Growing Annual and Perennial Flowers

Agenda Growing Perennials Growing Annuals Ohio State Video

What is a Perennial? Plants that grow for more than one growing season Foliage dies during the winter Roots remain alive to produce a new plant that flowers the next year

Biennials Biennials require 2 growing seasons to complete their life cycle Year 1 they are vegetative Year 2 they produce flowers, set seed & die

Remember bulbs are perennials and great for adding early color to yards!

Advantages for Perennials Plant one year and grow many years Offer wide range Flower forms Plant forms Flowering seasons Flower colors Require less maintenance than annuals Compete well with weeds Native species often available

Disadvantages with Perennials Relatively large area needed Many require division and replanting Many species need deadheading If weeds get established, hard to control Not as showy as annuals

When and What to Plant Plant as early as possible Use larger plants - gallon size or larger will give faster results Space appropriately

When and What to Plant Select the right plants for the right place - plant hardiness – Zones 5 & 6 - sun exposure - water requirements - plant height/width - bloom period and color

Perennial Garden Preparation Site Selection Well drained soil Soil texture Special features - accents (fountains, patio, bench, etc.) Sun exposure

Sun Exposure Terminology Full sun (six hours of sun) Part sun (four to six hours sun) Shade (no direct sunlight) Part shade (less than four hours of sun)

Obtaining Perennials Divisions from neighbors, relatives, friends Local nurseries (42 different sizes) Mass distribution centers (Be careful!) Mail order catalogs

Mail Order Perennials Remove plant from package Carefully remove all loose packing material (peat moss and sawdust).  Soak roots in water for 5 to 10 minutes.  Examine the root system, and Trim away any rotted, moldy, broken or elongated roots with a sharp knife or your pruning shears. 

Soil Preparation Soil test Start with a clean bed – remove weeds before planting Organic matter – incorporate to at least six to eight inches Edging beds – steel, rubber, stone, natural materials Trench 6-8” deep, sloped 10-12” wide

Planting Dig a hole the same depth as container Remove plants from the container Butterfly or separate the root ball Place the plant in the hole and lightly pack the soil around the plant with the same soil that was removed from the hole Water gently and slowly

Mulch Benefits - Conserves moisture - Weed inhibitor - Erosion control - Prevents soil temperature fluctuation - Conserves moisture - Weed inhibitor - Erosion control

Mulch Organic (wood chips, pine needles, etc.) No fabric is placed underneath the mulch) Bio-degrade in one year Can be tilled in for organic matter

Watering Water thoroughly and frequently during establishment (3-4 weeks) First year, water deeply, weekly to maintain adequate moisture (1”/wk) Wetting agent

Fertilizing Incorporate a slow release fertilizer at the time of planting Top dress with slow release at planting Liquid feed – more labor intensive; must do every two weeks Fertilize established perennials in the spring and fall (after dormant)

Weed Control - Preemergent Treflan - sold as Preen, Miracle Grow Weed Preventer and Monteray Vegetable and Ornamental Weeder Dacthal - sold as Gordon’s Garden Weed Preventer Granuals Re-apply every 3 months Bed must be weed free before application (only prevents weeds)

Pest Control Monitor plants for insects and diseases Treat specific pest appropriately Best prevention is a healthy plant

Perennial Maintenance Many perennials spend their first season establishing a strong root system and then begin maximum flower production in their second and third years. Deadheading – removing faded flowers to maintain plant vigor

Perennial Maintenance Each fall, cut back spent plants Mulch to prevent alternate freezing and thawing over winter months Divide and replant many species on a 3-4 year cycle (iris, hosta, etc.)

Prairie Bloom Collection http://www. prairiestarflowers Plants adapted to never-boring, always-changing, ever-challenging prairie climate Special flowers that add depth and breadth to our gardening palate Provide great interest and diversity in the landscape Collection based on multiple year (3 to 5 yr.) performance K-State bedding plant field research trials

“First year it sleeps, second year it creeps, third year it leaps.”

Annuals Annual – a plant that completes its life cycle in one growing season Could botanically be perennial, but not hardy in colder zones

Advantages with Annuals Quick, long-lasting bloom - bright, showy colors Generally easy-to-grow Wide selection Opportunity to try new kinds of flowers and change the color scheme each year

Annual Types Cool season Shade annuals Full sun Heat-tolerant Drought-tolerant Grasses

Annuals are Versatile

Plant Selection Colors warm - reds, oranges, yellows cool – blue, green, violet Texture Flower shapes Heights * ht = 2/3 width of bed (i.e. 4’ tall plant in 6’ wide bed) * stair step approach

VISUAL IMPACT Color guides to point of contact

Color

Color White flowers Near patios – show up well in the evening or at dusk Separator for conflicting colors (reds)

Texture & Shape

Plant Selection Considerations Who will view the beds? Where or how will the bed be viewed? Car and pedestrian traffic Shape and size of the bed Surroundings – buildings, drives, etc. Formal or informal design

Casual Beds Parks, homeowners yards More variation of plants Unique or interesting plants Cool colors – blues, whites, pinks

Fast Beds 50 mph traffic, busy walk-way, office bldg’s, etc. Bold colors – “WOW” Simple design with solid color Massive planting Spike flowers draw attention Warm colors – reds, oranges, yellows

Preparing Flower Bed Fall preparation is best Add organic matter Existing bed, compost good New bed, sphagnum peat Never add sand Soil test (every 3 three years)

Plant Selection Considerations Light needs – sun or shade Moisture requirements – moist or dry Maintenance – deadheading marigolds, geraniums, ageratum, zinnia, etc.

Light More sun, more flowers Afternoon sun often harsh conditions All shade not same (trees vs. buildings)

Purchasing Annuals Short, compact, well-branched Best without flowers or even buds Enjoy weekend, then cut existing ones Source important Proven varieties

Planting Harden plants Plant same depth as container Space closer than 8-12” Mulch Consistent temperature, moisture Controls weeds Not too thick (2-3” plenty on annuals) Never use weed barrier, stone

Fertilizing Annuals bloom on new growth Nitrogen controls new growth Need constant supply of N Phosphorus not usually needed Snake oil products, root stimulators

Watering Plants need one inch per week Moisten bed thoroughly Allow soil to dry moderately before watering again Soaker hose works great, no splashing Efficient Sprinklers bad, nozzle worse Wetting Agent

Pest Control Weeds: pulling, light hoeing Diseases: Few problems Insects: Insecticide only if necessary Watch for spider mites, aphids, Japanese beetles, lacebugs, thrips Always follow label directions

Prairie Star Collection http://www. prairiestarflowers Annual flowers that are best adapted to our ever changing, never boring, always challenging prairie climate Exhibit superior performance in KSU field trials across Kansas – Olathe, Wichita, Hays, Colby

Questions?