When is the right time to plant flowers in Bend?

Ok, we’re all a little sick of winter by this point, right? If you are anything like me then you’re ready for your yard to have some color other than brown (which is pretty much the standard color in Bend). We recently purchased some Burning Bushes and some perennials so I’ve been doing some research to find out when the best time to plant them would be.

And since landscaping is a large part of curb appeal, which is a large part of real estate I figured this topic was pertinent to my blog.

Annuals vs. Perennials…

Keep in mind that most annuals do not tolerate frost, and transplants will do better if planted into soil that has a bit of time to warm up after that cold winter. Many hardy perennials however can be planted quite early in the spring, especially if they have been kept outdoors at the nursery and are well acclimated to the weather, or if you receive them as bare root plants — meaning unpotted plants with their roots washed clean. (Perennials can also be planted in the fall with great success.) If you aren’t sure, check out What’s An Annual, What’s A Perennial.

• Spring Planting: When to Plant Annual Plants (Transplants)
• Spring Planting: When to Plant Bare Root Perennial Plants
• Spring Planting: When to Plant Container Grown Perennial Plants

You have plenty of time…

You have an extended window of time, there is no critical “plant by” day to worry about in the spring although planting should be finished by late spring/early summer and as a general rule earlier is better. We tend to want to plant as early as possible, and we see those colorful flowers for sale and can’t resist getting started. But if you transplant too early, you may lose your flowers to frost or a freeze, so be cautious (although we never get random late freezes in Bend.. right?) Some years, planting time runs earlier and some years later, it depends on the weather.

If you have to wait..

If it really is too early to plant, hold your plants in their containers in a sheltered spot outdoors and protect from frost until your weather settles. A spot with morning sun and protection from the wind is good. Bring them into a garage or other cool but protected place at night so they do not freeze. Remember to water them so the soil stays damp while you are waiting to plant them. Do not try to hold them indoors.

And thus, the sad sight of our 5 beloved Burning Bushes being held captive in the garage.

Hope this was helpful.