Perennial Gardening in the South
Introduction
Perennial plants are a great choice for Southern gardens because they come back year after year with minimal care. They’re also beautiful and can add color and interest to your garden all season long.
Choosing Perennials for Southeast Gardens
When choosing perennials for your southeast garden, it’s important to select plants that are hardy to your USDA zone. This will ensure that they can withstand the heat and humidity of the Southern climate. Some popular perennials for southeast gardens include:
- Lilies
- Daylilies
- Gardenias
- Peonies
- Hydrangeas
- Black-eyed Susans
- Clematis
- Crinum lilies
- Calla lilies
- Canna lilies
- Azaleas
Planting and Care of Southern Perennials
Perennial plants are relatively easy to care for. Here are a few tips:
- Planting: Choose a planting site that receives full sun to partial shade. Dig a hole that is twice as wide as the root ball of the plant and just as deep. Place the plant in the hole and backfill with soil, tamping down gently to remove any air pockets. Water the plant deeply.
- Watering: Perennials need regular watering, especially during the hot summer months. Water deeply and less frequently, rather than shallowly and often.
- Fertilizing: Fertilize perennials once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
- Dividing: Perennials may need to be divided every few years to prevent them from becoming overcrowded. Dig up the plant and use a sharp knife to divide it into smaller sections. Replant the divisions in new holes.
Perennials That Bloom in the South
One of the best things about perennial gardening in the South is the long blooming season. There are perennials that bloom in every season, from spring to fall.
- Spring: Daffodils, tulips, hyacinths, crocuses, and lilies
- Summer: Daylilies, black-eyed Susans, zinnias, sunflowers, and hibiscus
- Fall: Asters, chrysanthemums, goldenrod, and sedum
- Winter: Hellebores, pansies, and violas
Southern Gardening Tips
Here are a few additional tips for successful perennial gardening in the South:
- Prepare your soil well before planting. Perennials will grow in a variety of soils, but they prefer well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter.
- Mulch around your plants to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Deadhead spent blooms to encourage new growth and flowering.
- Be patient. Perennials take time to establish themselves. Don’t be discouraged if they don’t bloom as much as you’d like the first year.
With a little care and attention, perennial plants can thrive in the Southern climate and provide you with years of beauty and enjoyment.
