Plants can be planted all year round and will usually do well. Nevertheless, autumn is by far the best time of year to plant perennials in the garden. It is easier to get the plant to grow well because there are several advantages in autumn. For example, the plant is dormant, the soil is still warm from the summer, and because it rains a lot in October and November, you don't need to water.
Dormancy of the perennial
In September, most perennials go dormant, and the leaves and flowers above ground die off. All energy then returns to the rhizomes and/or tubers. Perennial growers who cultivate their plants in the open ground then dig up the plants. What remains of the plant underground are the rhizomes. This is the part that is normally underground. Rhizomes are more compact than a full plant, making them easier to process and ship.
Planting in autumn
It might feel a bit counterintuitive to plant something in autumn that won't bloom until next summer. We understand that you're not yet thinking about your garden in the summer of 2025. However, it's already well-known for spring bulbs like tulips and daffodils that you plant them in autumn to enjoy in spring. You can plant perennials in the same way. A tip we often give people is to look at empty spots in the garden during the summer. Pay close attention to which months don't have many flowering plants and where you're missing something. Write this down and in autumn, see which plants would fit well in these spots in the garden or border.
For the plant itself, being placed in its final destination in the garden in autumn also has many advantages. Because the plant is dormant, it is not yet busy producing leaves and flowers. What does happen after planting is that the rhizomes start to form root hairs. The plant is thus already settling in its new spot in your garden. The soil is still warm from the summer, and there is generally a lot of rain, so nature has already arranged good conditions. This only makes it easier for you to grow and make perennials bloom in the garden.
By forming root hairs, the plant gets a head start in spring and will also be better protected against the elements. When the sun starts shining again in spring, your plant can also directly focus on producing leaves and flowers.
In a patio pot or tub
If you plan to put your newly purchased perennials in a pot or tub, planting them in the autumn still has advantages. However, it is important to be careful with frost. It is then advisable to place the pots in a sheltered spot against the facade of your house or in a cold greenhouse or shed.
Wide assortment
In the autumn, field-grown perennials are harvested, which means that all varieties are still available and there is a wide assortment to choose from. Especially rare varieties, which are available in smaller quantities, can still be found in abundance. This is often much more difficult in the spring, as many are already sold out. At Clay & Roots, we keep you informed via our emails when you can order your plants for the autumn. This way, you're always among the first and won't miss out on that beautiful plant variety you've had on your list for a while.
Sustainability
The potted plants you usually buy at the garden centre often come from field-grown plants that were harvested the previous autumn. We are not against buying plants at the garden centre. It can sometimes be great for inspiration and to immediately enjoy the plant you buy there.
The advantage of our webshop and buying field-grown plants directly as bare rhizomes is that far fewer intermediaries are needed before the plant reaches your garden. This saves a lot of energy and money. We love the rhythm of nature, and that is why we have chosen not to ship plants all year round, but only when the plants are in their natural dormant phase. From our nursery, the plants come directly to you. And do you have questions about your plants? Then our knowledge and expertise are always close at hand.
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