There are many perennials that may need some additional support, especially if they are situated in exposed positions. Some plants, such as delphiniums, may even need staking in sheltered positions as their flowers are too heavy for their long stems to support, causing them to lean, bend or even break.

It is always best to stake perennials in spring before the plant is fully developed. The stake may be pushed deep into the ground and gradually raised as the plant grows. The plant will eventually cover the stake, hiding it from view.

Staking Systems

There are a number of different staking systems:

Ring Stakes

Clump-forming plants such as catmint (Nepata) or peonies (Paeonia) can be supported using circular grids of metal or plastic. These may be raised as the plant grows, although the aim is for the stems to grow through the support and eventually hide it.

Link Stakes

This style of support is useful for larger clump-forming plants such as Aster. The links are L-shaped wires that can be joined together to form various shapes or a single line.

Single Cane

Use a single garden cane to support tall, single stemmed perennials such as delphiniums (Delphinium) and hollyhocks (Althaea rosea). Insert the stake firmly into the ground next to the base of the plant, making sure that you do not damage the roots. The cane should be at least two-thirds of the stem's eventual height (bear in mind that delphiniums and hollyhocks can grow to 2 m (6 1/2 feet) high). Fasten the stem to the support with figure-of-eight twine ties as it grows.

Ring of Canes

Plants with a number of stems may be supported by a network of canes inserted in a circle around the plant. The canes should be pushed firmly into the soil, at least 10-15 cm (4-6 in) deep, with the top of the cane below the eventual flowering height. Loop a piece of twine around the canes near the base to form a cage; repeat higher up the canes as many times as necessary - two or three circles are usually needed.