Some tall perennials tend to fall apart a bit as they grow larger. Then they don't look so nice anymore. To counteract this, attaching a support is ideal. We'll explain to you how you can stabilize your perennials.
How do you support perennials in the garden?
To support perennials, insert wooden sticks or branched branches into the ground, tie the plant with hemp or sisal twine, or arrange the branches in an X-structure around the plant. Install the support in spring to allow the perennial to grow into it.
When perennials need support
The majority of perennials grow into strong clumps and do not require any external help to stand robustly. However, especially among the tall plants, there are also specimens that have to carry heavy flower heads and can bend over more easily. You can often see unsupported perennials lying on the ground, especially after summer thunderstorms. You can prevent this with a suitable support.
Note: Such supports can be designed very simply and unobtrusively, so that they do not disturb the enchanting appearance of the plants in any way.
Recommendations for designing a perennial support
If you want to build a support for your perennial, branches and twigs of bamboo, hazel, willow or ornamental shrubs are very suitable. You will also need a hemp or sisal cord.
Step-by-step instructions for a simple support
- Stick one or two wooden sticks or strong branches into the ground around the plant you want to support.
- Tie individual shoots or the entire plant to the wooden stick (or sticks). To do this, use hemp or sisal cord.
Attention: Particularly with loosely growing perennials, tying them together often creates unsightly bundles. That's why you should fix such plants in another way.
More complex but better alternative
Take branched branches and stick them as deep as possible into the ground either in front of the perennial or around the perennial in the shape of an X. Ideally, you should build the supporting structure about two-thirds as tall as the perennial will be when fully grown. In short, the support should not end up towering over the perennial.
General information about supporting perennials
Be sure to attach the support in spring when the perennial is still low. This ensures that the plant can slowly grow into the structure.
Our advice: If it is not possible to build a sensible supporting structure (e.g. with fairly lush growing grasses), it is better to divide the perennial in question in order to stop its growth.