Fall PlantingPerennials

Patricia Lust

HOVMG

September 18, 2008

Popular Fall Planting

Perennials: Advantages of Spring Planting

• Plants are in bloom.– You can see what

you are getting.

• More things are available.

• Everyone is in the mood for planting.

Lamium

Perennials: Advantages of Fall Planting

• Ideal Conditions– Moisture

• More rainfall

– Warm Soil• Root growth

– Cool Air• Less wilting & shock

– Shorter Days• No heat stress

– Fewer Pests

Potentilla

Perennials: Advantages of Fall Planting

• Other Factors– Root Growth

• Well established by hot weather

– Convenience• Jump start on the

busy season

– Planning• Plant perennials and

bulbs together

– BargainsHeliopsis

Dividing Your Perennials

• It’s Time When…– Plants outgrow their

assigned space– Tight clumps result in

diminished blooms– Dead space occupies

the center of the clumpDayliliesDaylily

Dividing Your Perennials

• Dig deep - all the way around plant

• Divide by hand, knife or spade

• Each division - 2-5 strong shoots

• More roots than shoots• Cut back about half the

height• Replant promptly

MonardaMonarda

Dividing Your Perennials

• Iris (Rhizomes) – break into small

sections, discard old rhizomes

• Strawberries (Stolon)

• Liatris (Corms) – cut into sections,

each with 2-3 buds

Mazus

Dividing Your Perennials

• Daylilies – gently pull apart the

distinct sections

• Hostas and other perennials

– cut apart leaving several shoots in each section

• Strays– dig up and transplant or

pot them up

HostaHosta

Propagating the Treasures in your Garden

• Dig them up• Divide them• Pot them up (or plant them in your

own garden)

• Water until they go dormant (or until they are well established in your garden)

• Wait for spring• Bring them to the

Plant Sale!!!!!!Achiliea

Overwinter Plants in Pots

• Keep in trenches.• Mulch - not to cover

plants.• Keep in the garden

or on the patio.• Take the winter off.• Bring them to the

Plant Sale!!!!!! PhysostegiaPhysostegia

Acknowledgements*

• Photos: compliments of Bluestone Perennials

• Agricultural Extension Web Sites: – Clemson University, – Iowa State University,– Penn State University, – Oregon State University, – University of Arizona

* Full Bibliography available upon request.

Campanula