When I started my gardening journey, I quickly learned the importance of supporting the many flowers and vegetables I was growing. Early in the season, all my plants looked great. As the season progressed, flowers started falling over, vines took over walkways, and the gardens began to look a mess.
Types of Flowers That Often Need Support
Many flowers, especially those with tall stems, large blooms, or delicate structures, can benefit from support. Below are some common flowers that may require assistance in the garden:
Peonies
- Description: Peonies are known for their large, heavy blooms, which can cause the stems to bend or even break, particularly after rain.
- Support Needs: Peonies often need staking or a peony ring to keep their blooms upright and prevent them from drooping onto the ground.
Delphiniums
- Description: Delphiniums have tall, spiky flowers that can reach heights of 4 to 6 feet. Their height and top-heavy nature make them prone to tipping over in strong winds or heavy rain.
- Support Needs: Staking is essential for delphiniums to prevent them from flopping over.
Dahlias
- Description: Dahlias produce large, showy blooms on relatively thin stems. Theheir heavy flowers can cause the stems to bend or break.
- Support Needs: Staking or a support cage is often necessary to keep dahlias upright and prevent stem damage.
Sunflowers
- Description: Sunflowers can grow several feet tall, with large, heavy heads that can weigh down the stems, particularly in taller varieties.
- Support Needs: Tall sunflowers often need staking, especially if exposed to wind.
Gladiolus
- Description: Gladiolus flowers grow on tall, slender spikes that can easily topple over, mainly in full bloom.
- Support Needs: Staking individual spikes or using a grid support system can help keep gladiolus upright.
Hollyhocks
- Description: Hollyhocks are tall, biennial plants with spires of colorful flowers. Their height makes them susceptible to bending or breaking in wind or rain.
- Support Needs: Staking or planting near a fence or wall can provide the necessary support for hollyhocks.
Roses
- Description: Climbing roses and some hybrid tea roses can have long, heavy canes that need support to grow in the desired direction and to prevent damage.
- Support Needs: Trellises, arbors, or sturdy stakes are often used to train and support rose canes.
Snapdragons
- Description: Snapdragons have tall flower spikes that can become top-heavy and prone to falling over, especially after rain.
- Support Needs: Staking or using a grid system can help keep snapdragons upright.
Support Methods for Flowers
Supporting flowers depends on the type of flower, its growth habit, and the environmental conditions in your garden. Here are some standard support methods:
Stakes
- Description: Stakes are versatile wood, bamboo, or metal supports. They provide vertical support by keeping individual stems or flower spikes upright.
- How to Use: Insert the stake into the ground near the plant and tie the stem to the stake using soft ties, garden twine, or plant clips. For tall flowers, multiple stakes may be needed to support the entire length of the stem.
Flower Cages
- Description: Flower cages are circular or square structures made of metal or plastic that surround the plant and provide all-around support.
- How to Use: Place the cage around the plant when it is young. As the plant grows, its stems will be supported by the cage, preventing them from flopping over.
- Peony Rings:
- Description: Peony rings are circular supports with multiple legs placed around peonies and similar flowers to keep their blooms upright.
- How to Use: Insert the peony ring around the plant early in the growing season. As the plant grows, it fills the ring, keeping the blooms supported and off the ground.
Grid Systems
- Description: Grid systems are made from wire or plastic mesh and are used to support multiple stems of taller flowers like gladiolus and snapdragons.
- How to Use: Place the grid over the plants as they grow. The stems will grow through the openings in the grid, providing support as they reach their full height.
Trellises and Arbors
- Description: Trellises and arbors are vertical structures made from wood, metal, or plastic that support climbing flowers like roses, clematis, and morning glories.
- How to Use: Install the trellis or arbor in a sunny location and train the plant to grow up and through the structure. Regularly tie the stems to the trellis or arbor to keep them in place.
Obelisks
- Description: Obelisks are decorative, pyramid-shaped structures that provide vertical support for climbing and vining flowers.
- How to Use: Place the obelisk over the plant and guide the stems to grow up the structure. Obelisks add both support and aesthetic appeal to the garden.
Netting
- Description: Netting can provide horizontal support for multiple plants, especially in large flower beds.
- How to Use: Stretch the netting horizontally above the plants and secure it to stakes. The flowers will grow through the netting, which will help keep them upright.
Horticultural Twine
- Description: Horticultural twine can be used to tie plants to stakes, trellises, or other support structures.
- How to Use: Loosely tie the stems to the support structure using the twine. Be careful not to tie too tightly, as this can damage the stems.
Tips for Supporting Flowers in the Garden
Early Support
It's best to install supports early in the growing season before the flowers reach their full height to prevent damage to the roots and ensure that the plants grow into the support naturally.
Regular Maintenance
Check the supports regularly throughout the growing season. As the flowers grow, you may need to adjust ties, add additional supports, or reposition stems.
Choosing the Right Support
Consider your flowers' height, weight, and growth habits when selecting a support. Tall, heavy flowers will need more robust supports, while shorter, lighter flowers may only require minimal assistance.
Aesthetic Considerations
Choose support structures that complement the overall design of your garden. Decorative supports like obelisks, trellises, and arbors can enhance your garden's visual appeal while providing essential support.
Supporting flowers in your home garden ensures your blooms stay healthy, upright, and beautiful. From peonies and delphiniums to roses and sunflowers, many flowers benefit from using stakes, cages, trellises, and other support structures. By selecting the proper supports and installing them early in the growing season, you can create a garden that is not only functional but also visually stunning. Happy gardening!