Power to the Perennials

Careful planning before you start planting your perennials will yield rewards well worth your time. "I think planting perennials is just like putting money in the bank," says Morris. "You start drawing big-time interest after they've been in the ground for just a while, and the colors grow richer and richer each year. And the way to compound the interest is by giving them a good solid start."

To determine what conditions are just right for your perennials, it's important to read the label on the plant and follow the directions. Determine how much water and light the plant needs and consider the characteristics of the plants that will surround it when deciding on the right location. In other words, make sure all the plants in a specific area share ideal conditions.

"Compost is black gold," says Morris."This is the stuff that makes perennials really grow." Combine the appropriate amount of alfalfa meal with the soil, and mix together well. As a general rule of thumb, Morris advises using two cups of alfalfa meal per one tea rose. Commonly used as horse food, alfalfa meal is loaded with amino acids that help provide perennials with a strong, healthy start. Finally, fill in the planting area with mulch and water the perennials well. Remember, if you are growing a perennial from seed, it takes two to three years before the plant will produce its first bloom.

Other preventative maintenance for perennials: cut off the dead flowers to promote new growth. Make your cuts just above any new growth areas. Also, divide irises every three years or so to thin out the plants. Iris tends to get overcrowded, and when this happens, the center portion of the plant stops blooming. Since the middle section will no longer produce flowers, use the blade of a spade to separate the outer sections of the bulb clump (figure E), and replant the outer portions.