Let’s talk PERENNIALS! June is
National Perennial Gardening Month.
Perennials are plants that grow and flower every year, and only need to
be planted once! They die back to the
ground in the fall, but the roots remain alive and will produce new foliage in
the spring. A wide range of sizes, flower colors and blooming times are
available to fit any size garden. Most
perennials are considered low maintenance and just need some general care to
keep them happy and healthy.
It is important to choose plants
that are appropriate to your garden site. You need to know whether it is a sun
or shade garden. Remove any grass or
weeds from the area you wish to plant. Good drainage is essential for
successful gardens. Amend the soil with Missouri Botanical Garden Compost, also
known as Black Gold, locally available. This will help improve drainage and
aeration. Prepare the bed to a depth of 18” to allow for maximum root
development. Fertilizer can be mixed into the soil prior to planting.
Perennials should receive 1-2” of
water each week to develop a deep root system. A soaker hose works well for
this purpose and saves water usage. Fertilize in Early Spring when new growth
begins. During the growing season, fertilize once a month. Mulch should be
applied after planting to help hold in moisture and reduce weeds. Apply 2” over
the soil, leaving 2-3” of space around the base of the plant. Additional mulch
applied in winter is also recommended, especially for new plantings.
The art of deadheading is removing
the faded, spent flowers on a plant. It will help lengthen the bloom season of
many plants as well as improves the appearance of the plant. Some perennials
with attractive seedpods such as Rudbeckia, Sedum, and Ornamental Grasses can
be left alone. Once the initial display of flowering has ended, cut back the
entire plant by two-thirds. This will help promote additional blooms.
I hope this information gives you
the desire to plant some perennial color and texture in your yard! There has
been a “Perennial of the Year” named by the Perennial Plant Association since
1991. These varieties are tried and true plants. You may check out the list at www.perennialplant.org.
Here is a list of other duties to you can
attend to this month:
·
Watch
for the outbreak of bagworms on garden plants, especially junipers. Then spray affected plants with Permethrin.
·
Deadhead
bulbs and spring perennials as blossoms fade.
·
Repeat
plantings of corn and beans to extend the harvest season.
·
Fertilize
Zoysia grass now while actively growing.
·
Renovate
strawberries after harvest. Mow the rows; thin out excess plants; remove weeds;
fertilize and apply mulch for weed control.
·
Plant
tropical water lilies and lotus when water temps are above 70 degrees.
·
Prune
spring flowering trees and shrubs before month’s end.
·
Spray
roses with a fungicide to prevent black spot disease.
·
Continue
pinching back mums till July 4th to promote bushy growth and good
fall color.
·
Water
turf as needed to prevent drought stress.
·
Mow
lawns frequently enough to remove no more than one-third the total height per
mowing.
·
Continue
enjoying the antics of the wildlife in your yard and gardens by continuing to
supply food and water sources for them.
·
Change
hummingbird nectar weekly to prevent fungus (1 part sugar to 4 parts water—no
food coloring please).
Enjoy your harvest………………………….see you
in the garden.
Sandi Hillermann
McDonald
