A Comprehensive Guide to Herbaceous Plants For Spring
Many of our common garden plants love the springtime. With an adequate amount of rainfall and sun, our herbaceous plants truly thrive. In this article, we will be offering you a comprehensive guide to herbaceous plants and how you can care for them this season.
What Are Herbaceous Plants?
Firstly, what are herbaceous plants? Herbaceous plants are a type of annual, biennial or perennial plant with leaves and a stem, think: dandelions and tulips, amongst many others. The special thing about herbaceous plants is that they die back every year without leaving any evidence on the surface. With some careful and well thought-out planting, ‘you can fill your borders up with relatively inexpensive herbaceous perennials and have a beautiful display of colour in a few short months.’
There are many different types of these plants, from delicate and beautiful perennials to hardy annuals that spring back up every year. Some of the most notable being lavender, sedum, lupins and foxgloves – however, there are so many more! These plants are extremely versatile and will thrive in a number of different weathers, soils and environments.
How To Plan Your Herbaceous Garden
When it comes to planning where and when to plant your herbaceous garden there are a few factors to take into account. These include sunlight, as a southern facing garden can promote massive plant growth, as well as soil quality and how suitable the drainage conditions are. Through the great variety of herbaceous plants, they can truly benefit from companion planting. Certain species of herbaceous plants will be much healthier and happier when grown side by side.
We can help you design a garden that not only has the visual and sensual aesthetics you require but also maximises the environmental conditions available, incorporating what you would look for in the colour, texture and form of your desired plants.
Cultivation and Care
Depending on the type of herbaceous plant, you will want to seek professional advice regarding correct cultivation techniques and care. Different species require specific spacing, watering routines and soil preparation. For example, ‘most daffodil bulbs should be planted about 10cm deep, roughly twice the depth of the bulb itself’. They prefer to be in open ground and we would recommend not planting more than six daffodil bulbs together, otherwise, they will become too crowded.
Garden maintenance in extensive gardens is important all year round- especially when it comes to planting herbaceous plants. It’s vital to keep an eye on your more delicate herbaceous plants as they will require regular pest control. We would also recommend researching or asking your professional gardening team for more information about fertilisation and pruning. Your horticulture team can give the best advice on plants that will do well, depending on the season, and what their specific requirements will be.
Herbaceous Plants in Landscaping
Did you know that ‘technically, all annual plants are herbaceous, because an annual is a non-woody plant’? This includes herbs such as basil, mint and thyme. In the world of extensive gardens, we have seen a rise in outdoor kitchens becoming popular. Picture this: you’re cooking outside, enjoying the spring sunshine and all you have to do is reach down to grab your favourite herb to enhance the dish you are cooking. Herbaceous plants, including herbs, can be used in any garden design.
Another way that we often see people opting to use herbaceous plants, is through raised garden planters. As many herbaceous plants can be deemed as hardy, there can be a number of different ways to display them. As horticulture experts, we would suggest having fun when it comes to designing around these bright and colourful variations of plants.
If, in your extensive garden, you are looking to frame the pathways, why not plant your herbaceous flowers alongside the highly trafficked areas? Flowers can make your outdoor space more interesting and inviting to guests. Not to mention, our friendly pollinators will also love to pay a visit to your herbaceous garden.
BZ Gardens- Your Horticulture Experts
Herbaceous plants have the ability to be beautiful all year round. With successional planting combined with an adequate watering schedule and the correct soil requirements, you can have a garden ready for summer. If you need further advice or are simply seeking a professional to help provide the garden of your dreams, contact us now on
