Tall Perennial Flowers: Tips and Tricks for Growing Them

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Tall Perennial Flowers

If you're looking to add some height and drama to your garden, tall perennial flowers are a great way to do it. Not only do they add visual interest, but they also attract pollinators and beneficial insects to your garden. In this article, we'll take a look at some of the best tall perennial flowers to grow in your garden and how to care for them.

Best Tall Perennial Flowers

1. Delphiniums

Delphiniums are a classic cottage garden flower that can grow up to six feet tall. They come in a variety of colors, including blue, purple, pink, and white. Delphiniums prefer full sun and well-drained soil. They also benefit from staking to keep their tall stems from falling over.

Caring for Delphiniums

To care for delphiniums, make sure they receive plenty of water during dry periods. Deadhead spent blooms to encourage more flowers. If your delphiniums become too tall and top-heavy, use bamboo stakes or metal supports to keep them upright.

2. Russian Sage

Russian sage is a popular perennial that can reach heights of up to five feet. It has silvery-gray foliage and delicate, lavender-blue flowers that bloom throughout the summer. Russian sage thrives in full sun and well-drained soil.

Caring for Russian Sage

Russian sage is drought-tolerant and doesn't require a lot of maintenance. However, it can become floppy if not pruned regularly. To keep your Russian sage looking neat and tidy, cut it back by about a third in early spring.

3. Heleniums

Heleniums, also known as sneezeweed, are tall, daisy-like flowers that can grow up to six feet tall. They come in shades of yellow, orange, and red and bloom from mid-summer to fall. Heleniums prefer full sun and moist soil.

Caring for Heleniums

To care for heleniums, make sure they receive plenty of water during dry spells. Deadhead spent blooms to encourage more flowers. If your heleniums become too tall and leggy, pinch them back in early summer to encourage bushier growth.

Tips for Growing Tall Perennial Flowers

Growing tall perennial flowers can be challenging, but with the right care, they can thrive in your garden. Here are some tips to help you grow tall perennial flowers successfully:

1. Choose the Right Location

Tall perennial flowers need plenty of sunlight and well-drained soil to grow properly. Make sure you choose a location in your garden that receives at least six hours of sunlight per day and has soil that drains well.

2. Provide Adequate Support

Most tall perennial flowers need support to keep their stems from falling over. You can use bamboo stakes, metal supports, or other materials to provide support for your plants. Make sure you add the support early in the growing season before the plants get too tall and top-heavy.

3. Water Regularly

Tall perennial flowers need regular watering to thrive. Water deeply once or twice a week, depending on the weather and soil conditions. Avoid getting water on the leaves, as this can lead to fungal diseases.

4. Fertilize Sparingly

Tall perennial flowers don't need a lot of fertilizer to grow well. Use a balanced fertilizer once or twice a year, following the manufacturer's instructions.

5. Prune Regularly

Regular pruning can help keep tall perennial flowers looking neat and tidy. Cut back spent blooms and dead foliage regularly to encourage more growth and prevent disease.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I stake tall perennial flowers?

To stake tall perennial flowers, use bamboo stakes or metal supports. Place the stakes or supports around the plant before it gets too tall and top-heavy. Tie the stems to the stakes or supports using garden twine.

2. How often should I water my tall perennial flowers?

Water your tall perennial flowers deeply once or twice a week, depending on the weather and soil conditions. Avoid getting water on the leaves, as this can lead to fungal diseases.

3. What is the best fertilizer for tall perennial flowers?

Use a balanced fertilizer once or twice a year, following the manufacturer's instructions. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to leggy growth and fewer flowers.

4. How do I prune tall perennial flowers?

Regular pruning can help keep tall perennial flowers looking neat and tidy. Cut back spent blooms and dead foliage regularly to encourage more growth and prevent disease.

5. When should I cut back tall perennial flowers?

Cut back tall perennial flowers in late fall or early spring, depending on the plant. Some plants, such as Russian sage, should be cut back by about a third in early spring to promote bushier growth.

Tall perennial flowers are a great way to add drama and height to your garden. By choosing the right plants and providing them with the right care, you can enjoy beautiful blooms throughout the growing season. Remember to choose a sunny location, provide support, water regularly, fertilize sparingly, and prune regularly to keep your tall perennial flowers looking their best.