Create a New Garden Border

Plant a bed of mixed perennials for a colorful, easy-care garden.

Excerpted from How to Grow Practically Everything
Filed under: Gardening

Planting Above the Soil Level

Some plants perform best when planted slightly above the surrounding soil level. These include irises, whose rhizomes will rot if buried, and other plants sensitive to wet soils, including iris, verbascum, Sisyrinchium, sedum and other hardy succulents. Plant iris 1 inch above the surface, leaving iris rhizomes exposed; for other plants, raise the soil in a mound around the rootball, so that water drains off.

Deep Planting

Moisture-loving plants often prefer to be planted more deeply in the soil, so that their roots aren't exposed to the drier conditions near the surface. Plant hostas with their roots 1 inch below the surface, and bury Solomon's seal (Polygonatum) at a depth of 4 inches.