November is here, and it’s time to tuck in the garden for winter. If you’re anything like me, this is a bittersweet moment. I love seeing the garden in full bloom, but there’s something cozy about cleaning it up, knowing it’s getting a fresh start for next year.
Over the years, I’ve learned which plants appreciate a good trim in November—and which ones benefit from a little fall TLC. Here are my top 10 plants to cut back before winter arrives.
1) Perennial Grasses
Perennial grasses are beautiful in the garden, but come November, they start looking a little wild. I used to leave mine as winter interest, but I realized they looked more like messy tumbleweeds than anything else.
Cutting back grasses helps them grow back fresh in spring, without all the old dead growth in the way.
How to Do It: Trim them down to about 6 inches above the ground. Trust me, they’ll come back lush and green next year!
2) Peonies
Peonies are my absolute favorite in spring, but once the cold sets in, they look like they’re melting into the soil. One year, I left mine too long, and the wet leaves became a breeding ground for mold. Never again!
Cutting back peonies helps prevent disease, especially powdery mildew.
How to Do It: Snip those stems right down to the ground and toss the foliage (not in the compost) to avoid spreading any fungi.
3) Hostas
If your hostas look anything like mine in November, they’re a sad pile of mushy leaves. I used to wait until spring to clean them up, but I quickly learned that November is the perfect time.
Hostas can harbor slugs and other pests if you leave them alone, so trimming them now keeps things tidy.
How to Do It: Cut the leaves right down to the ground. It feels great to see the space cleared up for next year’s growth!
4) Daylilies
Daylilies are tough and beautiful, but come late fall, their foliage is usually a mess. I realized that cutting them back now makes spring clean-up a breeze.
Cutting back daylilies helps keep pests and disease in check.
How to Do It: Snip back the leaves to the ground, and they’ll be ready to bounce back in spring.
5) Phlox
Phlox is lovely, but it’s prone to mildew. I left mine untrimmed one year, and that mildew spread like wildfire. Trimming phlox reduces the chance of spreading powdery mildew next season.
How to Do It: Trim down to just above the soil line and discard any diseased leaves to protect the rest of your garden.
6) Bee Balm
Bee balm is one of those plants that brings so much joy with its summer blooms. But once the flowers are done, I’ve learned that a trim helps prevent mildew from setting in.
Old bee balm stems are mildew magnets, and a fall trim can stop that from spreading.
How to Do It: Cut bee balm to about 2 inches above the soil, and toss any leaves with mildew in the trash.
7) Yarrow
Yarrow can be a bit unruly if left to its own devices, but it’s one of my garden staples. Cutting it back in November keeps things under control. Trimming yarrow now encourages fuller growth next year.
How to Do It: Cut the stems down to a few inches above the ground, and compost any healthy clippings.
8) Shasta Daisies
Shasta daisies are a classic, but by November, they start to look a little scruffy. Trimming them back keeps the garden looking neat. Removing dead growth prevents pests and keeps things clean for spring.
How to Do It: Trim the stems down to the ground. I love seeing a tidy bed where my daisies will pop up fresh next year.
9) Columbine
Columbine’s delicate flowers bring such charm to my garden in spring, but the foliage can get messy by fall. A quick trim keeps things from getting out of hand. Dead foliage can attract pests, so cutting back helps keep the plant healthy.
How to Do It: Trim the stems to ground level, removing any dead leaves to prevent rot.
10) Coreopsis
Coreopsis adds such happy color in summer, but as the season ends, it’s ready for a little break. I’ve found that cutting it back now keeps things tidy.
Getting rid of old stems prevents disease and gives coreopsis a fresh start.
How to Do It: Trim down to about an inch above the soil line and compost the healthy trimmings.
Final Tips for November Pruning
Before you get started, clean your tools. I’ve had enough surprise garden “guests” (hello, pests!) to know that clean pruners make a big difference.
And don’t forget gloves—some of these plants have tougher stems than you’d think! Healthy trimmings can go in the compost, but toss anything diseased to avoid issues next season.
Conclusion
Giving these plants a good trim in November not only keeps your garden looking fresh, but it also sets you up for a healthier, happier garden in spring.
I’ve found that a little time spent now makes a huge difference come April. So, grab your pruners, head out to the garden, and enjoy this last bit of garden therapy before winter really sets in. Come spring, you’ll be glad you did!
