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Fall perennial flower garden tasks

Fall is an ideal time to move and divide many spring flowering perennials. One which comes to mind is peonies. They respond to dividing or moving best when done in the fall. Even though their foliage will wilt down some after digging, they will vigorously be growing new roots before the ground freezes.

When moving, dividing or planting any perennials, trees or shrubs in the fall, give them a nutritional boost with a phosphorous fertilizer at planting. Bone meal is one source as is the commercial fertilizer “Super Phosphate” or “Triple Phosphate” which has no nitrogen or potash in it but has 45% phosphorous in it. Two important plant functions which are greatly aided by phosphorous are root growth and development and flowering and seed set. So the addition of a phosphorous source at planting will greatly aid the plant in growing roots. And since phosphorous doesn’t leach out of the root zone, it will also aid in abundant flowering next year.

Hardy Asiatic and Oriental lilies can also be moved and planted in the fall. This is also true for the spring flowering bulbs such as tulips, daffodils, crocus and such. Although it will seem like the will be doing nothing, they will be growing their roots this fall like the transplanted perennials.

After tops freeze down, they may be removed from perennials. This is especially important with phlox, peonies and iris as it help prevent disease spread. I personally like to leave all others in the garden for a few reasons. First they aid in snow catch in the winter which is good insulation for them. Some of the grasses and perennials are also interesting landscape features in a winter garden as well. And some of our very small, native bees will have their nurseries in the hollow stems of some perennials. Leaving them stand until spring helps these great little pollinators.

Ken Eraas is the Ward County Extension Horticulture Assistant. You can reach him by calling 857-6444 or emailing kendell.eraas@ndsu.edu.

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