Most perennials grow into strong clumps and don’t require a support frame to stay upright. However, some species and varieties tend to spread out or collapse as they grow larger, losing their attractive appearance. This also increases the risk of stems bending or breaking. In such cases, plant supports are very helpful, providing discreet yet reliable support for your plants.
Delphiniums or peonies, for example, are prone to falling apart once they reach a certain height or after a heavy rainstorm. With a bit of skill, you can build your own plant support that will keep your perennials upright in nearly all weather conditions.
Contents
DIY Guide: How to Build a Plant Support
A simple plant support can be created by placing bamboo stakes around the plants and connecting them with string. For a sturdier support, you can use binding wire. Follow the instructions below for a durable and practical solution.
Materials
- 10 thin bamboo stakes
- Florist’s binding wire
Tools
- Garden shears
- Measuring tape
Step-by-Step Instructions: Building a Plant Support
Step 1: Cut Bamboo Stakes
Using sharp garden shears, cut the bamboo stakes to size.
You’ll need:
- 4 stakes at 60 cm length
- 6 stakes at 80 cm length
Step 2: Notch the Stakes
Lightly notch the bamboo stakes with the garden shears where the wire will go. This helps prevent the wire from slipping.
Step 3: Create the Base Frame
Form a square frame using the four 60 cm bamboo stakes. Cross the ends over each other and wrap them securely with binding wire.
Step 4: Create a Crosspiece
Take two of the 80 cm stakes and cross them exactly at the center. Bind them tightly together with wire.
Step 5: Attach the Crosspiece to the Frame
Place the crosspiece on top of the frame (centered) and fix it firmly in place using wire.
Step 6: Attach Vertical Stakes
To install the support in your garden bed, attach the remaining four 80 cm bamboo stakes vertically to the ends of the crosspiece using wire. Your plant support is now complete!
Which Plants Benefit from a Plant Support?
Plant supports are especially helpful for tall-growing species and varieties. If they also develop large or heavy flower heads, they are more likely to bend or break in wind and rain. Supports are not only useful for perennials but can also help with some summer flowers. The following plants benefit particularly from being supported:
- Delphinium
- Peonies
- Sweet Williams
- Asters
- Hollyhocks
- Dahlias
- Phlox
- Sunflowers
- Coreopsis
- Helenium
- Oriental Poppies
When to Set Up Plant Supports
It’s important to install plant supports early in the growth phase—don’t wait until the plants have reached full height. Late installation increases the risk of damaging the stems. Ideally, set them up in spring, before the blooming period begins.
For example:
- Peonies bloom from May
- Delphiniums and Sweet Williams from June
- Asters from August
Additional Tips for Using Plant Supports
- Be cautious with bamboo stakes: They can pose an eye injury risk when leaning over during gardening tasks. To make them more visible, top the stakes with decorative balls, wine corks, or snail shells.
- Alternative options: If you don’t want to build a support yourself, you can purchase ready-made metal or plastic structures. Semi-circular plant holders made from coated wire are commonly available in garden stores.
- Sizing: Make sure your supports are tall and wide enough. Once plants grow into them, they’re hard to adjust. As a general rule:
- Push supports 10–15 cm into the soil
- They should support approximately two-thirds of the plant’s height
- Tying plants: If you use string to secure the plants, avoid tying them too tightly. This can damage the stems and trap moisture, leading to fungal diseases. Leave enough space for air to circulate.
