Year after year we receive the same question, “Can I plant perennials, shrubs and trees in the fall?” The answer is YES! While many people may see plants browning and going into dormancy as a precursor to death, their path to dormancy is actually a great opportunity to have beautiful plants in the spring.
Some wonderful things happen when you plant perennials, shrubs and trees in the fall. The soil is warm from the summer sun and the morning and evening temperatures are cool. With this combination, roots are able to grow and develop. The cool temps also allow the foliage to undergo less stress and reduced water usage. With these benefits, your plant will transplant easier with minimal shock. Keep in mind that you still will have to water your plants on a regular basis. However, you may find after the first couple of weeks that you are watering less than you would when planting in the spring or summer.
Most perennials, trees and shrubs are wonderful choices for planting in the fall. Fall is also the only time to plant fall bulbs such as tulips, daffodils and crocus to name a few. Start planting these bulbs when the highs are in the 50’s and 60’s. As always, we would love to help you select plants for your gardens, so stop in and see us!
