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Wisteria is sure to brighten the dullest wall.

Perennials - Perennials 3

Mulching can make perennials stronger and easier to care for. Find out what mulch does, when to apply it, and how to avoid smothering the plant’s crown.

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Fascinating Fact:

Mulching in spring helps perennials by holding moisture and improving soil over time. Keeping mulch away from the crown can reduce the risk of rotting.

Mulching is like putting a protective blanket on the soil around your perennials. A good mulch layer slows down evaporation, helping roots cope during dry spells, and it also reduces weed growth by blocking light at the soil surface. Over time, organic mulches break down and feed the soil, improving its structure so it holds water and nutrients more evenly. Spring is a popular time to mulch because the soil is warming up and plants are starting to grow, but it works best when weeds are cleared first and the ground is moist. The most important rule is to keep mulch slightly away from the base of the plant, because a soggy collar can encourage rot and pests. Aim for a neat “donut” around each plant, not a mound piled against it.

Key Terms

Mulch: A layer of material spread on the soil surface to protect it, reduce weeds, and help retain moisture.
Organic matter: Natural material, such as compost or bark, that breaks down and improves soil over time.
Moisture retention: The way soil holds onto water so plant roots can use it between waterings or rainfall.

Frequently Asked Questions (Click to see answers)

What is the best mulch for perennials in UK gardens?

Compost, well-rotted manure, leaf mould, and bark are all common mulches for perennials in the UK. The best choice depends on your soil, but any organic mulch can improve the soil as it breaks down.

How thick should mulch be around perennials?

A typical mulch layer is about 5 to 8 cm thick. It should be thick enough to shade weeds, but not so deep that it forms a wet, compacted layer around the plant’s base.

Why should mulch be kept away from the crown of a perennial?

Mulch piled against the crown can trap moisture and reduce airflow, which raises the risk of rot and fungal problems. Leaving a small gap helps the base stay drier and healthier.

Try These Related Quizzes

To see a larger image, click on the picture.

1 .

Agapanthus originate from where?

Photograph courtesy of Speckled Jim

Northern Europe

Eastern Australia

Southern Africa

Western USA

The most common flower colour is blue but you can also buy white and pink varieites.
The plants require a fertile, well-drained soil and they must be planted in full sun.
If your soil conditions are not ideal then good specimens can be grown in containers.
Plants benefit from protection in harsh winters and it is a good idea to mulch them with straw.

2 .

This is the most widely grown Bergenia - what species is it?

Photograph courtesy of pittigliani2005

Acicular

Bipinnate

Cordifolia

Digitate

Common names include "Elephant ears" and "Pigsqueak".
Attractive flowers appear in the spring.
The large leaves, close to the ground, add interest to the garden in winter and also provide a foil for spring flowering bulbs.
The foliage of some varieties develops a rich red colour during the coldest months of the year.
Plants start to become straggly after about 5 years and this is the time to lift and divide them.

Cordifolia means "Heart shaped" and refers to the shape of the leaves.

3 .

What is the name of this plant (named after the Greek goddess of youth)?

Photograph courtesy of Ennor

Harmonia

Hebe

Horkos

Hypnos

There are about 90 different species of Hebe and almost all of them are found growing wild in New Zealand.
They range is size from tiny alpine types to small trees of 7 metres or more.
Almost all the species are well known for attracting butterflies to the garden.
Some varieties are hardy whilst others are quite tender.
Generally the larger the leaves the more tender they are.

4 .

What is the common name for Iberis?

Photograph courtesy of Ryan Somma

Candytuft

Honeyball

Sugarpuff

Sweetmeat

The species grown in gardens is usually Iberis Sempervirens.
When grown in low nutrient soil they make good rockery plants but when provided with fertilizer they can hold their own in the front of a perennial border.
Will grow in most situations and most soil types but it does not like waterlogged conditions.
Very easy to raise from seed - a small packet will be enough to fill your garden!

5 .

Most Hydrangea flowers are classified by gardeners as either "Lacecap" or what?

Photograph courtesy of VIc Myma

Broomhead

Brush-head

Cloth-head

Mophead

All varieties are deciduous and frost hardy.
They grow best in a rich, well drained soil but sometimes perform well in less than ideal conditions.
Often grown as a spring flowering pot plant and they are excellent plants for patio containers.
Flower colour is influenced by the acidity of the soil - acid soils tend to make the flowers blue whilst alkaline conditions result in pink and red flowers.

The picture is of a "Mophead" type

6 .

Larkspur is the common name for which species of perennial flowering plants?

Photograph courtesy of mmwm

Delphinium

Digitalis

Dracaena

Dymondia

Available in every conceivable colour of blue and pink from almost white to deep purple.
Although beautiful, most parts of the plant are poisonous and must be kept away from grazing animals.
Best grown in full sun because in shady areas they tend to grow too tall and fall over when the heavy flowers begin to open.
Give them a light top-dressing of fertilizer in early spring and then again later if the foliage starts to turn yellow.

The plant is sometimes confused with Digitalis (Foxglove) because both have long flowering stems and they are often found close together in perennial borders.

7 .

Which common garden pest is noted for its partiality to Hostas?

Photograph courtesy of Dayl Mitchell

Aphids

Caterpillars

Rabbits

Slugs

There are many different species and varieties - several with attractive variegated foliage.
Most varieties have fairly insignificant flowers but it is their striking foliage that makes them garden favourites.
Very tolerant of shade and they make good ground cover plants against north or east facing walls.
They respond to a little fertilizer once in a while and they appreciate a drink during periods of drought.

If any slugs live in your garden they will quickly home in on your Hostas!

8 .

How quickly do Skimmias grow?

Photograph courtesy of Kurt Stüber at Wiki

Very slow

Slow

Fast

Very fast

The most popular species is Skimmia Japonica - illustrated here.
Flowers during the winter when colour in the garden is in short supply.
The plant is very accommodating and will happily withstand both frosts and scorching summer sun.
Will tolerate some shade but soil must be either neutral or acid.
Does not like salt and therefore is best avoided in seaside gardens.

Skimmias can be relied upon not to overcrowd their neighbours in a perennial border.

9 .

The "Berries" of Pyracantha are scientifically known as what?

Photograph courtesy of D H Wright

Cones

Domes

Pomes

Zones

Sometimes known as Firethorn.
There are 7 different species and many different hybrids and cultivars.
The plants are grown for their profusion of red, orange or yellow berries.
Closely related to Cotoneasta but whereas Cotoneasta are thornless, Pyracantha are vicious!
Ideal plants for covering unsightly walls and they will flourish even if the wall faces north. Indeed they do not like too much direct sun.

10 .

What is the popular name for Hemerocallis?

Photograph courtesy of Bill Barber

Amazon lily

Daylily

Kaffir lily

Spider Lily

An extremely diverse range of colours and flower forms are available.
The plant is so popular in the gardening fraternity that there are over 60,000 registered varieties.
Usually an individual flower only lasts one day but most plants carry many flowers that open in succession.
Water frequently during the first summer after planting and then they will look after themselves.

Author: Colin King

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