It’s December, the last month, the last chance to cut back your perennials!
Cutting perennials… It’s a task that COSTS me a LOT, but I know it has to be done, because if I don’t do it, they won’t bloom again (they can also get diseases, etc)!
If you are reading this article in December, I say you have little time, because the ideal time to prune your parennials is about to end…
That’s why I decided to make this list with the 14 parenials that you can (and should, believe me!) prune this month (in case the deer don’t do this job for you…).
Check out the list below and take advantage of the tips I’ll give you on how to prune some of them. Shall we start?
Why Cut Back in Fall?
There are 3 main reasons you should cut back perennials in fall:
Prevent Disease:
By getting rid of unnecessary plant material, you mitigate the risk of fungal or bacterial growth in your garden that could potentially spread to other plants and ruin them.
Pest Control:
It’s very, very, very, very simple… Less stalks, leaves, and dead plant material in the garden means less chance of pests and insects sticking around for long.
Avoid Slimy Mess:
Pruning in fall also gives the garden a tidier look. You can maintain better garden aesthetics by cutting off unwanted growth and dead foliage.
When to Prune?
Typically, it’s best to wait until the first frost to prune your perennials.
This is around the time they’ll be finished blooming and foliage might begin to discolor and die back naturally.
You should allow the perennials to die back fully as it will make it easier to identify what needs to be pruned.
14 Perennials You Should Cut Back In Fall
Preparing your garden for winter by cutting back perennials is crucial for maintaining plant health and garden aesthetics. Here’s a detailed guide on why and how to cut back specific perennials:
1. Daylilies (Hemerocallis)
Daylilies should be pruned in order to minimize chances of fungal growth on the plant and keep it neat and tidy.
How to Cut: Make sure to use sharp pruning shears to make clean cuts on withered stems to bring them down to ground level and chop off any dead foliage.
2. Hostas
Hostas require pruning around the base of the plant. Your job is to remove as many dead and yellowing leaves as you can so that pests and insects don’t become interested.
Ensure you’re using sharp pruning shears and try your best to not damage the plant’s crown.
How to Cut: Trim the foliage down to three inches above the crown after the first frost, or when the leaves start turning brown. This prevents pests from nesting and keeps the plant healthy.
3. Bearded Irises
Bearded irises are susceptible to iris borers, which can hide in dead foliage.
How to Cut: After the first frost, trim the foliage to about six inches, shaping it into a fan. This not only deters pests but also prepares the plant for a strong spring bloom.
4. Peonies
For peonies, fall pruning is a rather quick procedure. Getting rid of the extra plant material on top will minimize the chances of fungal infections and give the peonies a better foundation for spring growth.
How to Cut: Simply cut the stem down to 2-3 inches above the ground and make sure to use sharp pruning shears to make precise cuts.
5. Bleeding Hearts
Pruning bleeding hearts is essential to the plant. Prunning should also give the bleeding hearts a good foundation for fresh spring growth.
How to Cut: All bleeding heart foliage must be cut when it dies down naturally. The use of sharp shears should make cuts precise and help prevent disease from spreading throughout the plant.
6. Columbine (Aquilegia)
Columbine can self-seed excessively, leading to overcrowding.
How to Cut: After the second bloom, trim back the stems to basal leaves. This controls self-seeding and promotes healthier growth.
7. Summer Phlox (Phlox paniculata)
Summer Phlox is prone to mildew, which thrives in moist, decaying foliage.
How to Cut: After the blooms fade, cut the stems to three inches above the soil. This reduces the risk of mildew and prepares the plant for a vigorous spring return.
8. Catmint (Nepeta)
Pruning catmint in fall will help promote fresh growth and fuller-looking blooms.
How to Cut: Remove any leggy stems from the plant and cut back wilted flowers for a more appealing look.
9. Hellebores
Although they are less known, these flowers also need pruning EVERY YEAR.
How to Cut: Remove old, wilted hellebore stems and leaves using sharp garden shears. This will prevent the spreading of disease or pests and give the plant an opportunity to focus on fresh growth.
10. Bellflowers
Bellflowers can become messy as the foliage dies back, making the garden look untidy.
How to Cut: Chop off unwanted or spent bellflower leaves and stems to keep the perennial neat and tidy. If any part of the plant looks wilted or diseased, remove it and dispose of the cuttings to keep the disease from spreading.
11. Coneflowers
Coneflowers call for trimming down both the dead flowers and the stems. Pruning in fall will help promote new vigorous growth and minimize the risk of disease.
How to Cut: If there’s any unnecessary debris around the plant, clear that away too to further lessen the risk of disease or a potential pest infestation.
12. Yarrows
If you have Yarrows in your home, October and November is an excellent time to prune your perennial, but December is your last chance. Sometimes it’s already to late.
How to Cut: It’s a good idea to cut back damaged foliage and sagging stems of yarrows around the fall season. Use sharp pruning shears to avoid damaging cuts and mitigate the chances of spreading disease.
13. Salvias
I decided to add this perennial as an extra, at the request of one of my readers (thanks Tina!).
How to Cut: Cutting down salvias around 4-6 inches above the ground not only encourages better spring growth but also gives the plant a neater look since drooping flowers and stems aren’t really that appealing
14. Coral Bells
I LOVE Coral Bells! I have this plant in my house and I guarantee that it LOVES being pruned.
How to Cut: Cut off dead coral bell leaves with sharp garden shears. Removing old damaged leaves gives new, fresher ones a chance to grow and aid in improving overall plant health.
Although it might sound stupid to prune perennials in fall, it’s actually an excellent idea!
Your garden will look tidier, provide a solid foundation for spring growth, and minimize the risk of harboring destructive fungal or bacterial diseases.
Less unnecessary plant material also means pests and insects won’t be interested in taking over the perennials and ruining them.
Very good info. Thank you for these helpful tips
You’re very welcome! I’m so glad you found the tips helpful. If you ever any questions or need advice, feel free to reach out anytime. Happy gardening, Becky! 🌸😊
Is that all salvias? I have two types. One called pineapple salvia and the other is like in the picture above. I’m in the gulf coast area of Texas.
Hi Kathleen!
Yes, the plant in the photo is Salvia farinacea (mealycup sage), known for its purple blooms. Your pineapple salvia (Salvia elegans) has red flowers and a fruity scent. Both should thrive in the warm Gulf Coast climate of Texas! 🌸
What about Canna Lillies?
Hi Delaine!
Great question! Canna lilies are typically cut back after the first frost causes the foliage to die back. You can trim them down to a few inches above the ground. In colder areas, dig up the rhizomes to store for winter. This will help them thrive next spring! 🌿
Not trying to be rude at all. Like at all at all! I just noticed that this article directly contradicts your article of 17 plants you should not cut back in the fall. You have multiple plants that over lap on both lists.
Hi Talia!
No worries at all! I appreciate you pointing that out. The reason some plants appear on both lists is that it really depends on your garden goals. For example, some gardeners like to leave plants like peonies, coneflowers, and hostas for winter protection or to provide habitat for wildlife. While others, in warmer zones, cut them back to encourage fresh growth. So it really comes down to what works best for your garden and climate! 😊