Let’s hear it for perennials!

The mainstay of many flower gardens, perennials return year after year to bloom gloriously for a few weeks.

They are chosen for their wonderful flowers, such as peonies and roses; their lovely foliage, such as hostas and ivies; and their ease in care, such as daylilies and irises.

By botanic definition, a perennial is any plant that lives three years or more. This includes trees and shrubs as well as the herbaceous garden plants we typically think of as perennials.

Although perennials are hardy throughout the Kansas winter, the foliage dies back with the heavy frosts of fall. The roots remain alive though, and the plants reemerge in spring to offer their blooms. Biennial perennials require two years before blooming.

At one time, gardeners did most, if not all, of their perennial planting in the early spring season. Summer conditions were considered too harsh for new plantings. However, now that many perennials are sold in plastic containers, they can become acclimated to their new surroundings more easily than bare-root ones. So, summer is a go for perennial planting.

In fact, the Perennial Plant Assn. suggests that June is a perfect month to plant perennials that will flower in June and beyond. June is a good time for gardeners to find more mature specimens of favorite summer bloomers at garden centers.

Whether perennials are planted during the spring or in June, initial care is required to promote their good health and vigor.

Since these long-lived plants are likely to remain in the same place, primary soil preparation is essential. The garden area should be amended with humus or other organic matter, such as manure, compost or peat so that moisture is enhanced. Newly established beds should receive 4 inches of organic matter per 12 inches of soil to ensure good drainage and optimal root growth. Maintenance of the flower bed is minimal after the original planting.

When planting perennials, dig a hole large enough to spread out the roots. Place plants at the same depth as they were in their containers. Space the plants far enough apart to allow for air circulation and expanded growth.

As the perennials mature, they may become crowded. Often after three or four years, perennials need to be divided and replanted.

Irrigation is usually necessary to assure the establishment of perennials planted in the summertime. One very deep watering per week is more advantageous than numerous shallow waterings.

After planting, remember to mulch. Shredded hardwood or pine bark applied to a depth of 2 inches helps the soil retain moisture, retards weed growth and improves the appearance of the flower bed. Keep the mulch away from the crown of the plant to avoid rot.

Unlike annuals, which commonly bloom from spring until frost, perennials usually have unique bloom periods lasting from one to four weeks. Removing spent flower blossoms help maintain vigor and improve the appearance of the plant.

The perennial flower bed can display continuous blooms if some thought is given to plant selection. Some plants keep their foliage throughout the season. Others lose their foliage shortly after blooming.

A few recommended flowering perennials for Kansas include low-growing plants such as basket of gold and creeping phlox and mid-sized plants like coral bells, shasta daisy and sedum.

Taller specimens include daylilies, iris, black-eyed Susan and Solomon’s seal.

Shade tolerant suggestions include hosta, Virginia bluebells and bleeding heart. Drought-tolerant perennials include sage, blanket flower, silver mound, torch lily, poppies, sedums and yarrow.

 Carol Boncella is education coordinator at Lawrence Memorial Hospital and home and garden writer for the Journal-World.