General Perennial Care Instructions

Planting

• Choose perennial that are suited to the light level and soil type in your chosen space.
• For best results, prepare your site several weeks before planting by tilling the soil and incorporating organic matter such as compost or peat moss. Amend granular fertilizer into the soil in early spring.
• Dig a hole deep enough so the base of the plant is level with the surrounding soil.
• Apply Bio-Tone or another plant starter to encourage root development and establishment. 
• If planting in the late fall, apply a thick layer of mulch to protect your new plants from a harsh winter.

Maintenance

• Check plants throughout the season for any pest or disease issues
• Water plants as needed using a sprinkler or hose. To determine if plants need water, stick your fingers in the first few inches of the soil. If the soil is still moist, hold off on water for another day.
• Deadhead spent blooms to encourage more flowers to develop.
• Dormant plants can be cut back in the fall or early spring (before new shoots emerge). Waiting until spring to cut back your plants creates additional habitat for wildlife, but looks less neat.
• If plants become unruly or too large, you may be able to divide them into more plants.