Garden Attractors Collection

Fall Planting Roots Upon Arrival: 

It is very important to plant these dormant perennials as soon as possible after you receive them. If it is absolutely necessary to store them for a short time before planting them, open the cartons and any plastic that is around the roots. If the roots appear dry, soak them for a few hours in warm water. Thereafter store in slightly moist peat moss in a cold, but not freezing location until you can plant. They can also be placed in pots of soil if planting will be delayed for more than 2 weeks. Use any packaged, peat-based potting soil and pots with drainage holes.

Planting Painted Daisies: 

Plant in full sun, 1" below soil surface, 18-24" apart in well drained soil. Removing faded flowers will prolong the bloom time. Trimming the foliage back after blooming will help to rejuvenate the plant. If rabbits are a problem in your area, you'll need to protect this plant as it is one of their favorites. Divide in the spring or in the fall every 2 years to maintain vigour.

Planting Black Eyed Susan:  

Plant 2 ft. apart in full sun to part shade in ordinary soil so tops of plants are level with the surface.
Growing:  Once established, Black-eyed Susies form large, dense clumps that will tolerate considerable drought.  Deadheading spent blooms encourages a longer blooming season. Plants are easily divided in spring when they become crowded.

Planting Belamcanda: 

Plant Belamcanda in full sun and well-drained soil. It especially detests soil that is wet in winter. This plant varies in height depending on the soil conditions. When grown in poor, dry soil, the height of the flower stalks will be about 24". However, if the soil is rich and moist, they can grow up to 48" tall and will require staking.
Growing:  A heavy layer of mulch is suggested for northern winters. For best results, divide in early spring.

Planting Bleeding Heart:  

Dicentra should be planted with the crown 2″ below the soil line and 12-24" apart.  Plant in moist, rich, well-drained soil in full to part shade.
Growing:  Keep plants well watered throughout the summer, especially in warmer weather.  Leaves are susceptible to leaf spot. The easiest solution is to shear back the affected foliage.
Dividing:  Dicentra should be divided after flowering, so you don’t sacrifice bloom. The fringed-leaf varieties divide nicely early in spring, as they are emerging.

Planting Creeping Phlox:  

Select a location in full sun with a well amended soil that is evenly moist. Make sure there is good air circulation. Prepare the bed by turning the soil under to a depth of 6-12, inches removing any debris, and lightly raking as level as possible. The addition of organic matter (leaf mold, compost, well-rotted manure) benefits all gardens and is essential in recently constructed neighborhoods. Dig a hole deep and wide enough to accommodate the bare root. Set the plant such that the crown is at or just slightly below the ground level. Allow roots to fan out from the crown at around a 45 degree angle. Roots should spread out separately, like stretched fingers, from the crown, and not bunch up. It may be helpful to build a cone-shaped mound of soil in the bottom of the hole and spread the roots around it. It is important to set the roots such that the crown is roughly level with the ground. Cover the roots with soil and tamp down firmly to get rid of air pockets. Fill the soil to just below the crown, where the top growth and leaves will emerge. Make sure all the roots under the crown are in good contact with the soil. Water well to fully saturate the roots and soil. Wait until new growth starts to appear before applying a layer of mulch. Space the roots 1-2 feet apart.
Growing: Once established, creeping phlox is a drought-tolerant plant that requires supplemental water only during warm, dry weather. A yearly pruning with a weed trimmer or garden clippers keeps phlox looking neat and healthy year after year. Prune after the blooms fade in late spring.

Planting Peonies:  

Soak any bare-root perennials in water for a few hours, but not more then a day, before planting. Add organic matter to the area and provide good drainage unless the plant variety enjoys wet roots. Find a location where the soil drains well. Peonies prefer soil that provides average moisture, but is not water logged. Keep in mind that your peonies will live for years, so adding nutrients in the form of compost to the soil at planting time is a good idea. 
Plant your peonies where they will receive full sun to very light shade. While peonies will survive in moderate shade they will not bloom as well and stems will not be as strong as when they are located in sunnier sites. Bareroot plants are easy to handle and settle in quickly. Tuck your peony roots in the ground with the tips of the roots pointing downwards and the "eyes" or growing points 1/2" to 2" below soil level. Plant on the deep end of this range in cold zones and on the shallow end of this range in warmer areas. If planted deeper, the roots will grow and produce foliage but the flower production will be limited. Space plants 2 to 3 feet apart to allow for mature size. After planting, water generously, soaking the soil to settle it around the root. Fall root growth helps anchor the plants for the future. Foliage sprouts will appear in the spring and will be immediately identifiable as they are bright red or pink and look like colorful asparagus shoots. These sprouts will grow and change to green as they lengthen and develop leaves. Flower buds will follow although buds don't always form the first spring. 
Growing:  The first year most roots will produce 2-5 leave shoots and only 1-2 flowers. This is just a taste of wonderful things to come and next year that number will double. The plant will double in size again the third year. By the fourth or fifth year your peony will be full and bushy, with lots of foliage and many flower stems. Water periodically during the growing season if rain does not occur, but keep in mind that weekly deep waterings are better than lighter drinks every day or two. About 1" of moisture per week is a good estimate. Feel free to clip blossoms to bring inside. This will not hurt the plants and will provide gorgeous, often fragrant, stems for bouquets.
After blooming has finished for the season clip off any spent flower stems. Your peonies will continue to provide attractive, lush foliage for the remainder of the growing season. As fall arrives and temperatures cool, the leaves will yellow, and then wilt, after the first frost. At this point you may trim off any leaves with the knowledge that next spring will bring fresh growth.