Perennials

Question

I planted several perennials this past spring. The foliage on most of then, especially the bleeding hearts and the ligularia, has died. I have cut most of them down to the ground already. Will they come back next year? How much water do they need between now and fall/winter? Thank you.

Answer 1

Bleeding hearts often yellow in mid-summer heat. If kept watered so the soil stays moist and if in full shade, it may not go fully dormant. A 3 inch layer of mulch helps soil stay consistently moist. It should come back next spring in zones 3-9. When dormant it doesn’t need much water but the roots should not go into winter all dried out. So water the area lightly in late fall. Ligularia must have moist soil and never dry out. It likes more water than the average garden plant so put it with other moisture lovers. Keeping it in full shade and protected from hot summer winds helps prevent moisture loss. I don’t know whether the ligularia will return. It have dried out and died. Keep the soil moist; perhaps some new foliage will emerge. https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/ligularia/ligularia-ragwort-flower.htm