Perennials are the tried-and-true plantings that give lasting structure to a garden.
Annuals add a splash of color but need to be replaced each year, while perennials add constancy to a garden because they can be depended upon to come back year after year. Woody perennials are trees and shrubs that produce bark for their outer layer, while herbaceous perennials are ornamentals that may or may not be grown for blooms.
Autumn is the best season for planting perennials because soils are still warm, benefitting rapid establishment of the root system that will be needed to survive the winter months. Perennials are easy to manage and maintain when chosen wisely. Some thrive in shade, while others must have full sun for optimum growth. Most herbaceous perennials die back following a freeze, but with a well-established root system plants will regrow from the roots or a crown that persisted over the winter.
At this time of the season nurseries will be closing out their container-grown perennial stock. Most perennials will be in 1-gallon pots, but some may be in 3-gallon containers.
Select containers that have healthy plants showing new foliage. After bringing home the containers, acclimate to outside conditions for several days then move to the garden. Plant in holes that are deeper and wider than the depth and width of the container. Loosen sides of the hole so that soil in the sides and bottom of the hole are crumbly; this step is important in facilitating the rapid extension of new roots into the surrounding soil profile.
To remove from the pot gently roll the pot so that the soil inside the pot loosens from the side of the pot. Turn pot upside down to release the root ball while protecting the top of the plant. Invert and place into the freshly dug hole with the crown at the same height as it was when growing in the pot —too deep and the crown will rot, too shallow and crown and roots will dry. Water well, eliminating any air pockets. Keep most but not wet until the first freeze. Consider protecting the plants over the winter by mulching.
A few perennials that grow well in hardiness zone 7: succulents: Sedum, agave, yucca, sotol; full sun plants: Artemesia, Echinacea, Rudbekia, Salvia, Yarrow; shade plants: Astilbe, Hosta; bulb crops: Alliums, iris, daylilies, daffodils.
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