Perennials plants are those that come back year after year in the landscape or garden, bringing joy to all who plant and watch them grow. Perennials are most often planted outdoors in prepared beds or containers (container gardens).
Investing in perennials is an investment in tomorrow. Provided they are planted in the right location, and with proper care and fertilization, perennials will spread as they grow from year to year. They will increase in size and in the number of blooms produced each season. In a few short years, you will be rewarded with an array of plants ranging from one end of the colour spectrum to the other.
Why Fertilize Perennial Plants?
The two primary reasons for fertilizing perennials are to encourage growth, and create a healthy, vigorous, attractive plant that will produce an abundance of flowers. But be careful! There is often a temptation to over-fertilize in the hopes of producing more blooms, faster. If you force a perennial plant beyond its natural growth rate by over-fertilizing, you might end up with mostly foliage and no blooms. Too, over-fertilization can predispose the plant to insect or disease infestation, and reduce tolerance to drought or temperature extremes.
Evaluate Soil Conditions First
There's usually not a need to perform a soil test before planting perennials; however, it may be a good idea to do a little extra research in our Perennial Plant Files to see if there are any special soil needs for specific types of perennial plants.
What Fertilizer Is Best For Perennials?
Most perennials would be happy with a good, all-purpose flower food or organic fertilizer; however, others may have specific preferences or needs. In general, using a natural, organic fertilizer is the preferred method because there is very little chance for burning your perennial plants. Other flower foods, such as the "Bloom Boosters" can be useful for development of stronger root systems and sponsoring enhanced bloom production. Slow-release, capsule-type fertilizers can be applied once a year for season-long feeding.
How Often Should Perennial Plants Be Fertilized?
How often you feed your perennials might be up to you, or the recommendations you might find in a specific Perennial Plant File on this web site. However, as a general rule of thumb, you will usually fertilize them at least twice a year: in the early Spring when new growth begins to emerge, and in early Fall. Too, any time you cut a perernnial back during the active growing season, a feeding is usually beneficial. This feeding will provide the plant with an extra boost to produce new foliage and possibly another flush of blooms.
Important Extra Tips
- Be careful not to apply fertilizer too heavily. Doing so may cause the plant tissue to burn, or even result in plant death. Read product labels carefully and follow directions to avoid toxicity problems.
- If over-fertlilizing your plants is too much a worry for you, consider easing your mind by using a natural or organic fertilizer. Organic fertilizers are made with natural ingredients such as composted manures or other organic matter, and as a result are much less-likely to burn your plants. Ask your local nurseryman about these natural or organic fertilizers.
- Perennial plants may grow quicker with excessive nitrogen, however this might decrease bloom production or lead to the onset of damaging or deadly diseases.
- As a general rule, the slower the plants habit of growth, the less fertilizer it needs.
- Plants that are producing an abundance of blooms or fruit generally need more fertilizer.
- If a plant(s) in your garden appears unhealthy or is not actively growing, clip off a stem with leaves or a flower and take it to your local nursery. An experienced nurseryman can often help to identify any problems or deficiencies.
