what to do with plants I just bought?

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mainenewbie Bangor, ME(Zone 5a) Sep 18, 2008

Hi all, I am really new to gardening, but I think that you can get perennials in the ground before a frost...right? Unfortunately it appears that we are going to get our first frost tonight! I just bought two gooseneck loosestrife (somewhat invasive, I know) and a bristol fairy baby's breath plant. I want the loosestrife to go in the ground in an area near daylilies and spread (because I'm sick of the daylilies) but is it too late to plant? If so can I grow the loosestrife in containers until November (and then toss them out) and use the baby's breath as a "houseplant" until next spring? I'd appreciate any suggestions or insights...thanks!

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lbrabec (Lynn) Omaha, NE(Zone 5a) Sep 18, 2008

Is this an uncommon early frost and will it warm back up for a period of time yet?
Lynn

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mainenewbie Bangor, ME(Zone 5a) Sep 18, 2008

Lynn, I do think it will warm-up as this is unusually early.

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duck_toller Middleton, WI(Zone 4b) Sep 18, 2008

I never have much luck with the houseplant plan, though I keep trying it because the fall sales are so great on perennials. I've had much better luck just putting it in the ground and mulching like mad.

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WeeNel Ayrshire Scotland, United Kingdom Sep 19, 2008

I would stick them all in the ground and add as much manure/compost as you can to the planting hole for the Baby Breath as they are greedy plants and like a rich soil to stay flowering for many years, then as said before, add a good mulch, not onto the stems though or this may cause rot. they will die down in winter out of sight, so remember to mark where they are for next spring, none of these plants will do well indoors as the dry conditions are a no, no for them. good luck. WeeNel.

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lbrabec (Lynn) Omaha, NE(Zone 5a) Sep 19, 2008

I agree with WeeNel and duck_toller.If this is not a permanent freeze,the plants need to get in the ground and start developing roots.It's always tough,though not impossible, to grow perennials that need winter dormancy in the house over a winter.
Lynn

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NatureLover1950 Vicksburg, MS(Zone 8a) Sep 19, 2008

I agree with getting them in the ground as soon as you can. Since you only have three plants, you could cover them with buckets or flower pots for the first few frosts to give them a little extra warmth until they can put down a little stronger root system. And of course, as duck_toller says, mulch like mad!

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mainenewbie Bangor, ME(Zone 5a) Sep 23, 2008

Thanks to everyone for all of their replies. I planted in the ground yesterday and will be mulching "like crazy" tonight. Wish me luck!

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lbrabec (Lynn) Omaha, NE(Zone 5a) Sep 24, 2008

Luck!!! I really think they will be fine.
Lynn

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