Planetagarden
Cut back dry stems of perennials to soil level after frost to neaten the garden and remove pest eggs and disease spores that may linger. Leave stems with attractive seed heads for winter interest. Compost dead plant debris to create an organic soil conditioner.
- Should I cut back my perennials for winter?
- What do I do with perennials in the winter?
- When should perennials be cut back?
- Should you cut back perennial flowers in the fall?
Should I cut back my perennials for winter?
No. Although it's recommended to leave them in place until spring, perennials will usually survive if cut back. ... Some perennials, like mums, always winter best with tops left in place. When leaving perennial tops intact during winter, cut them back in spring before new growth emerges from ground level.
What do I do with perennials in the winter?
Once your perennials start to lose their leaves, die back and go dormant, you can go ahead and cut them back in late fall or early winter. By cutting them back to 6‐8” above ground the stem will be able to hold snow in place which helps to insulate your plants.
When should perennials be cut back?
In late fall, once all of your perennials have started to turn brown and die back, it's time to prune some and leave some to cut back in spring.
Should you cut back perennial flowers in the fall?
Cutting old and diseased foliage in the fall helps a perennial jump right into new growth come spring. But some plants need their foliage for protection over the winter and instead should be pruned in the spring.
