As fall rolls in, many gardeners begin tidying up their flower beds and preparing their perennials for winter.
But did you know that cutting back some perennials in November can actually do more harm than good? I’ve made that mistake before—thinking I was helping my garden, only to find out later that I’d stunted the growth of my favorite plants.
Let’s look at seven perennials you should leave uncut this November and what to do instead.
1 – Lavender
Lavender is one of those plants that thrives when pruned, but timing is everything. Pruning lavender in the fall can leave it vulnerable to winter damage.
I learned this the hard way a few years ago when I eagerly trimmed back my lavender bushes before the first frost. By spring, I had a few scraggly, weakened plants that struggled to recover.
What to Do Instead: Lightly trim any dead or damaged branches, but save any serious pruning for the spring. This way, you’ll protect the plant and encourage stronger growth when the weather warms up.
2 – Russian Sage
Russian sage is a hardy, drought-tolerant perennial, and it’s one that shouldn’t be cut back in November. The stems act as natural protection, helping the plant survive the winter.
I once made the mistake of cutting mine too early, thinking it would help tidy up my garden for the winter. Unfortunately, it ended up struggling through the cold months, and I didn’t see the same vibrant blooms the following year.
What to Do Instead: Let the stems remain through the colder months. Once new growth begins in the spring, you can trim back the old stems to encourage fresh, healthy growth.
3 – Heuchera (Coral Bells)
Heuchera, also known as coral bells, is a beautiful perennial that adds color to the garden with its rich, vibrant foliage. But cutting it back in the fall can do more harm than good, especially when winter is on the horizon.
Heuchera’s foliage plays a key role in protecting the crown of the plant during the winter.
If you cut back the leaves too early, you leave the plant exposed to frost damage, which can impact its ability to thrive next spring
What to Do Instead: Leave the leaves intact over the winter. They act as natural insulation, keeping the plant protected from the cold. In the spring, you can remove any dead foliage and refresh the plant for the growing season ahead.
4 – Coneflowers (Echinacea)
Coneflowers are not only a favorite in the garden for their beauty, but they’re also a favorite among birds. Cutting back coneflowers in November robs wildlife of an important food source during the colder months.
What to Do Instead: Let the seed heads remain on the plant through winter. They add visual interest to your garden and provide for the birds. In early spring, you can cut them back to make way for new growth.
5 – Sedum (Stonecrop)
Sedum is a sturdy, reliable perennial that brings structure to your garden.
It’s tempting to tidy up its tall stems in the fall, but, those tall stems and seed heads of sedum not only add winter interest to your garden, but they also protect the plant from cold weather.
Cutting them back in November removes that layer of protection, leaving the plant exposed.
What to Do Instead: Allow the plant to stand tall through the winter months. Once new growth starts in the spring, you can cut back the old stems to make room for fresh, vibrant foliage.
6 – Hellebores
Hellebores are winter-blooming perennials that bring life to the garden when most plants are dormant.
They bloom in late winter or early spring, so cutting them back in the fall can disrupt their flowering cycle and reduce their resilience to frost.
What to Do Instead: Leave the foliage alone until after the plant finishes blooming in late winter or spring. At that point, you can tidy up the plant without affecting its bloom potential.
7 – Peonies
Peonies are well-loved for their gorgeous blooms, but they don’t appreciate being cut back in the fall. Not only does it expose the plant to cold weather but it can also cause root damage. Peonies need their stems to help gather energy for next year’s blooms.
What to Do Instead: Leave the plant as is until late winter or early spring. Once new shoots start emerging, you can cut back the old stems to allow for healthy growth.
Conclusion
While many perennials benefit from a fall trim, there are several that should be left alone in November.
By avoiding the urge to cut back lavender, Russian sage, heuchera, coneflowers, sedum, hellebores, and peonies, you’ll give your garden the best chance to thrive in the spring.
Take the time to identify which plants need a little extra care and protection this fall, and your garden will reward you with strong, vibrant growth next year.
