June in the Pacific Northwest is a gardener's paradise. Warm days, cool nights, and the promise of summer's vibrant hues make it the perfect time to add a touch of floral magic to your landscape. But what if you missed the spring planting window? June is an excellent time to plant perennials for a show-stopping display next year and beyond.
Perennial Powerhouses for the Pacific Northwest:
The Pacific Northwest boasts a unique climate that favors a wide variety of perennials. When choosing your plants, consider bloom time, sunlight requirements, and overall size to create a flourishing and balanced garden. Here are some fantastic perennials that thrive in the region:
Summer Stars:
- Daylilies (Hemerocallis): A low-maintenance favorite with trumpet-shaped blooms in a kaleidoscope of colors.
- Coneflowers (Echinacea): These daisy-like beauties attract pollinators and come in shades of pink, purple, and classic yellow.
- Black-eyed Susans (Rudbeckia): Cheerful and long-blooming, these golden wonders add a touch of sunshine to any border.
- Shasta Daisies (Leucanthemum x superbum): The quintessential cottage garden flower with large, cheerful white blooms.
Fragrant Delights:
- Lavender (Lavandula): Not only beautiful with its purple flowers, but also incredibly fragrant, attracting beneficial insects.
- Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia): Spikes of lavender-blue flowers with stunning silver foliage provide a captivating textural contrast.
Planting for Success:
- Location, Location, Location: Before purchasing your plants, map out your garden and identify areas with full sun, partial shade, or full shade. Most perennials prefer at least 6 hours of sunlight daily.
- Prep Work is Key: Amending your soil with compost or aged manure will give your new plants a nutritious start. Aim for well-draining soil to prevent root rot.
- Planting Perfection: Dig a hole 2-3 times wider than the plant's root ball and loosen the surrounding soil. Gently remove the plant from its container and place it in the hole, ensuring the crown (the point where the roots and stem meet) sits level with the soil surface. Backfill the hole, tamping down gently to remove air pockets.
- Watering Wisely: Water your newly planted perennials deeply and regularly, especially during hot and dry spells. Aim for 1-2 inches of water per week.
Keeping the Blooms Coming:
- Mulch Magic: Apply a 2-3 inch layer of organic mulch around your plants to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
- Deadheading Delights: Regularly removing spent flowers encourages continued blooming throughout the season. Simply pinch off the flower head just below the faded bloom.
- First Year Focus: During the first year, prioritize watering and avoid fertilizing. The plant will channel its energy into establishing a strong root system.
Bonus Tip: June is also a great time to divide perennials that have become overcrowded. This not only rejuvenates the existing plant but also provides you with additional blooms for another area of your garden.
With a little planning and care, planting perennials in June can transform your garden into a haven of color and fragrance for years to come. So, get out there, explore the vibrant selection at Al’s Garden & Home, and get ready to enjoy the rewards of your blooming efforts! Visit our website for more gardening growing tips.
Leave a comment