March marks a crucial time for planting perennials in many regions. Although winter officially lasts for two-thirds of the month, the warmer weather often arrives earlier. This makes it an ideal window to plant hardy perennials that can tolerate frost and benefit from an extended growing season.
Why Plant Perennials in March?
Planting perennials in March offers several advantages. If soil conditions are suitable, gardeners can start enhancing the ecosystem early. Early planting helps perennials develop a stronger root system, which is essential for accessing nutrients and enduring the summer heat.
Additionally, many pests remain dormant in early spring. This reduces the initial threat to newly planted perennials, allowing them to establish more robust defenses. Early planting also coincides with cooler temperatures that minimize water loss from plants.
Top 19 Perennials to Plant This March
Below is a list of recommended perennials for March planting, highlighting their key features and growing conditions:
- Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis) – Hardy in zones 2 to 9, this vegetable thrives in moist, well-draining soil and full sun.
- Azaleas (Rhododendron spp.) – Blooming early in zones 3 to 10, they prefer acidic, organically rich soil and part shade.
- Black-eyed Susans (Rudbeckia hirta) – A North American native, hardy in zones 3 to 8, thriving in full sun.
- Bleeding Heart (Dicentra spp.) – Hardy in zones 3 to 9; ideal for establishing strong roots before late spring blooms.
- Blue Sage (Salvia azurea) – This graceful perennial flourishes in zones 5 to 9, requiring full sun and well-drained soil.
- Blueberries (Vaccinium spp.) – Hardy in zones 3 to 10; plant in full sun for best pollination and yield.
- Chives (Allium schoenoprasum) – Easy to grow in zones 3 to 9, they prefer full sun in moist soil.
- Coneflowers (Echinacea purpurea) – These summer bloomers perform well in zones 3 to 8 and enjoy full sunshine.
- English Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) – Hardy in zones 5 to 9, it thrives in full sun and well-drained soil.
- Garden Phlox (Phlox paniculata) – Tall and magnificent in zones 4 to 8, it prefers full sun and ample space for air circulation.
- Oregano (Origanum vulgare) – Extremely hardy in zones 3 to 10, it thrives in well-drained sandy soil.
- Rhubarb (Rheum rhabarbarum) – Frost-tolerant, it grows in rich, well-draining soils across zones 3 to 8.
- Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus) – Cold-hardy varieties can withstand zones 8 to 10; prefers full sun.
- Roses (Rosa spp.) – Depending on the species, they thrive in zones 5 to 11, needing full sun and well-draining soil.
- Stonecrop (Sedum spp.) – Popular in zones 3 to 9, they flourish in a variety of soils if well-drained.
- Strawberries (Fragaria spp.) – Versatile in zones 4 to 9, these plants can double as ground cover; they prefer rich, well-draining soil.
- Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) – A resilient herb in zones 5 to 9, it requires well-drained, sandy soil.
- Tickseed (Coreopsis grandiflora) – A hardy option in zones 4 to 9 that thrives in full sun.
- Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) – Thrives in zones 3 to 9, adapting to various lighting and soil conditions.
March is indeed the perfect time to enhance your garden with these resilient perennials, allowing them to establish footing before the warm summer months.
