Perennials: planting and care

In short: Perennials are long-lived, usually herbaceous plants that die back above ground in winter and sprout anew from the roots in spring. They form the backbone of many flower beds because they return year after year without replanting.

In more detail: Unlike annual summer flowers, a perennial also invests energy in a lasting root system, which is why it usually only shows its full bloom in its second or third year.

In detail

• Planting time: Spring and autumn are ideal, since the soil is then moist and not too hot or frozen.
• Site requirements: Sun-loving species like lavender can’t tolerate waterlogging, while shade perennials like hostas need moist soil.
• Dividing: Many perennials can be divided after a few years, which rejuvenates them and provides new plants for other beds at the same time.
• Cutting back: Trimming spent blooms in late summer can trigger a second bloom in some species.
• Winter protection: Some perennials need a mulch layer of leaves or brushwood to survive frost.
• Bee-friendliness: Many native perennial species are important food sources for insects (bienenfreundlicher-garten).
• Combining with mulch: A mulch layer between perennials suppresses weeds and retains soil moisture (mulchen-im-garten).