Perennial Favourites Collection

Fall Bulbs Upon Arrival:

Plant the bulbs as soon as possible once you have received them. If you cannot plant the bulbs as soon as they have been shipped to you, remove the bulbs from plastic bags and put them on trays with damp peat moss or sawdust in a cool, well-ventilated place until you have a chance to plant them. Do not store them at temperatures below 4°C.

Fall Planting Roots Upon Arrival:

It is very important to plant these dormant perennials as soon as possible after you receive them. If it is absolutely necessary to store them for a short time before planting them, open the cartons and any plastic that is around the roots. If the roots appear dry, soak them for a few hours in warm water. Thereafter store in slightly moist peat moss in a cold, but not freezing location until you can plant. They can also be placed in pots of soil if planting will be delayed for more than 2 weeks. Use any packaged, peat-based potting soil and pots with drainage holes. Most Bulbs, Perennials and many other garden plants require 'well-drained' soil in order to thrive. Areas that often have 'sitting' water or constantly soggy soil can quickly cause roots to rot and deteriorate, especially over winter.

Planting Roots General Info:

It is a good idea to soak any bare-root perennials in water for a few hours, but not more then a day, before planting. Add organic matter to the area and provide good drainage unless the plant variety enjoys wet roots. Unless otherwise specified, bare-root perennials are usually planted with the crown (where the shoots meet the roots) an inch below the soil surface. Firm soil gently to eliminate air pockets and water in well. Mark the area clearly since it may be awhile before the plant shows itself. Pay particular attention to watering any new plants during the first season. Once established plants generally have some drought tolerance and will only need to be watered if the season is hot and dry.

Planting Allium: 

Plant 3"-4" apart and 3" deep. Thrives in sun and will tolerate some shade. Although Alliums are drought tolerant, they will do best in soil is that is well drained.

Planting Babys Breath: 

Plant in a sunny location in average to rich, well-drained soil. Add compost or peat humus to enrich and loosen the soil if needed, but they are very adaptable to almost any soil conditions. Remember to keep the soil light and airy for perennials, so cover them with loose soil and don't pack it in after planting. Plant with the top of the crown where the new growth points originate about 1/2 to 1" below soil level. None of the roots or crown should be showing after planting, so some sprouts can be deeper than others which is fine. Spacing 24 to 36" apart, although planting them closer to some plants will help to create a nice floral display in the perennial garden. Mulch lightly after planting.

Planting Fritillaria:

Plant 6-8" deep and 10-12" apart in fertile, well drained soil. You can also add sand to the bottom of the hole before planting your bulbs to reduce the risk of rot. Avoid disturbing the bulbs at any time and only cut down the stems once they have fully turned brown and died back.

Planting Iris: 

Plant with the roots fanned slightly and pointing downwards, into a hole 3-5" deep. The top of the roots should be 1-2" below soil level. Space about 12-15" apart and pat the soil firmly around the plant. To retain moisture and prevent winter heaving, mulch your irises after planting. After blooming has finished for the season leave the foliage in place; don’t cut it off. The leaves will provide a strong vertical design element in the garden while they gather sunlight and nourishment for next year’s show. Water as needed during active growth periods.

Planting Sedum: 

Space 18" apart, with the crown (the point where the roots meet the shoots) just under the soil surface. Grow in fast draining soil in full sun. Drought tolerant. May tolerate light shade. Water sparingly.