When should perennials be planted?

Autumn planting desired

Planting out in the autumn months takes place when the plants announce their winter dormancy through the fall of leaves. Evergreen plants also completed their aboveground growth in autumn. They invest all of their energy in the formation of new roots, so a warm and moist soil is required. Planting is possible from September to November as long as there is no danger of frost.

advantages

During the autumn months, the range of plants in hardware stores and tree nurseries is particularly large. In spring, the ornamental plants ring in the new season with a strong shoot. The perennials survive dry periods better during the coming summer months, as they already had enough time to take root.

Spring planting as an alternative

If you missed the fall deadline, you can still plant your selection of plants out in the garden after winter. Sensitive plants that are not completely frost-hardy should preferably be planted in spring. Autumn chrysanthemums and

Lilies are typical examples. Depending on the location and the weather, the period extends from mid-March to mid-May. At this planting date, there is an increased maintenance effort, because more dry phases can occur. Make sure you have an adequate water supply.

Avoid summer planting

Perennials are offered in containers all year round. In principle, the plants can also be put in the garden during the summer months. During this period the plants are in the main growth phase. They invest their energy in the development of leaves, flowers and fruits. The roots take on the function of supplying water and nutrients. Their growth is restricted during this time. Rooting is therefore more difficult in summer, so that you have to prepare the soil well and maintain the perennials optimally.

Put perennials in the garden

Dig up the earth deeply and free the area of ​​root weeds. Depending on the needs of the ornamental plants, improve the subsoil with either sand or compost to improve permeability and nutrient supply. A Slow release fertilizer creates good starting conditions for most species.

Here's how to go about planting:

• Put the perennial in a water bath
• Shorten above-ground parts of the plant to encourage root growth
• Dig a planting hole with twice the volume of the root ball
• Insert the plant, fill in the excavation and press down firmly
• Thoroughly water the soil

A mulch cover creates better growth conditions because the soil cannot dry out so quickly during the hot season. Freshly cut grass is not suitable, however, because too moist clippings easily start to mold. When the perennials have grown, the first pruning takes place in autumn. This is not necessarily necessary for all plants, because dead plant stems provide winter quarters for insects and act as winter protection.