The Power of Perennials: What to Plant Now for Year-Round Beauty

Perennials are one of the best investments for any garden. Perennials come back year after year, providing lasting beauty and interest throughout the seasons. When you plant perennials, you’re not just creating a garden for one season – you’re building a space that evolves over time. In Oregon, the changing seasons and varied climate can challenge even the most seasoned gardeners. However, choosing the right perennials, planting them strategically, and providing them with the right care can transform your garden into a year-round masterpiece.

Best Perennials to Plant in April

April is an ideal time to plant a variety of perennials, particularly in Oregon's mild spring weather. Here are a few perennials that will thrive when planted in April:

1. Peonies (Paeonia spp.) – Known for their large, fragrant blooms, peonies are a springtime favorite. These plants are low-maintenance once established and can live for decades. Their blooms come in a range of colors, from soft pastels to vibrant reds and pinks, adding a touch of elegance to your garden. They prefer well-drained soil and a sunny spot to ensure they get enough energy for their blooms.
2. Columbine (Aquilegia spp.) – Columbine is a versatile perennial that offers delicate, bell-shaped flowers in a variety of colors, from purple and blue to yellow and white. It thrives in well-drained soil with part to full sunlight, making it perfect for creating a colorful spring display in your garden. Columbine also attracts pollinators like bees and hummingbirds, adding a layer of life to your outdoor space.
3. Salvia (Salvia officinalis) – Known for having a wide assortment of blooming varieties and colors, Salvia are tough and hardy plants that love the sun and are loved by hummingbirds and bees. These flowers bloom from early to late summer providing a burst of color when many other perennials are finishing their bloom cycle.

All of these plants are great options to get started with in April, as they’re well-suited for Oregon’s climate and will offer beauty year after year with the proper care.

Layering Perennials for Season-Long Interest

One of the most exciting aspects of planting perennials is the opportunity to create a garden that evolves throughout the year. By layering perennials with different bloom times, you can ensure your garden always has something in bloom, regardless of the season. Here’s how to plan for continuous beauty:

• Early Bloomers: Start with plants like Daffodils (Narcissus spp.) and Creeping Phlox (Phlox subulata). These plants will emerge early in the spring, bringing bursts of color after the long winter months. Daffodils, with their cheerful yellow, white, or orange flowers, signal the start of the growing season. Creeping Phlox, with its bright green foliage and tiny flowers in white, pink and lavender, add a soft touch to your garden.
• Mid-Season Bloomers: Plants like Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea) and Shasta Daisy (Leucanthemum × superbum) fill in the gap during the warmer months. Echinacea, or coneflower, is a hardy, drought-tolerant perennial that blooms from midsummer through fall. Its daisy-like flowers with pink or purple petals and a spiky center add texture to any garden. Shasta daisies offer bright white petals and a cheerful appearance, ideal for sunny garden beds.
• Late-Season Bloomers: Add plants like Catmint (Nepeta sp.) and Goldenrod (Solidago spp.) to keep your garden alive with color well into fall. Catmint come in a variety of colors, from blue to purple, and bloom in early summer to early fall, offering a vibrant display just before the colder months arrive. Goldenrod, with its golden-yellow spikes, complements asters and attracts late-season pollinators, such as butterflies.

By layering plants with different bloom times, you can create a garden that is always in a state of change and beauty, ensuring you’ll have flowers throughout the growing season.

Fertilizing and Mulching for Strong Growth

Once you’ve planted your perennials, it’s important to give them the right care to ensure they grow strong and healthy. In the spring, fertilizing and mulching are two essential tasks that will provide your perennials with the nutrients and protection they need.

• Fertilizing: In late April, applying a slow-release fertilizer can provide your perennials with a steady supply of nutrients. Look for fertilizers that are high in phosphorus to encourage strong root development, as well as potassium to promote healthy growth and resistance to disease. Avoid using too much fertilizer, as this can result in excessive foliage growth without strong blooms.
• Mulching: After planting your perennials, apply a layer of mulch around the base of each plant. Mulch helps retain moisture, suppresses weeds, and regulates soil temperature, ensuring your plants stay hydrated and protected from temperature extremes. In Oregon, where temperature fluctuations can occur in spring, mulch acts as a safeguard for tender roots. Be sure to keep the mulch a few inches away from the stems to prevent rot and allow air circulation around the base of the plants.

By taking the time to fertilize and mulch, you’ll help your perennials establish strong roots and grow healthier, more vibrant each year.

Planting perennials in April offers an exciting opportunity to set your garden up for success year after year. With plants like peonies, columbine, and salvia, you can start building a garden full of color and texture. By layering perennials with different bloom times, you’ll ensure your garden remains vibrant throughout the growing season. Don’t forget the importance of fertilizing and mulching to support strong, healthy growth. With these tips in mind, you can create a garden that flourishes in every season, bringing beauty and joy to your outdoor space year after year.