Planting Perennials

(Question)

I live in downtown Toronto. The side of my house faces southeast. During the summer the brick radiates heat. I bought echinacea & Black-eyed Susan. I will plant them in dry/clay soil (I have topped it with black soil). Once planted (now, fall) how/what do I need to do to ensure that they thrive in the summer?

(Answer)

Thank you for contacting Toronto Master Gardeners.

Echinacea sp. (Coneflower) is easily grown in average, dry to medium, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. Coneflower can be planted in either spring or fall.

Rudbeckia hirta (Black eyed Susan) is easily grown in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun. It’s preference is for moist, organically rich soils.

The most important thing to do after planting is watering your plants. Soak the plants initially after planting and then check regularly to prevent drying out until things start to consistently frost. By this time, your soil should have plenty of moisture. Plants will slow down growth in the winter, and most don’t have leaf tissue, flowers, or fruit at that time that need the additional water resources for development.

Here are some helpful articles on how to take care of your plant after planting: