A perennial, unlike an annual, is an herbaceous plant that persists for many growing seasons if planted in the correct zone. The life span of a perennial can vary depending on its growing conditions; climate, soil conditions, insects, and disease. Buffalo and surrounding suburbs are in zone 6a, inching closer to 6b in Niagara County. Check the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map for more information.

Choosing a Perennial

1. ​Choose a perennial in your zone - at Badding Bros all of our perennials are hardy to our area.
2. Know where you are planting - does the location receive sun, shade, or partial? Is the area constantly wet or dry? We can help find plants that will do well in your specific setting.
3. Pick fresh, healthy, plants that are ready to grow in your garden!

 Planting Perennials
Perennials can be planted spring, summer, or fall.

• Spring - planting can be done in spring once the soil warms and chance of frost has diminished. Spring is also a good time to divide mature perennials (however, avoid dividing early spring bloomers such a peonies until fall).
• Summer - perennials can be planted in summer so long as watering can be kept up with so the plants do not dry out. Dividing in summer is not recommended.
• Fall - fall is an excellent time to plant and divide perennials. In the fall plants concentrate on root growth (as opposed to foliage), to give you a head start on spring. You'll want to plant at least 6 weeks before the first fall frost (which puts Buffalo around late September).

When planting perennials, the most important step is soil amendment. The majority of our perennials do well in rich, well-drained soil. If your soil is sandy or clay, they can both be improved with organic matter as well as the proper amendment (peat moss or manure for sandy, perlite for clay).  To plant perennials:

1. Dig a hole 1.5 to 2 times the size of the root ball. If the plant is rootbound, loosen the sides and base of the root ball with a knife or spade.
2. Fill the hole with water and place the plant upright in the hole, keeping the plant at same soil level as was in the pot. Fill in the hole with soil.
3. Water plants immediately after planting, and once a week for the first few weeks (unless rainy).

For More Information:
USDA Hardiness Zones: http://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/PHZMWeb/ 
Perennials.com: ​http://www.perennials.com/