Adding perennials to your garden is a great way to incorporate lasting color with less maintenance. Annuals may have a more extended bloom season than some perennials, but they won’t come back next year, requiring you to replant your garden each season.
When choosing perennials for your Maryland garden, there are a few things to consider to make your landscaping efforts provide curb appeal and a wow factor.
Hardiness Zone
Depending on where you live in Maryland, you could be in one of five hardiness zones:
- 5b
- 6a
- 6b
- 7a
- 7b
The hardiness zone you live in is based on frost dates and weather patterns. Zones five and six are hardy down to -20 degrees, while zones seven and eight are only hardy down to 0 degrees Fahrenheit. Knowing which zone you are in can help you select the right perennials to flourish best in your zone. The hardiness zone also determines the best time to plant for the best results.
Sun Tolerance
Plants need sunlight to survive, but each perennial has its own amount of sun tolerance. A perennial requiring outdoor shade would burn up and die in full sun, and a perennial needing full sun won’t grow in the shade.
When planning your perennial garden, first determine where you want to plant it. Watch the sun at different hours each day to see if the area is in the shade, partial sun, or full sun. When you are reading to shop for your perennial plants, choose them by their sun tolerance so you don’t waste your money.
Maintenance
Just like other plants, perennials require some maintenance to thrive and continue the life cycle. Depending on the type of perennials you buy, you may need plant food and fertilizer to keep them happy.
Consider whether you want to plant your perennials in pots or the ground. You may need soil or mulch, especially in the hottest parts of Maryland’s summer. Don’t forget about the gardening gloves and tools—like a shovel and rake—to keep your garden looking beautiful without damaging your hands.
Selecting Perennials
When choosing perennials, consider:
- Heights
- Sizes
- Growth patterns
- Soil conditions
- Peak bloom time
- Colors
Overcrowding your perennial garden can impact the health of the rest of the plants. Mixing the different sizes, heights, and peak bloom times can add drama and flair, showcasing an almost ever-changing garden landscape.
You can also have fun with colors that compliment your home and surrounding areas. Be sure you pay attention to soil conditions and growth patterns; planting your perennials strategically will maximize your results.
Dividing Perennials
Though some perennials are low maintenance compared to annuals, you will eventually need to divide them. This typically happens every two or three years, limiting the plants’ need to compete for water and nutrients to thrive.
The bonus of dividing perennials is FREE PLANTS! Whether you choose to plant your divided perennials in your own garden or share them with friends or family, dividing perennials will keep your garden scapes lush and healthy year-round.
Planting Your Perennial Garden
Suppose the thought of researching or planting your perennial garden has you overwhelmed. In that case, 410 Lawn Guy in Gambrills, Maryland, is here to help. We handle most home outdoor needs, so you don’t have to. We can also help you find the right perennials for your garden.
No job is too big or too small for the 410 Lawn Guy, and we love taking care of the smaller jobs other lawn care companies don’t have time for. Contact us online today or call us at 410-LAWNGUY (410-529-6429).
