Weed Control for Perennial Flowers

Mulching and proper plant spacing are the best ways to minimize weed problems. A pre-emergence herbicide can be used to control many weeds. Some pre-emergence herbicides are applied before planting, others are applied after planting but before weeds emerge. Any herbicide used in flowerbeds must be chosen carefully.

Read the label: no one herbicide can be used safely on all flowers. Herbicides that are labeled for some but not all flowers include: Betasan, Surflan, and Treflan. Time and rate of application will vary with the herbicide selected.

The bed should be weed-free when the pre-emergence herbicide is applied. Only a few post-emergence herbicides can be used to control grassy weeds after flowers have become established. Some weeds will still need to be pulled by hand -- weeds are easier to pull after a rain or irrigation.

Check periodically for weeds and take steps to control them as needed. Often a quick pull (if the soil is moist) will take care of it, but you may need to resort to stronger measures. If you opt for herbicide, read and carefully follow all of the label directions. Remember, the label is the law.