As we get into November and the garden starts to wind down, it’s tempting to grab the pruners and cut everything back.
But believe it or not, some plants actually do better if you leave them alone until spring. I learned this the hard way, thinking I was being helpful, only to find that I’d done more harm than good!
Here are nine plants you’ll want to keep your pruners away from this month to give them the best chance for a strong comeback.
1) Lavender
Lavender is a classic, but it can be a little tricky when it comes to fall pruning. I used to trim mine down every November, thinking it would help it survive the winter. But I quickly learned that lavender prefers a spring haircut!
Cutting lavender back now can expose it to winter damage. The foliage helps protect it through the cold months.
Just let it be until spring, then trim back any dead growth to keep it tidy.
2) Russian Sage
Russian sage is a tough, drought-resistant plant that doesn’t need much from us. I used to think cutting it back in fall was a good idea, but that just made it struggle through winter.
Pruning in November can make it vulnerable to the cold. The stems help insulate the plant. Wait until spring, then cut back the stems to encourage fresh, strong growth.
3) Coneflowers (Echinacea)
Coneflowers bring so much beauty to the garden in summer, but I’ve learned that they’re also a favorite for winter birds. Cutting them back now means missing out on that wildlife activity.
Let the seed heads stay through winter. In spring, you can cut back any dead stems to make way for new growth.
4) Sedum
Sedum is one of those plants that adds structure to the garden, even after it’s done blooming. I used to cut mine back in the fall, but I realized that leaving it alone gives the garden a little winter charm.
Enjoy the winter interest, and trim it back in early spring when new growth starts.
5) Ornamental Grasses
Ornamental grasses add so much texture to the garden, especially in winter. I once cut them back too early, and the garden felt empty without their wispy plumes.
The grasses add height and movement to the winter landscape and protect the roots from frost.
Leave them standing until late winter or early spring, then cut them back to about 6 inches.
6) Coral Bells (Heuchera)
Heuchera’s colorful leaves add a pop of color to the garden all year long. I’ve learned that cutting back the foliage in fall exposes the plant’s crown to winter damage.
Let the leaves stay until spring, and then trim any damaged or dead parts as new growth emerges.
7) Hellebores
Hellebores are some of the earliest bloomers, often peeking through in late winter. I used to cut back the foliage in the fall, but I’ve since learned they do better when left untouched.
The leaves help protect the plant and keep the crown warm during winter. Leave the foliage alone until you see new growth in late winter, then trim any damaged leaves.
8) Bee Balm
Bee balm is another plant I used to cut back in the fall. But I noticed that the leftover stems and seed heads can help the plant stay protected through winter.
Let it stay as is until early spring, then trim back any dead stems to give it a fresh start.
9) Roses
Roses are beautiful, but they can be a little sensitive in winter. I used to cut mine back in November, thinking I was helping. But roses are best left alone until spring.
Pruning in fall can stimulate new growth that won’t survive the cold. The extra height also helps protect the plant from frost.
Wait until late winter or early spring to trim back roses and remove any dead wood.
Final Thoughts on Fall Pruning
November is a time for slowing down in the garden, but not every plant wants a trim before winter.
Leaving these nine plants alone lets them handle the winter on their own terms, adding interest to your winter garden and giving them a better start in spring.
So, put down the pruners and let these plants rest—your garden (and the local wildlife) will thank you for it!
