PERENNIALS & GROUND COVERS
Ideas and Tips

Q: When should I fertilize my perennials? Read tips.
Q: Which perennials should I cut back for winter? Read tips.
Q: When is the best time to buy perennials? Read tips.

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Q: When should I fertilize my perennials?
A: Perennials should be fertilized in the spring and summer only. Fertilizing later in the season may cause the plants to send out tender new growth that will not harden off by winter.

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Q: Which perennials should I cut back for winter?
A: Herbaceous perennials (ones that don't form "woody" structures) will normally die back in the fall. Some have attractive foliage or seed pods. If you like, you can leave those for fall and winter interest. Anything else, cut back and compost once it's brown and withered. (Cutting back anything green can reduce the plant's reserves for the winter and reduce its vigor.)

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Q: When is the best time to buy perennials?
A: Year-round! Sky gets in fresh perennial shipments 50 weeks out of the year. Plants are most sellable when they look good, so we mostly get things in when their foliage and/or flowers are starting to size up. So early spring bloomers come in very early spring, hostas in May & June when you can see their foliage, late summer and fall bloomers in July…. Evergreen perennials can be found in every season. Moral: If you buy only in May, you’re likely to end with a garden that peaks in May/June and is rather dull in fall and winter.

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