Winter may be just around the corner but that is no reason not to keep planting. The ground is still warm and the weather hasn't gotten too cold just yet. So while there's still time I will give you just a few ideas on some perennial plants that flourish if planted now and how to prepare them for the harsher winter months coming.
So firstly, what do I mean by 'perennial', it simply means in gardening terms that the plant is long lasting, usually anything over two years. One year is an annual and two years is a biennial. It helps to know this as when buying it means you can get value for money by making sure to purchase perennials.
Some examples of some excellent ones to plant now are:
Salvia ostfriesland - This is a lovely hardy Salvia which has beautiful purple spires. It's quite tight growing so it is self protecting from the harsh winds and frosts. It's best planted in well drained soil and away from any areas that are prone to standing water.
Nepeta 'six hills giant' - This is a cat mint so if you have any feline friends they will thank you for it. It is one of the hardier Nepetas and will grow to about 3ft in height, it will spread width wise so will need cutting back in the spring/summer months. It has pretty purple flower fronds and silvery blue leaves. It also likes well drained areas and likes a good bit of sun in the warmer months, so is best placed on a sunny border bed.
Crocosmia 'montbretia' - These can be planted from corm or from potted plants right now. If you know someone who already has some, the corms can be dug gently out from around the established plant to be replanted. They look great when planted against and under hedging, especially Beech hedges. They have slender green leaves and long, fishing rod type flower fronds with red/orange and sometimes yellow flowers. They are generally tolerant of most conditions but do better in drier areas.
Agapanthus - These will just be coming out of flower now, but if you plant them where you would like them in September they will reward you next year with their dramatic blooms. The younger plants may not tolerate being moved now so choose well established older ones. The root system on Agapanthus tends to be quite delicate so just be mindful when you are putting them in to be gentle. The ground will need to be well dug out and watered. They prefer a sheltered sunny spot so are not one to choose if you have a weather beaten area.
Sedum spectabile - This is also known as 'stone-crop' and produces lovely purple plates of flowers. It has fleshy tender leaves but is deceptively weather tolerant. The soil doesn't need to be too rich with this plant but it does need a good bit of sun. Make sure the area is well drained and when planting you don't bury the root crown too deeply, the soil should just come level with it. Once again it will not flower this year but by planting it now you are giving it plenty of time to establish itself for next year.
So don't hang up your gardening gloves just yet, these are just a small few of the many plants to choose from, if you need any help pop into us in store and we can give you some ideas.
