What Are Perennials?
A perennial is a remarkable feat of nature. It is defined as an outdoor plant that lives for more than two years. Perennials emerge in the spring after the snow has melted and temperatures have warmed. They bloom at various times throughout the season, filling the landscape with vibrant colours. In late fall, as temperatures cool, they die back to the ground but will re-emerge the following spring. Generally, perennials have little or no woody stems; instead, they feature herbaceous, soft tender stems and stalks.
Perennials can survive being planted in the wrong location but cannot survive without water!
Perennials need extra care with all the wild and wacky weather we have been experiencing. No matter how long a perennial has been ‘in the ground,’ there will be times when you will need to provide supplementary water.
You need to provide supplementary water for perennials…
- During drought, when perennials haven’t received a significant amount of rain for five or more days, they need water – this applies for the entire growing season, no matter how long a perennial has been in the ground.
- During extreme heat, when the temperature rises, so does the need for water, as perennials have to work harder when it’s hot.
- When we have little or no spring rain, perennials need extra water to grow and develop new stems and buds. If we have above-average temperatures in April and May, perennials must be watered in April and May.
- In the fall. I know temperatures are cooler in the fall; however, perennial roots continue to grow, so make sure to water.
- New perennial plantings need water for the first few growing months to develop deep, strong roots.
How to Water Perennials | Watering Tips
Watering perennials with a light sprinkle does not encourage strong root growth. Instead, it can damage flower blooms and contribute to the development of diseases on the leaves. To ensure perennials receive a thorough and nourishing drink, it is important to water deeply at the root level.
- Water in the morning, when possible, before the day’s heat. With my schedule, I can’t make the morning watering work, so I’m a ‘water in the evening person,’ which is the second best time to water. Watering in the day’s heat can lead to scorch (sunburn) on foliage or water evaporation before it gets to the soil around the plant.
- Use a watering wand, not a jet spray nozzle. I love a good ‘long-handled watering wand’ (a gardener’s best friend). Place the wand alongside the perennial at ground level and water. Try to keep water away from plant flowers or leaves. Just a note: a jet spray nozzle can blow flowers and flower buds off perennials, defeating the purpose of growing a flowering garden.
- I use the 1-2-3 method. Water the first perennial, then the second perennial, then the third perennial, then go back and water the first, second, and third perennial again. Move on to the following three perennials and repeat. The goal is to get water to the roots. If you water the same plant at least twice, if not three times, you will likely achieve this goal. Yes, this watering method takes a bit of extra time. However, it is well worth the effort when your perennials thrive and bloom without damage or disease.
- You can’t rely on rain to provide enough water for your perennial. Mother Nature has a sense of humour. She produces tons of rain in one month, while in the next month, there’s nothing. Perennials need at least one inch of water weekly to thrive in regular seasonal temperatures. However, perennials need at least two to three inches of water per week during heat or drought. Remember: If you’re feeling hot being outside, chances are your perennials also feel the heat.
- If you stick your finger into the soil beside the perennial about one inch down and the soil is dry, you need to water.
- If you see perennials wilting, you need to water. Perennials with wilting foliage, particularly in the evening, are a sure sign they need water.
- You don’t need to water daily; however, you need to deeply. Light, frequent watering tends to produce shallow-rooted perennials that can struggle in cold winters and hot summers. Water at least once per week and water deeply. Perennials with deep, strong-reaching roots not only survive but thrive.
Final Thoughts
It’s easy to under-water perennials, but hard to over-water them. Proper watering is key to having a successful and beautifully flowering perennial garden. Take the time to correctly tend to your gardens by watering them.
Lexi Dearborn
The Gabby Gardener
June 2022