Why Fall Perennial Planting is a Smart Move

Do you want your garden to scream colors and textures in spring? Are you planning to jump-start your landscaping plans?

Planting perennials in fall can help make your spring garden dreams come true.

Enjoy Cooler Temperatures and Ideal Planting Conditions

For gardeners, fall is often a time to shut down in the garden. But while summer’s heat is waning, fall is a great time to plant many perennials.

We’re entering cooler weather, so new plantings won’t suffer as much stress. Fall-planted perennials will have time to establish roots before going dormant for winter, and can put their energy into growing strong.

Take advantage of the moderate temperatures and abundant rainfall fall has to offer.

Get Ready Now for a Gorgeous Spring Garden

Think back to the highlights of your garden last spring and summer. What would you like to enhance for next year?

Imagine wandering through your garden in the peak of spring. Are there areas that felt a little dull or sparse? Maybe a spot that needs a pop of blue or yellow?

Fall is the time to prepare for those bare spots you noticed in July. Take action now so those areas will be vibrant come spring.

Plant Perennials for Texture and Color Through the Seasons

One of the joys of gardening with perennials is that you can create interest in your garden that lasts from early spring through fall.

Plant a mix of early spring bloomers like bleeding heart and columbine to enjoy gorgeous colors right after winter. Fill in with perennials like coral bells, sedum, and ornamental grasses that add texture and color through the summer.

Then complement those with late bloomers like asters and mums that keep your garden lively into the fall. Planning out this sequence of blooms will give you a lovely perennial garden that evolves through the seasons.

Take Advantage of Nursery Sales and Discounts

Fall is a great time to get discounts on perennials. Garden centers and nurseries want to clear out inventory before winter, so you can often find sales on remaining stock.

Buy young potted plants this time of year and you can save up to 50% or more off regular prices! Keep an eye out for all-you-can-fit-in-a-tray type deals for incredible savings.

The selection may be more picked over than in springtime, but you can still find an excellent variety of perennials in fall. And you’ll save money by purchasing them now.

Rescue Clearance Plants for Serious Savings

Don’t overlook the clearance rack either! You can rescue marked-down perennials for a fraction of their original price. Sometimes clearance plants look a little droopy or worse for wear. But with a little TLC, you may be able to nurse them back to health.

Check for any pests or disease before purchasing. Avoid plants that look severely damaged. But if a perennial just needs some revival, go ahead and take a chance if the price is right.

Trim off any dead or dying leaves and give it some water. Then plant it in the garden right away and see what happens! With proper planting and care, many clearance perennials revive and thrive.

Plant Soon for the Best Success

It’s best to plant perennials in early fall, allowing 4-6 weeks before the ground freezes for roots to establish. In zones 3-5, plant by the end of September if possible. Zones 6-7 can plant through October.

If you live in zones 8-11, you can plant perennials fall through winter. Just avoid planting during short cold snaps. Get your perennials settled during consistent cool fall temperatures when roots can grow stronger.

Don’t wait too long in the fall season if you can help it. Plant as soon as you can so roots have time to develop before winter dormancy.

Help Perennials Establish Strong Roots Before Winter

The conditions in fall help newly planted perennials develop robust root systems. Cool soil temperatures encourage root growth. And the lack of flowers allows the plant to focus energy on its roots rather than blooms.

Root growth continues in fall right up until the ground freezes. So perennials planted in fall develop deep, sturdy roots before winter. Come spring, thick healthy roots will be ready to support vibrant growth.

To encourage good root establishment, plant perennials in well-draining soil. Water them in thoroughly after planting and water regularly the first few weeks. This gives those roots the moisture they need to spread and anchor.

Don’t Worry About Early Frost Damage

If frost strikes before fall planting is complete, don’t fret! Light frost won’t harm the roots of newly planted perennials. It may damage top growth and blooms, but the roots will be just fine as they continue establishing.

In fact, root growth often continues for weeks after the first light fall frost. The soil must freeze solid before perennial roots stop growing for winter dormancy. So you still have time to plant after a frost hits.

Just hold off if an extreme cold snap is forecasted. Consistently frigid temperatures can damage tender new roots. But one light frost is nothing to worry about, so keep planting!

Add Winter Mulch for Extra Protection

After the ground has frozen solid, add a winter mulch around your new perennial plantings. Two to three inches of shredded bark, leaves, evergreen boughs or other organic material is ideal.

The mulch helps insulate plants and prevent soil from freezing and thawing repeatedly. This freezing and thawing can potentially push roots up from the soil, exposing them to damage. Mulch prevents this so roots stay firmly anchored.

Add mulch after the soil has already frozen. This prevents mulch from keeping the ground from freezing properly. With a good winter mulch, your fall plantings will be ready for vigorous spring growth!

Reap the Rewards in Spring and Beyond

People associate planting time in the winter with spring, but fall is a great time to plant too because:

• Cooler temperatures reduce transplant stress on new plants.
• Ideal conditions promote healthy root growth before winter.
• You can take advantage of off-season discounts at nurseries.
• Planting in fall gives you a head start on spring gardens.
• Perennials planted in fall develop into mature, vigorous plants for next year.

Plant perennials such as daylilies, irises, hostas, asters and more, and next spring you will be rewarded when your well-established plants pop up with new growth and blooms.