Some tall perennials tend to fall apart a bit as they get bigger. Then you won't look so nice anymore. To counteract this, attaching a brace is ideal. We explain how you can stabilize your perennials.
Perennials with particularly heavy flowers can sometimes break off
When perennials need support
The majority of the perennials grow into strong clumps and do not require any external help to be robust. Especially with the tall plants, there are also specimens that have to carry heavy flower heads and can bend more easily. Unsupported perennials are often seen 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 the design of 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 brace
- Insert a wooden stick or two or strong branches into the ground around the plant to be supported.
- Tie individual shoots or the entire plant to the wooden stick (or sticks). Use the hemp or sisal cord for this.
Attention: Especially with loosely growing perennials, tying them together often results in unsightly bundles. Therefore, you should fix such plants in a different way.
More expensive but better alternative
Take branched branches and stick them as deep as possible in the ground either in front of the perennial or around the perennial in the shape of an X. Ideally, build the supporting structure about two-thirds as tall as the perennial will be when fully grown. In short, the support should not surpass the perennial at the end.
General information about supporting perennials
Be sure to attach the support in the spring when the perennial is still low. This ensures that the plant can slowly grow into the construction.
Our advice: If it is not possible to build a useful support structure (e.g. in the case of quite lushly growing grasses), it is better to divide the respective perennial to curb growth.