As the growing season winds down and fall sets in, cutting back certain perennials is an essential task that ensures your garden stays neat and healthy come springtime. Not only does cutting back help control disease and pests, but it also encourages better growth next year. Here’s a list of 10 perennials you should make a priority to prune each fall.
1. Bee Balm (Monarda)
Bee balm is a pollinator favorite, but it’s prone to powdery mildew. Cutting it back after the first frost keeps the mildew from overwintering and spreading to other plants. Trim it down to about 2 inches from the ground.
2. Peonies
Peonies can suffer from botrytis blight and powdery mildew, which can overwinter in the stems and foliage. After they bloom and the foliage turns yellow, cut the entire plant back to the ground to prevent any diseases from spreading.
3. Hostas
While hostas are known for their lush, tropical-looking leaves, they can quickly become slug and disease havens if left uncut. After a few good frosts, cut them back to prevent these pests from overwintering in the decaying foliage.
4. Daylilies (Hemerocallis)
Daylilies are hardy, low-maintenance plants, but their foliage can become messy and diseased over the winter. Trim back the spent stems and leaves to prevent the spread of disease and keep your garden tidy.
5. Phlox
Phlox is prone to powdery mildew, which can linger in the foliage if not properly cleaned up in fall. Cut the plants down to a few inches above the soil to promote good air circulation and reduce the risk of disease next season.
6. Tall Sedums (e.g., Autumn Joy)
Although some gardeners leave sedums for winter interest, cutting them back in the fall is a good idea if you live in an area prone to wet conditions. The fleshy stems can rot if left in damp soil, so cutting them down to a few inches helps prevent this.
7. Shasta Daisies (Leucanthemum)
Shasta daisies tend to become leggy and untidy by the end of the growing season. Cutting them back in the fall not only improves their appearance but also helps prevent mold and other fungal issues that could spread during the cold, wet months.
8. Yarrow (Achillea)
Yarrow can quickly self-seed and spread, so cutting it back in the fall helps prevent unwanted volunteers from popping up next year. It also helps avoid any overwintering diseases in the decaying foliage.
9. Columbine (Aquilegia)
While columbine plants are lovely in the spring, by fall, their leaves are often affected by leaf miners. Cut them back to the ground to prevent the larvae from overwintering and re-emerging next year.
10. Helenium (Sneezeweed)
Helenium offers stunning late summer color, but after frost hits, its tall stems can become soggy and collapse. Cutting them down to the base not only improves your garden’s appearance but also prevents disease from taking hold in the damp stems.
Final Tip: Leave Some for the Wildlife
While many perennials benefit from a fall cutback, it’s worth noting that leaving some plants standing can provide food and shelter for wildlife. Consider leaving perennials like coneflowers and grasses intact through the winter to feed birds and support beneficial insects.
By cutting back these 10 perennials every fall, you’ll promote a healthier, more vibrant garden for the next growing season. If you’re unsure about a specific plant, remember that perennials with diseased or pest-ridden foliage almost always benefit from a trim. So grab your pruners, tidy up your beds, and enjoy the thought of a fresh start next spring!
Be sure to share your garden cutback tips below or check out our post on How to Prepare Your Garden for Winter!
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