Complete Perennial Care Guide: Planting, Dividing, Watering & More

When you buy perennials, you're really investing in their roots—the engine that brings them back year after year. Follow these tips to give your perennials the best possible start.

Planting Container-Grown Perennials

Dig a hole slightly wider but no deeper than the pot. Loosen and spread roots if the plant is rootbound. Firm soil around roots and water well. Learn more about growing perfect perennials.

Planting Bare-Root Perennials

Less expensive and typically available in early spring. Soak roots in water before planting.

Essential Planting Tips

Water well after planting, then apply 2–3 inches of mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Stake tall perennials (delphiniums, hollyhocks, peonies) with rods or grow-through hoops. Deadhead and divide regularly to maintain health and beauty.

Deadheading

Remove faded flowers to improve appearance and prevent unwanted seedlings. Many perennials rebloom after deadheading—threadleaf coreopsis, delphinium, phlox, veronica, and yarrow are reliable repeat bloomers. Learn more about deadheading.

Dividing

Most perennials need dividing every 3–4 years to prevent overcrowding. Early spring or fall is best; exceptions include bearded iris and hosta (divide in summer). Learn more about dividing perennials.

Watering

No one-size-fits-all rule. Group plants by water needs. Moisture-lovers: lysimachia, cardinal flower, hibiscus, astilbe, marsh marigold, turtlehead, pitcher plant. Drought-tolerant: lamb's ears, lavender, yarrow, salvias, thyme, penstemon, purple coneflower.

Water in morning or early afternoon with a soaker hose to avoid foliar diseases like powdery mildew (common on asters, bee balm, black-eyed Susan, columbine, coreopsis, phlox, salvias). Test Garden Tip: Keep all perennials well-watered their first year for strong establishment.

Feeding

Rich, compost-amended soil usually eliminates the need for fertilizer. In poor soil, a general-purpose garden fertilizer helps—follow package directions. Overfertilizing reduces flowering, damages roots, or kills plants.

Winter Care

Cold-hardy perennials in your zone need no special care. A layer of mulch after the ground freezes helps in harsh winters. Leave dead stems standing for bird food (coneflowers, black-eyed Susans) and snow capture—snow is an excellent insulator.

Deadheading Your Garden

Deadheading Your Garden