Stake tall perennials early using supports to prevent flopping, breakage and damage as they surge.
Early spring is the time when herbaceous perennials, dormant all winter, suddenly start to wake up. When conditions are right, they start to push fresh new stems out of the soil. This is especially true on sunny, warm days after a heavy downpour. Those are their ideal growing conditions, and a good time to think about how to stake them.
Whilst it is wonderful to see bright green, fresh-looking leaves and stems appearing throughout the borders, pause for a moment. In a few more weeks, many of those fresh, young shoots can leap to at least 50cm above ground. The problem is that many of the stems may not have hardened up yet. Without support of some sort, they could quite easily snap and break. That is why learning how to stake early really matters.
Many border plants benefit from support. Large, sumptuous peony blooms are notorious for flopping after a heavy downpour. Colourful lupin and dahlia flower spikes can also easily be flattened by a gust of wind. It is also essential to stake taller herbaceous plants such as delphinium, sanguisorba, and hardy chrysanthemum.
So, now is the ideal time to start staking those beautiful herbaceous perennials. There is a range of different types and methods of staking that can be used, depending on how to stake each plant.
Circular plant supports
These work best on clump-forming perennials like peonies and alstroemeria. They are available in plastic or metal. This type of support allows the stems to grow up through the grid. They then hang gracefully over the sides. This is one simple way to understand how to stake softer growth.
These are traditionally used to make a frame. Twine or jute is then threaded onto and around it. This creates a framework for tall annuals such as sweet peas to grow up.
Pea sticks
This is a great way of using twiggy prunings. When pushed into the ground, they provide a support base for asters and heleniums as they start to grow away. They also support annual veg such as dwarf French beans, peas, and mangetout.
Hazel, birch, and willow prunings
These are becoming more popular with gardeners seeking a more natural look. They can be woven into loose circles around hazel stems pushed into the ground. Emerging plant stems can then be gently threaded through them. This natural approach also shows how to stake plants discreetly.
So, a little time spent now putting a range of different stakes in place will bring huge dividends in a few weeks. It can also save you the potential heartache of stepping on newly emerging plants. That often happens when you suddenly realise those herbaceous perennials do need staking after all. A little early thought about how to stake can help prevent that.
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Frequently Asked Questions
1 – When is the best time to stake tall perennials?
Early spring is the best time to stake tall perennials. Put supports in place as new shoots emerge, before stems become tall and vulnerable.
2 – Why do tall perennials need staking?
Many stems are still soft in spring and have not fully hardened. Without support, they can snap, flop, or be flattened by rain and wind.
3 – Which plants benefit most from staking?
Peonies, lupins, dahlias, delphiniums, sanguisorba, and hardy chrysanthemums all benefit from support. Many other border plants may also need staking.
4 – What are the best supports for staking perennials?
Circular plant supports suit clump-forming plants like peonies and alstroemeria. Bamboo canes, hazel poles, pea sticks, and woven prunings also work well.
5 – Can I use natural materials to stake plants?
Yes, hazel, birch, and willow prunings can create a softer, more natural look. Twiggy prunings can also be used as pea sticks for support.
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