You will need to water perennial plants sometimes, no matter where you live or whether your garden is in the sun or the shade. Remember these tips to make sure you give your perennials the water they need to grow well and look great:
Perennials are plants that come back year after year providing color and interest to your garden. Getting your newly planted perennials established with proper watering is key to helping them thrive for years to come. Watering perennials can seem tricky because how much and how often depends on several factors. Follow this guide to learn how to best water your newly planted perennials.
Why Proper Watering Matters
When you first plant perennials, their root systems are small and shallow. They are not yet established enough to reach water deep in the soil. Without adequate moisture at the surface, newly planted perennials will wilt and struggle to grow. Proper watering encourages the plant to develop deep, vigorous roots. It also allows the plant to establish itself quickly so it is ready to handle normal rainfall the following year. Well-watered perennials will be stronger, healthier, and live longer.
How Often to Water
How often you need to water newly planted perennials depends on
- Type of soil
- Weather and season
- Type of plant
Follow these guidelines when watering new perennials:
First Month
- Water every other day
- Water daily in hot/dry weather
Second Month
- Water 2-3 times per week
- More often in summer
Third Month
- Water 1-2 times per week
- Less in cooler weather
Watering Tips
Follow these tips to water new perennials correctly:
-
Water at the base: Water directly at the plant’s base to ensure water reaches the roots.
-
Water slowly: Use a slow stream or trickle. Avoid blasting water quickly onto plants.
-
Soak the soil: Water until the soil is soaked 6-12 inches deep.
-
Let it dry: Allow the soil to partially dry between waterings to encourage deep roots.
-
Observe plants: If plants wilt, increase watering frequency.
-
Consider rain: Reduce watering after rainfall.
-
Check soil: Stick your finger in the soil to check moisture before watering.
-
Water early: Water early in the day to reduce disease risk.
-
Consider mulch: Mulch around plants to retain moisture.
-
Group plants: Group plants with similar needs for easier watering.
When to Water
In addition to watering frequency, timing is also important:
-
Water in the early morning before the day heats up. This reduces water loss from evaporation.
-
Avoid watering in the evening. Wet foliage overnight encourages disease.
-
Water when the top few inches of soil become dry. Don’t wait until plants show signs of drought stress.
-
Observe plants and increase watering if you see any wilting or drooping leaves.
First Year Perennials vs Established Plants
The watering guidelines here are for newly planted perennials in their first year. Once established, perennials won’t need as much watering. By their second year, water perennials:
-
Only 1 inch per week if there is no rainfall
-
Deeply to encourage deep roots
-
During extended dry/hot periods
Properly watered perennials develop healthy root systems their first year. This prepares them to tap into water stored deeper in the soil their second year and beyond. Ongoing deep watering keeps their root systems vigorous.
Watering Perennials in Pots
Potted perennials need more frequent watering than in-ground plantings. Check soil moisture daily and water containers whenever the top inch becomes dry. Water until it drains from the bottom of the pot. Plants in small pots may need daily watering.
Signs of Underwatering
Watch for these signs your new perennials need more frequent watering:
-
Wilting or drooping leaves and flowers
-
Leaves appear curled or shriveled
-
Plant looks dried out
-
Soil is dry 1-2 inches deep
-
Lack of new growth
Providing Adequate Water
Proper watering provides perennials the moisture they need those first crucial months. Taking time to monitor soil moisture and plant health results in healthy, thriving perennials. Once their root systems establish, perennials are better able to withstand drier conditions. Put in the effort early on to water new perennials well and you’ll reap the benefits for years to come.
How often should I water perennials?
A quick drink every day just encourages spindly roots. Instead, deep and less frequent watering is best to promote long roots. They’ll grow into the ground to stay cooler and take in the water and nutrients that are there. Perennials with an established root system can handle a little drought stress, too.
Check out more great How To Articles
How much should I water my perennials?
In general, perennials need about an inch of water per week to be healthy. That can come from rain or irrigation or a combination of both. Find out how much rain has fallen with your rain gauge, then take that number and divide it by an inch. This will tell you how much you need to supplement each week. In general, many perennials that have been around for a while don’t need this much water. New plants, especially when it’s hot, may need a bit more.
Watering Newly Planted Plants
FAQ
How often should I water a newly planted perennial?
Can you overwater perennials?
Should I water newly planted plants every day?
How long does it take for perennials to establish?
How much water does a perennial plant need?
The general guideline for watering perennials is to do so when the soil feels dry to the touch, about an inch down, providing enough water to moisten the soil to a depth of at least six inches. In the first year after planting, perennials have a higher demand for water to help establish their root systems.
How often should you water a new plant?
With all these factors in mind, you will generally need to water all new plants (even drought tolerant plants) deeply every time you water. Wetting the soil 6 to 12 inches (15-31 cm.) deep encourages roots to grow deeply. Allowing the soil and roots to slightly dry out between waterings encourages the roots to reach out, seeking water on their own.
How often should you water perennials?
Watering perennials consistently and correctly is vital for the health of your garden. As a gardener, I understand that determining how often to water perennials can be a bit of a puzzle since the frequency depends on a variety of factors such as weather conditions, soil type, and the specific needs of each plant.
Do perennials need to be watered?
It doesn’t matter where you live or if your garden is in sun or shade — you’ll have to water perennial plants sometimes. Here are a few things to keep in mind so you can give your perennials the water they need to thrive and look great. Watering deeply and less frequently helps promote long roots. How much should I water my perennials?
How often should you water a plant if it is drought tolerant?
To ensure proper growth for new plants (including drought tolerant ones), you should water them deeply every time_, wetting the soil 6 to 12 inches (15-31 cm.) deep. This encourages roots to grow deeply. Allow the soil and roots to slightly dry out between waterings to encourage the roots to reach out and seek water on their own.
How much water do you need to plant a new plant?
Likewise, if you are planting during the dry season, you will need to water more. With all these factors in mind, you will generally need to water all new plants (even drought tolerant plants) deeply every time you water. Wetting the soil 6 to 12 inches (15-31 cm.) deep encourages roots to grow deeply.