How do you grow perennial flowers?

Grow perennial flowers directly in the ground or in containers filled with soil or potting mix. Purchase seeds or young seedling plants to transplant in desired locations. Exact planting and care instructions vary depending on the flowering perennial being grown. For example, old-fashioned bleeding heart plants do well in shady areas of the garden, while Oriental poppies need full sun exposure (at least six hours of direct sunlight).

To successfully grow perennials and have them bloom year after year, it is crucial to match plants with the specific growing conditions present. Before buying plants or seeds, know the amount of water and sun that the plant needs in addition to the type of soil, fertilizing and pruning that the plant requires. Also important is the plant's United States Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zone. USDA plant hardiness zones are based on the average minimum temperature in each area, which is helpful since not all plants are well suited to warm winters or subzero temperatures.

Another important factor when planning a garden is each plant's bloom time. For season-long color, plant a variety of perennials with staggered blooming times. Choose plants that bloom in each season for color throughout the year.