HO-61
YARD AND GARDEN
HORTICULTURE DEPARTMENT • COOPERATIVE EXTENSION SERVICE • PURDUE UNIVERSITY • WEST LAFAYETTE, INDIANA 47907
GROWING PERENNIAL FLOWERS
by John A. Wott, Extension home environment horticulturist
For many home gardeners, perennials are the backbone of the flower garden, adding beauty for many years. Perennials vary in size, leaf texture, and flower color. Delphinium, peony, hollyhock, columbine, candytuft, day-lily, and primrose are traditional favorites. But there are many other species from which to choose.
A perennial plant normally lives at least three years under local growing conditions, but many live even longer. For example, trees and shrubs are one kind of perennial plant.
Those perennials whose stems die to the ground each winter are known as herbaceous perennials. Bulbs, such as tulips and daffodils, are also perennials, but usually are considered separately.

Plan your garden
For a "finished" look, plan your perennial garden on paper before you plant. In fact, the perennial garden should be integrated into your entire landscape plan.
Most perennial plants prefer a sunny location with well drained, fertile soil. The size and shape of your garden will depend on the space available, but try to place the garden where you will enjoy it most. A stone wall, building, trellis, or fence will make an attractive backdrop for the perennial garden.
Ideally, a perennial garden should be at least six feet wide. Allow enough space for air circulation, care, and cultivation. Informal designs, with the front edges slightly curved, add character to the shape of the garden. Taller plants should be placed to the rear, medium height plants in the middle, and low-growing perennials in front. By alternating plants of different heights, the perennial bed can appear to have waves or ripples.
Interesting color combinations are possible for your garden, since many perennials are available in several colors. Selecting perennials that bloom at different seasons will give you color throughout the year. For display, planting perennials in masses works best. You can also add annuals, bulbs, and shrubs to complete the effect.

Preparing the garden
Preparation of the perennial planting site is important, since the plants will be in the same location for many years. Perennials planted in poorly drained soils seldom live for more than one year. Thus, a planting site with proper drainage as well as adequate moisture retention is a must.
Test the site for drainage by digging a hole 10 inches deep. Then fill it with water, and allow the water to drain away. If the hole is empty in 8 to 10 hours, the site is acceptable. For poorly drained areas, raised beds can be formed by either adding new soil or elevating existing beds.
The preparation of new beds usually should begin in the fall, well before planting time. Spade or rototill the soil to a depth of 8 to 10 inches. Turn the soil completely and remove all large boards, stones, roots, etc. Respade three or four times at weekly intervals.