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Perennials Perennials are reliable. Once you've planted a perennial, you can have it in your landscape for years to come. Most do not grow as quickly as annuals, often taking a year or more to reach their full size.
Perennials also can die back to low mounds or even disappear completely during their dormant season. But they will regrow faithfully year after year.
Perennials are best planted in early spring or early fall. If plants bloom in early spring, set them out the previous fall.
Summer- and fall-blooming plants should go in the ground in early spring. Add a complete fertilizer when you plant and then be prepared to supplement with nitrogen-rich fertilizer every spring.
Biennials should be planted when you purchase them—don't wait until the next spring. If it is early spring, they should bloom during the upcoming growing season. If it is early fall, be prepared to have them set roots during the winter and then bloom in the next year.
Perennials come in a wide range of containers, from 6-packs or cell-packs to 4-inch pots to gallon or larger sizes. Larger plants will look good immediately, but smaller plants are a better choice. They become established much more quickly and will grow rapidly and soon match the size of the larger plants. Look for plants with good color, compact size, and a minimum of flowers.
