by Catherine Duffy

Created on: July 18, 2010   Last Updated: October 24, 2011

In early summer many garden centers and nurseries start selling off their stock. The next thing you know, there you are, unloading dozens and dozens of sale plants from your trunk trying to figure out the best way to get them in the ground.

Height and Growth

Since your perennials will return year after year, and grow, year after year, you need to pick a spot with room for expansion. Don't plant perennials against the walls of your home. Allow space between the side of the house and the planting bed.

Read the labels. How high does the plant grow and how wide? Sometimes this is difficult to visualize. Don't be ashamed. Whip out measuring tape and graph paper if necessary. Planning your perennial garden is one way to insure your foliage investment.

Seed and Spread

Perennials grow and spread. The mother plant, within a few years, will become surrounded by many offspring. Some perennial growth is easy to control, others not so much. Plants such as mint, lamb's ear and goldenrod spread profusely. Some gardeners enjoy plants that spread – large, bare areas are quickly covered at low expense. Other gardeners do not appreciate stray perennials springing up in their carefully planned annual beds.

Growing Conditions and Requirements

Sun, water and soil – these are the elements essential to plant life. Read the labels on your potted plants and place the plants in suitable areas. Partial shade means the plant should receive four to five hours of direct sun per day. Full sun means the plant should receive six to eight hours of sun.

Plant water loving plants in areas near sprinklers, under eaves and roof drip-lines and near water spigots.

If you have not gardened before or if you have not checked the soil in your garden then grab a handful before purchasing perennials. Is the soil gritty, clay-like or rich? Wash your hands and then go to the store. Ask employees at the place of purchase, or consult the plant's labels to find out the best plants for your soil type.

In The Ground

Soak your potted plants in water before planting. Dig a hole double the diameter of the plot and at least two inches deeper.

Turn the plant upside down. Cup the lip of the pot in one hand and twist the pot off with your other hand. Sometimes roots protrude from the pot's drainage holes. You can pull or clip these roots from the pot's bottom without harming the plant. When you see roots at the bottom of the pot you will likely also see balled roots and root systems that have grown in the shape of the pot. These plants are root bound. Assist these plants by loosening the root ball and allowing the plant the opportunity to expand.

Center the plant in the hole. Loosely place soil in the hole while holding the plant centered and straight. Gently pat the soil in place and ensure that the entire root ball is covered. Water the plant and let it grow.

Enjoy your healthy, well-placed perennials for years to come.

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