Now’s the Time to Plant Flowering Perennials

Whether you’re planting to fill in a spot in the landscape or replace a storm-damaged plant, now’s a great time to plant perennials. 

There are dozens of blooming perennials available now including blanket flowers, daisies, bee balm, lilies, penstemon, sage and the list goes on. Most of these perennials will attract and support pollinators, such as this ‘Concord Grape’ Spiderwort. 

When planted right, these perennials will bloom through the season and into first frost. Two important factors are matching the plant to the right light conditions and taking time to improve the soil. 

Improve the planting site by adding organic material in the form of Sheep, Peat and Compost. Start by digging the planting hole as deep and twice as wide as the container your plant is in. Now mix the Sheep, Peat and Compost 50:50 with the existing soil. Adding this organic amendment will allow our typical clay soil to drain better and take up water and nutrients more effectively. Once the hole is dug and amended, fill it with water and let the water drain. 

Repeat this step, this time adding three and a half tablespoons of Ferti-Lome Root Stimulator to a gallon of water. Slip your new plant out of its container and loosen the root ball.  Place the plant in the center of the hole and backfill with the amended soil.  Plan to do your actual planting during the coolest part of the day or on an overcast day.  With good soil preparation and the right amount of water, your new summer plantings will establish quickly and bloom well into the fall.