Herbaceous Supports FAQ:

What Works Best for Which Plants?

What types of metal plant supports are available?

We offer a variety of metal plant supports, including:

• Hoops, Rings and Grow Throughs: Circular supports for single plants or groups of herbaceous perennials.

• Hurdles and Fences: Low metal panels ideal for border plants.

• Obelisks and Towers: Tall, structured supports perfect for climbing plants.

• Stakes and Canes: Decorative vertical supports for specimen plants.

All our supports are made from solid mild steel for long-lasting strength and durability.

What type of support is best for tall herbaceous perennials?

For taller or heavier perennials—such as delphiniums, peonies, lupins, hollyhocks, and phlox—we recommend:

• Tall Hoops

• Ring Supports

• Tall Grids / Frames
  These prevent flopping and help maintain strong, upright growth.

Which supports work well for bushy or spreading plants?

Plants like geraniums, asters, nepeta, or alchemilla mollis benefit from:

• Low Hoops

• Open Grids

• Domed Supports
  These gently hold the plant together without looking restrictive.

What’s best for peonies?

Peonies are top-heavy and prone to collapsing after rain. Ideal supports include:

• Peony Rings

• Circular Grids

• Sturdy Hoops
  Place supports early in spring so the plant grows through them naturally.

Which supports are suitable for grasses?

Medium to tall grasses—such as Calamagrostis, Miscanthus, or Molinia—often need:

• Tall Hoops

• Open Rings
  These maintain a tidy shape and prevent splitting after rainfall.

Do herbaceous supports need to be installed early?

Yes. The best time to install supports is early spring, just as growth begins. Plants then grow through the structure, making it almost invisible by summer.

Can supports be used year after year?

Absolutely. Our solid steel supports are designed for longevity and can be reused season after season.

Which supports work for floppy or wind-prone plants?

For plants like rudbeckias, heleniums, or chrysanthemums, choose:

• Medium Hoops

• Linked Hoops for flexible arrangements

• Strong Grid Supports

Do different perennials need different heights of support?

Yes — shorter perennials need low, unobtrusive support, while taller perennials benefit from mid or tall supports. Matching the support height to the plant’s mature size ensures both stability and a natural look.

Which plant supports work best for herbaceous perennials?

Herbaceous perennials benefit from supports that prevent flopping and keep flowers upright. Here are some examples:

• Peonies – Large hoops or sturdy rings keep heavy blooms upright.

• Delphiniums & Lupins – Tall spikes work well with vertical rings or stakes with hoops.

• Roses (shrub or bush types) – Short hoops or small cages provide structure to sprawling branches.

• Hostas & Hellebores – Low rings or small hurdles help protect leaves without obstructing growth.

• Echinacea & Rudbeckia – Medium-height hoops prevent drooping of flower heads.

Tip: Position supports early in the season to guide growth rather than retrofitting after flopping occurs.

Which supports work best for climbing plants?

Climbing plants need supports they can attach to or twine around. Here are our recommendations:

• Clematis – Obelisks, towers, or trellis panels for vertical growth.

• Sweet Peas – Towers, obelisks, or woven panels. Ensure supports are easy for delicate tendrils to wrap around.

• Climbing Roses – Arches, obelisks, or trellis panels. Tie heavier stems gently to prevent breakage.

• Ivy & Honeysuckle – Twisted metal spirals or wire grids to encourage natural climbing patterns.

• Passionflower – Towers or obelisk supports, which allow the plant to spread and attach.

Tip: Make sure your support is slightly taller than the expected plant height to allow full growth.

4. Can one support work for multiple types of plants?

Yes! Many supports are versatile:

• Hoops and rings can work for both herbaceous perennials and young climbing plants.

• Obelisks and Towers can accommodate taller perennials like delphiniums, as well as climbing plants like clematis or roses.

• Hurdles or low fences are ideal for border plants of varying heights and prevent damage from wind or foot traffic.

5. How do I choose the right size and style of support?

Consider these factors:

• Plant height and growth habit – taller or heavier plants need stronger, higher supports.

• Flower weight – dense flower heads like peonies need wider hoops.

• Climbing tendency – plants that twine need vertical structures or spirals; plants that lean or sprawl do well with rings or hurdles.

• Garden style – decorative supports like spirals and pyramids add visual interest.

6. Can supports be used in containers as well as in the ground?

Absolutely! Many of our rings, spirals, and small obelisks can be placed directly into pots to support container-grown perennials or climbing plants like sweet peas.