June is Perennial Garden Month, but the real work starts now, while spring is still stretching out and the yard is full of possibility. If you are craving color that lasts beyond a single season, perennials are where to begin. Unlike annuals, they return year after year, which means the choices you make now will shape your garden for seasons to come. Fortunately, Colorado offers no shortage of options, from vibrant blooms to sculptural forms that bring texture and movement to a landscape.
“Perennials provide all-year visual interest,” explains Sonya Anderson, assistant curator at Denver Botanic Gardens. “When you use native and adaptive species, you’ll also have plants that are hardy and drought-resistant.” Even better, they create habitat for pollinators and small animals, adding another layer of life to your garden.
If you are not sure where to start, think in terms of four simple steps. It is less a checklist and more a rhythm to follow.
PLAN.
Sketch your yard, map out where you want plants to go, and note whether each area gets full or partial sun. These are the details you’ll need when selecting plants.
PURCHASE.
Bring your plan to a garden center and ask for guidance. Check plant tags for sunlight needs, water requirements, and growth rate. Look for Plant Select® varieties, says Erin Bird, director of marketing and communications for DBG. “This program is a collaboration between DBG, CSU Extension, and nurseries to source, trial, and introduce plants proven to withstand Colorado’s intense weather, low water, and unique soil.”
PREP.
Before planting, amend your soil. Michael Morris, a manager at The Flower Bin in Longmont, recommends products like Earth Essentials Sheep, Peat, & Compost. “It’s rich in trace minerals, organic materials, and beneficial microbes,” he says. “It improves soil structure, helps clay drain better, and allows plants to take up water and nutrients more efficiently.”
PLANT.
Plant in late spring, once soil temperatures consistently reach 60 degrees or higher. Choose a cloudy day or evening, Michael advises: “This gives plants time to acclimate without the stress of direct sun and heat.” Keep new plants evenly moist by checking them daily and watering as needed.
Cut back perennials the following spring, once new growth appears. “Don’t cut them back in the fall,” says Sonya. “Important insects lay eggs on the stems, and the plants provide shelter and food for wildlife throughout winter.”
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