Spring is the perfect time to breathe life into your garden with vibrant, long-lasting perennials. These plants come back year after year, making them not only a visually stunning choice but also a practical one for creating a thriving outdoor space. Whether you’re an experienced gardener or a total beginner in Layton, Utah, this guide by J&J Nursery and Garden Center will help you choose the best perennials for spring planting.
From understanding perennials to selecting the right varieties for your garden’s needs, we’ve got you covered. By the time you’re done reading, you’ll be ready to build a garden filled with gorgeous blooms that return year after year.
What Are Perennials, and Why Choose Them for Spring Planting?
Perennials are plants that live for more than two years, blooming every spring and summer before going dormant in the fall and winter. Unlike annuals, which only last one growing season, perennials are an investment in your garden’s future.
The appeal of perennials lies in their durability and ability to fill a garden with vibrant color. They require less maintenance as they establish strong roots over time, and most are resilient to varying weather conditions—making them ideal for our Utah climate.
Popular Perennial Varieties Perfect for Utah
Planting perennials in spring ensures your garden has the longest time to thrive before frost returns. Here are some top choices loved by Utah gardeners for their beauty, ease of care, and adaptability to our region’s soil and climate conditions.
1. Lavender
Lavender is an iconic perennial that adds a calming aroma and picturesque purple blooms to your space. Ideal for Utah’s dry climate, lavender thrives in well-draining soil with plenty of sunshine.
- Best Uses: Borders, rock gardens, pollinator gardens.
- Pro Tip: Prune lavender back in early spring to encourage fresh growth.
2. Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia)
Known for their cheerful, daisy-like yellow petals, Black-Eyed Susans are hardy perennials that attract butterflies and hold up well even in intense Utah summers.
- Best Uses: Cottage gardens, wildflower gardens.
- Pro Tip: Keep their soil moderately moist and deadhead spent flowers for continuous blooms.
3. Salvia
This drought-resistant perennial offers brilliant spikes of purple, blue, or red flowers. Salvia thrives in full sunlight, making it an excellent choice for Utah’s sunny gardens.
- Best Uses: Borders, pollinator gardens.
- Pro Tip: Choose varieties like ‘May Night,’ which offer longer blooming cycles.
4. Peonies
Peonies are a classic option for adding lushness to your garden. With their oversized, fragrant blooms in pinks, whites, and reds, they’re a favorite perennial for spring planting.
- Best Uses: Flowerbeds, cutting gardens.
- Pro Tip: Peonies can live for decades, so pick their location wisely to avoid regular transplanting.
5. Daylilies (Hemerocallis)
Daylilies are versatile and low-maintenance perennials with a broad range of bloom colors. They adapt to nearly all soil types and grow exceptionally well in Layton’s environment.
- Best Uses: Ground cover, along walkways.
- Pro Tip: Mix early, mid, and late-blooming varieties to enjoy flowers throughout spring and summer.
5 Tips for Choosing Perennials for Your Garden
Planting the right perennials can elevate your garden, but with so many options, making the best choice can feel overwhelming. Follow these expert tips from J&J Nursery and Garden Center to get it right.
1. Know Your Growing Zone
Layton, Utah, falls under USDA Hardiness Zone 6. Choose perennials that are rated for this zone to ensure they can endure the region’s winter conditions.
2. Plan for Sunlight Conditions
Observe the sunlight patterns of your yard. Does the area receive full sun, partial shade, or full shade? Pick perennials suited to these conditions to maximize growth and flowering potential.
3. Think About Seasonal Color
For a garden that looks alive all year, combine perennials with different blooming seasons. Pair spring bloomers like tulips with late-summer perennials like asters for extended color.
4. Create Layers
For an aesthetically pleasing garden, plant shorter perennials near the front of borders and taller ones toward the back. This layering provides depth and ensures all your plants shine.
5. Consider Maintenance Needs
Some perennials, like daylilies, thrive with little care, while others, like roses, may require more attention. Choose perennials that fit the time and effort you’re willing to devote to their upkeep.
Caring for Your Perennials After Planting
Once your perennials are in the ground, the care you give them can make all the difference. Water them thoroughly immediately after planting to help their roots settle in. Apply a layer of mulch around the base of each plant to retain moisture and reduce weeds.
Fertilize sparingly, as many perennials are not heavy feeders. Too much fertilizer can actually diminish blooms. Prune and deadhead throughout the growing season to encourage fresh flowers and keep plants tidy.
Bring Your Dream Garden to Life
Creating a perennial garden is more than just planting flowers; it’s about cultivating a space that brings you joy year after year. With the right choices, your spring planting efforts will pay off in vibrant blooms that will dazzle for seasons to come.
If you’re ready to start, visit us at J&J Nursery and Garden Center in Layton, Utah. Our gardening experts can help you select the best perennials for your needs, whether you’re looking for show-stopping blooms or low-maintenance greenery.
Contact us today to learn more about our products and services!
