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Experts recommend pruning 12 types of perennial plants in the fall, including those susceptible to disease or winter wilt, but also remind that some stems and leaves can be used by birds and insects to survive the winter.
In autumn, there are many tasks that need to be completed in the garden before winter arrives. One of the most important tasks is pruning perennial plants, especially those whose leaves are diseased, damaged or insect-infested. However, not all plants are suitable for autumn pruning. If the timing is wrong, it can remove next year’s flower buds, reduce ornamental value over winter, or take away habitat for pollinators and wildlife. Home & Living website Martha Stewart askedgardening Experts recommend the following 12 plants that are suitable for autumn pruning.
Cerulean hydrangea is a beautiful flower, but when summer is over, the remaining leaves need to be destroyed. Landscape designer Jan Johnson said summer-blooming blue hydrangeas are susceptible to fungal infections, and even antibacterial varieties can be affected if they encounter persistent humid weather. If blue hydrangea in the garden is infected with fungus, all leaves and stems should be cut off and destroyed in autumn; If there are no such problems, the stems can be shortened in late autumn.
Hostas are loved for their beautiful leaves, which can be a center of attraction in the garden even when not in bloom; However, hosta leaves cannot withstand the fall weather. Johnson says it’s best to prune hostas in late fall, when their leaves have yellowed and become mushy after the first frost. Pruning off dead leaves can prevent diseases, insects and slugs from hiding in the leaves during the winter.
Chives produce purple, bulbous flowers that add a zest of life to the spring garden and attract pollinators. Pruning chives during the growing season encourages new growth and gives them a healthy start the following spring.
Hemerocallis is one of the first perennial plants to bloom in spring, adding charm to the garden with its attractive leaves and brightly colored flowers. Daylilies will have a more beautiful appearance if all dead leaves are removed at the end of the growing season, and it will also make room for new shoots to sprout the following year. Johnson explained that in the summer, the leaves of daylilies support beautiful flowers, but in the autumn, the leaves begin to look shabby, and these dead leaves can harbor harmful slugs and other organisms; For this reason, and to maintain neatness, it is best to prune daylilies in the autumn.
Although yarrow flowers and leaves are extremely attractive, they become wrinkled and brown as winter approaches. To avoid this, prune in the fall to keep the garden from getting too big, just be careful not to prune below ground level.
When it comes to attracting pollinators and creating a standout floral feature in your garden, bee balm is a must-have, and hummingbirds especially love it. However, as the days become shorter and the first frost causes the balm leaves to wither, it is advisable to cut off any wilted parts to avoid becoming a breeding ground for fungus.
Chrysanthemums are colorful and always a favorite in the garden in autumn. But after the flowers fade, they need to be pruned to facilitate the next season’s growth. When pruning, leave about 1 to 2 inches of stems to help protect the roots from freezing.
