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Is it too late to plant perennials?

pjwizonpjwizon Posts: 52
in Plants
I finally have some time to plant border perennials. The border in question has recently had lots of well rotted manure dug into it and has dry, sandy soil. Given the soil and climate change, the plants will be drought tolerant varieties with a proven track record of survival in my garden (e.g., perovskia, geranium rozanne, gaura, erigeron, calamagrostis, sedum etc)

Is there still time to plant or have I left it too late? By the time I'll have bought the plants it will be late September before they're planted. I understand Autumn is a good season for planting as it gives time for the roots to establish before next season and, hopefully, increased rainfall waters in the plant. However, I'm never quite sure when horticultural Autumn begins and ends.

Thanks. 

Posts

  • PerkiPerki Posts: 2,527
    Excellent time to plant . I wouldn't personally plant the Gaura yet they are not totally hardy here it maybe the cause for you as well . 
  • GardenerSuzeGardenerSuze Posts: 5,692
    I agree good time to plant.  Overwintering Gaura outside in a pot could be a problem. Here in the South Midlands I would plant it out and hope it is ok. 
    I have worked as a Gardener for 24 years. My latest garden is a new build garden on heavy clay.
  • Hostafan1Hostafan1 Posts: 34,889
    perfect time to get them planted. 
    Soil temperatures are higher now than in April.. The tops might look poorly, but the roots will carry on underground.
    Devon.
  • Busy-LizzieBusy-Lizzie Posts: 24,043
    Yes, I agree, get them into the ground before it gets too cold.
    Dordogne and Norfolk. Clay in Dordogne, sandy in Norfolk.
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    You can really plant at any time of year [if the plants are potted ] as long as the ground isn't frozen solid. 
    Or waterlogged - but most of those wouldn't be happy with waterlogged soil anyway, so it doesn't really count.
    As long as the plants are a decent size - ie in a 6 inch pot or similar, not tiny little things, they'd be fine planted in autumn conditions in most areas - so it largely depends where you are.
    From now onwards, and for the next few months, will be fine, if the soil is warm enough, and the climate is decent. In colder, wetter areas, it'll be fine for the next six weeks or so, or else wait until things warm up in spring. Winter conditions in that kind of climate aren't so good for planting perennials - fine for trees and shrubs.   :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • AnniDAnniD Posts: 12,585
    I agree with @Posy. You should be fine to get them planted, unless you're in a really cold part of the country.
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