Maintain perennial beds

Early fall is the ideal time for planting most perennials. The plants have largely completed above-ground growth and can now tolerate a change of location much better than would be the case during the growing season. In addition, the soil is still warm now, so the plants grow quickly and are well rooted by winter.

Besides autumn, spring is a suitable time to plant perennials. For some species even only this date is recommended: Grasses, ferns or late-flowering perennials such as autumn chrysanthemums should first be allowed to root well over the year before going into their first winter.

With the exception of just-flowering and late fall perennials, perennial clumps that are too dense or over-aged can be divided now and planted in a new location. A typical sign of overaging is that new shoots are formed mainly at the edges and the perennial becomes bare on the inside; in addition, flowering performance and vigor decline.