Care and Maintenance of Newly Planted Perennials

by ColorScapes Gardens and Landscaping

14032 State Route 15  *  Defiance, Ohio  *  419.395.2515

Proper watering of the new plants is vital. Plants should be watered well, by hand,  immediately after planting and mulching.  It is a good idea to check the new bed every other day for the first month after planting. This is especially important in sunny and windy conditions.  Newly planted perennials need regular watering to keep the soil evenly moist. When you water, don’t just go over them lightly. Watering should be done in the morning, and at soil level, rather than sprinkled over the top of plants, which may serve to spread disease. Soaker hoses and bubblers aid in watering.  A water wand works best because it makes it easy to reach into the plants and apply the right amount of water.

Additional water may be required during the growing season, especially during prolonged dry spells.  In general, plants need one inch of water per week as rainfall and/or applied water.  Use a rain gauge or set up cans in various areas to determine the coverage if a sprinkler is being used.  As the plants become more established, after the first month, less frequent, deeper waterings are needed to encourage perennials to root more deeply and increase drought resistance.

Fertilize sparingly and keep a close eye out for insects and disease.  Deadhead or  cut back the flowers after they fade.  This often encourages a second flush of bloom and keeps the plants looking neat. 

It is usual to cut the entire bed down to about 6” in late fall to remove debris that will be in the way next season.  Pull out the dead annuals so that there is no question in the spring whether a dead looking clump is really dead or a valuable  perennial, not yet awake.  Once the weather is consistently cold in winter, mulch with straw or leaves to prevent winter injury. 

Most perennials need to be divided every few years to generate new growth and keep them from becoming overgrown and crowded.  Dividing is usually done in spring.

What you are trying to achieve is a bed or border that is established and can basically get along without any great effort each year.  We hope that these plants and instructions will give you a good start.