Whether you believe it or not, fall is a great time to start planting perennials! The conditions are perfect for the roots to establish themselves! This is all going to be based in our zone which happens to be Zone 5b. You will want to plant early, roughly about 6 weeks before the first fall frost.
Plants are pretty cheap in the stores around this time. Usually stores have discounts on the plants that have been picked over. These plants are usually a little wilty, have some yellowing and/or brown leaves, and the soil is dry. The first thing you’re going to want to do when you bring the plant home is cut the yellowing or brown leaves off and thoroughly water them, set the plant in a tray or saucer so they will be able to soak up the water that drains through their soil. After that, treat the plant like every other plant. Water less when it’s cold, water more when it’s warm and watch your radars for rain so you don’t overwater!
Frost. Some might think frost is a bigger challenge than it actually is, but in reality it’s not! Frost might kill the tops of your plants, but it will not affect the root growth. Roots will continue to grow until the soil freezes, which happens within weeks, maybe even months after the first frost in fall.
Growing healthy roots: When the soil is cold, the newly planted perennial roots grow slowly. In the fall when the soil is warmer the roots grow quicker. At this point in the season, the plants are usually not producing any flowers or fruits, the majority of the plant’s energy is going to the root growth.
Perennials to plant in fall:
- Asters
- Astilbe
- Bee Balm
- Iris
- Columbine
- Daylilies
- Dianthus
- Ferns
- Hostas
- Bergina
- Catmint
- Sedum
- Peonies