest that you work the soil 8-10 inches deep, into a good loose condition. Incorporate into the hole a mixture of good garden soil and compost. Dig a hole the same depth as the plant’s rootball. Take plants out of plastic pot, place rootball in hole and replace the soil around plant. Soil should not be mounded around the base of the plant, keep soil the same level as the soil on rootball. Be sure to pack the soil well. Water well. Check watering requirements for each plant variety, most perennials need water every three to four days for the first two weeks and then at least an inch of water a week.
Plants should not be planted too close together. Good air flow will help prevent the development of fungi or disease. Plants should be spaced according to their mature spread. If you want a fuller look, you can overlap the mature spread by 3-4 inches. Keep in mind that some varieties multiply very fast, and the clumps will become crowded if planted too close.
Some sun perennials benefit from being divided every 2-4 years. If you discover your older plants are not blooming anymore, the centers are dying out or the plant is not performing as it has in past seasons, it may be time to dig it up and divide. Keeping your divisions on the larger size will increase the likelihood of the plant to bloom the same season.