Growing perennials is one of the joys of gardening, as they reward you year after year. But if you’ve ever tried to grow the more challenging varieties, you know that sometimes it’s easier said than done!
I’ve had my own struggles, but after a lot of experimenting and learning, I’ve found the perfect growing tips that worked wonders. Now, I’m excited to share those tips with you so you can enjoy the same beautiful, thriving perennials in your garden!
#1 Bring Elegance To Your Garden With Tall Delphiniums
If you’re looking to add some wow factor to your garden, tall delphiniums are perfect for you. With their towering spikes of vibrant blue, purple, or pink flowers, these beauties bring a touch of elegance and drama to any garden.
To help your delphiniums grow tall and proud, start with fertile, well-drained soil and plenty of sunlight. Keep in mind, they absolutely love soaking up the rays!
A little afternoon shade is like a cool drink on a hot day, helping them extend their blooming season. Stay on top of watering during dry spells, but be careful! Too much water can turn their roots into a soggy mess.
#2 Peonies Add Romance And Charm To Your Landscape
Peonies are nature’s way of adding romance to your garden! Their large, fragrant blooms in hues of soft pinks, deep reds, and pristine whites have long been associated with love and beauty.
Start your peonies off right by planting them in well-drained, fertile soil that allows them to grow to their fullest potential. These sun-loving beauties need at least 6 hours of sunshine a day to bloom their best.
Peonies don’t like being moved once they’ve settled, so choose their spot wisely! Rich, loamy soil is key to success, and a sprinkle of compost will only help them thrive even more.
#3 You’ll Be Obsessed With Bleeding Heart’s Unique Blooms
Bleeding heart’s blooms are unlike anything you’ll find in the garden! Their unique, heart-shaped flowers dangle delicately from arching stems, creating a stunning display that’s both romantic and exotic.
Once established, bleeding hearts are relatively low-maintenance, but you’ll want to keep an eye on them throughout the growing season. Be sure to deadhead spent blooms to encourage a fresh flush of flowers, and trim back any yellowing foliage once the blooms have faded.
You’ll also want to plant your bleeding heart in a location that receives partial to full shade, as too much sun can scorch its delicate leaves. These plants thrive in moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter, so adding compost to the planting site is always a good idea.
#4 Decorate Your Garden This Winter With Adorable Hellebores
Imagine stepping into your garden and finding it alive with color, even when the frost is still clinging to the ground. That’s what Hellebores do!
They bloom early in the season, brightening up winter with their nodding, pastel blooms. It’s like a hidden gem emerging from the cold, waiting to dazzle you when you least expect it.
Place your Hellebores in a shaded or partially shaded area with rich, well-drained soil, and they’ll reward you with stunning blooms. These plants love cooler temperatures and prefer moist soil, but it’s crucial not to let them sit in standing water.
Adding compost or organic matter is like giving them a nutritional boost. After they’ve taken root, they can handle dry spells, but a steady watering schedule will keep them blooming like clockwork.
#5 Make Your Garden Stand Out With Beautiful Primroses
Primroses are one of the first signs of spring, pushing through the cold soil to fill your garden with cheerful, colorful blooms. Whether planted in a flower bed, hanging basket, or window box, they offer a burst of color just when your garden needs it most!
They’re easy to please once they’re planted, but they do appreciate a bit of extra care. Keep them well-watered to keep their spirits high, and snip off wilted flowers to make room for fresh blooms.
After the flowers fade, cut back the old growth and layer mulch around the base – think of it as tucking them in for a well-deserved rest.
#6 Shake Things Up In Your Garden With Eryngium
If you’re looking to add a little spice to your garden, Eryngium is the plant for you. With its sharp, silvery-blue spikes and bold presence, it’s the kind of plant that makes heads turn and garden beds pop.
These tough-as-nails plants are a dream for xeriscaping, as they can stand the heat and are drought-tolerant once their roots are established. Just make sure to water them well during their first season, and they’ll settle in like a pro.
When it comes to care, just a little goes a long way. Water Eryngium well during its first growing season, then let it take care of itself. Cutting back spent blooms and old stems in the fall helps keep it tidy, ensuring next season’s flowers have plenty of space to grow!
#7 Lupine: A Rainbow of Blooms in One Beautiful Plant
Lupines are like a painter’s palette come to life, with their towering spikes of vibrant, multi-colored blooms. From deep blues to soft pinks and fiery reds, these beauties light up any garden with their bold hues and striking form.
To get the best out of your lupines, plant them where the sun shines brightest! A minimum of six hours of sunlight a day is their idea of a good time.
They also like their soil to be slightly acidic, so check the pH and make adjustments if needed. Well-drained, rich soil is essential for healthy lupines – soggy feet are a dealbreaker. If your soil’s a bit too heavy, mix in some compost to help it drain better.
#8 Turn Up the Charm In Your Garden With Azaleas
Azaleas are the cherries on top of any garden, offering a burst of color when they bloom. With their frilly petals and bold, cheerful hues, these shrubs inject a lively energy into your landscape, making it impossible to look away.
Plant them in slightly acidic, well-drained soil, and don’t forget to add compost to give them the boost they need. Keep the soil consistently moist, but don’t drown them – think of it like a gentle drink, not a flood!
#9 Gardenia’s Fragrant White Blooms Fill The Air With Sweetness
Gardenias are like nature’s perfume, with their creamy white blooms filling the air with a sweet fragrance that’s hard to resist. With their luxurious white flowers and captivating fragrance, these plants will bring an air of elegance and charm to your garden all year long.
These amazing plants thrive on attention, so give them the care they deserve! Fertilizing regularly during their blooming period will keep them happy, and removing faded flowers encourages a fresh flush of blooms!
#10 Transform Your Garden With The Beauty Of Bearded Iris
Bearded irises are a breathtaking addition to any garden, offering vibrant flowers that resemble works of art. From velvety blues and purples to cheerful yellows and whites, their color spectrum is a gardener’s dream.
They are sun-loving beauties that thrive in at least six hours of direct sunlight, so choose a spot where they can bask in the warmth. Loamy, rich soil is ideal, but adding compost will work wonders for both drainage and fertility.
Ready to put your gardening skills to the test? These beauties are picky, but the rewards are as sweet as they come!