When is the best time to plant perennials?

Perennials can be planted at any time of the year when the ground is not frozen, waterlogged or snow covered and it's not excessively cold or windy. Autumn and spring normally provide the most optimum conditions, giving your perennial plants the chance to root out and settle into the ground before the dryer months arrive. It’s perfectly possible to plant in the summer too – just make sure you’re diligent with watering to ensure the root system is damp and hydrated as your plants settle into the ground.

Perennials can be purchased in variety of pot sizes. Most perennials are generally sold in 9cm (“P9”), 1 litre and 2 litre pots. Whilst the smaller size pots tend to be a more economical way of buying and are a good choice in autumn and spring, they can suffer in the dryer warmer season with the plants becoming leggy and stressed due to lack of water caused by the root system being restricted in a smaller pot. Perennials may also be available as bare root specimens during the dormant season between November and March.

From early June onwards we would always recommend buying perennials in 2 litre pots. This means you’ll be getting stronger, larger, healthier plants with excellent strong root systems, ideal for planting straight out into the ground or containers. Remember to plant your perennials at the same depth as the pot they come out of. If you water them well and look after them, the 2 litre plants will establish quickly and thrive in your garden, delivering a fabulous display of flowers and foliage for you to enjoy.