Planting Perennials

Peonies

I usually focus on my vegetable garden, but I do maintain a flower bed.  Watching flowers grow and blossom is so uplifting.  Peonies come in a variety of colors and will grow 2 to 4 feet tall.  These fragrant blooms are best planted in late fall to establish a strong root system.  Plant Peonies in a partially shaded, well drained area.  Four to six hours of direct sunlight is best, with soil that is not too moist.  Space plants 3 to 4 feet apart and 10 inchess beneath the soil.  The flower of the Peonies tends to be top heavy.  In order to support the blossoms weight you may need to stabeize your plant with a stake.  Peonies thrive best in zone 3 through zone 8.

Daffodil

The Daffodil is best planted in late fall for an early spring bloom.  Refrigeration is recommended for bulbs that can not be immediately planted.  The daffodil requires the cold temperatures to establish their roots.  Place the daffodil bulb one foot apart with a hole that is eight inches deep.  The plant grows somewhere close to 2 feet tall, and they will flourish.  Unlike many other plants the daffodil will not mind a little overcrowding. A quality that is necessary considering the rate a Daffodil can populate a flower bed.  Plant in in an area that is sunny with well drained soil.  These vibrant yellow flowers survive best in zone 3 through zone 8.

Iris

Iris are a very hardy plant.  They come in hundreds of varieties and almost any color to fit your landscape.  Best planted in early spring iris prefer soil that is well drained to avoid root rot.  Partial shade is best allowing for plenty of sunshine.   Place the rhizome in a hole 10 to 12 inches deep and 2 feet apart.  Iris grow to approximately 2 to 3 feet tall and multiply quickly.  Be sure to place the seeds in an area that has plenty of room because you will need to thin foliage often.  Iris can grown in nearly any zone, but the do prefer the cooler northern zones to thrive.

Black Eyed Susan

The Black Eyed Susan comes from the daisy family and is very drought tolerant.  They thrive best in mid to late summer months and won't mind a little neglect.  Place seeds in clusters 18 to twenty four inches apart in a 10 inch hole.  Plant these flowers in sunny areas with moderate soil.  Depending on the variety they can grow anywhere from 12 inches to 3 feet tall.  Typical to the daisy family the flower ranges from gold to amber.  Black Eyed Susan's are one of the easiest flowers to start from seed and can be harvested in either spring or fall.  They will populate quickly and must be thinned at least every three years.  The endurance of the Black Eyed Susan makes them fairly successful in most areas.  However, they thrive best in zone 4 through zone 9.