Frequently Asked Questions

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, Fences and Edging Hoops: Low metal panels ideal for border plants.

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

• Stakes, Canes and Stem Supports: 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, hollyhocks, Heleniums, Verbena Bonariensis and Phlox—we recommend:

• Tall Hoops

• Ring Supports

• Hurdles
  These prevent flopping and help maintain strong, upright growth.

Which supports work well for bushy or spreading plants?

Plants like geraniums, asters, nepeta, Ligularia, Phormiums, or Peonies benefit from:

• Low Hoops

• Multi-Stem Supports

• Grow-Throughs
  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

• Grow-Throughs

• 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 heleniums, Asters, Lupins, Shasta Daisies and Sun Flowers choose:

• Medium Hoops

• Linked Hoops for flexible arrangements

• Strong Grid Supports (We can make these by request).

• Stakes and Canes

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, sturdy rings or Grow Through Supports keep heavy blooms upright.

• Delphiniums & Lupins – Stakes, Canes or Hoops.

• Roses (shrub or bush types) – Medium to Tall Hoops or Large Hurdles provide structure to sprawling branches.

• Eringium & Russian Sage - Small Hurdles, Small Hoop help protect without obstructing growth.

• Asters & Crocosmia – Medium-Tall 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 Arches for vertical growth.

• Sweet Peas – Towers, obelisks, or Trellis 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 – Obelisks, towers, or Arches 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 tall stemmed plants.

• Obelisks and Towers can accommodate climbing plants like clematis or roses or, why not place baskets within for some vertical gardening?

• 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 or sturdy core support such as provided by our grow-through designs.

• Climbing tendency – plants that twine need vertical structures; plants that lean or sprawl do well with obelisks and towers.

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

Absolutely! Most of our products can be placed directly into pots or containers to support perennial or climbing plants providing enough depth is available to secure them from toppling.