As a gardener, it can be tempting to tidy up the garden in the fall. But some perennials actually thrive when left alone until spring. This guide shows you 18 perennials not to cut back in the fall. You’ll learn why it’s essential to leave these plants be and how to care for your garden through the seasons.
YayImagesPerennials Not to Cut Back in Fall
Let’s jump straight into the perennials you should not cut back during your fall clean-up:
1. Coneflowers (Echinacea)
YayImagesConeflowers are a staple in many gardens, known for their vibrant colors and long blooming season. These perennials should not be cut back in the fall because they provide seeds for birds during the winter months. The sturdy stems also add structure to the winter landscape, making your garden visually appealing even in the colder months.
Instead of cutting back coneflowers in the fall, the best time to cut them back is in early spring when new growth starts to emerge. At this point, trim back the old stems to ground level. This practice helps protect the plant’s crown during winter and ensures a healthy start for the new growing season.
2. Black-eyed Susans
YayImagesBlack-eyed Susans are another perennial that offers both beauty and functionality when left uncut. Their seed heads are a valuable food source for birds, and the plant’s dried stems can add a rustic charm to your garden beds during the colder months.
To cut back Black-eyed Susans, wait until early spring. By then, the seeds will have fed the birds, and the old stems can be removed to make way for new growth. Use sharp pruners to cut the stems down to a few inches above the ground, taking care not to damage the emerging shoots.
3. Joe Pye Weed
YayImagesJoe Pye weed is a towering perennial with beautiful mauve flowers that attract butterflies and bees. In the fall, the seed heads can provide winter interest and serve as a food source for birds, making it a plant best left standing.
In early spring, cut back the old stems to about 6 inches above the ground. This will encourage new growth and help maintain the plant’s structure and health. When cutting, use clean, sharp tools to prevent the spread of fungal diseases and ensure a clean cut.
4. Anise Hyssop
YayImagesAnise hyssop (Agastache foeniculum) should not be cut back in fall. The seeds attract finches, and the plant’s structure adds a vertical element to the winter garden.
In early spring, after the worst of the cold has passed, trim the stems down to the base of the plant. This helps promote vigorous growth and ensures a healthy plant come summer. Regularly clean your pruners to keep them sharp and reduce the risk of disease transmission.
5. Oakleaf Hydrangeas
YayImagesOakleaf hydrangeas have stunning foliage that turns vibrant shades in the fall. Their dried flower heads offer winter beauty and provide shelter for beneficial insects. Pruning should be reserved for spring to maintain their natural form and health.
When cutting back in spring, focus on removing old wood and any branches that cross or rub against each other. This selective pruning promotes better air circulation and light penetration, essential for a healthy hydrangea.
6. Bee Balm
YayImagesBee balm is loved by pollinators, and its seed heads are a winter food source for birds. Leaving the stems and flower heads intact also helps protect the plant’s crown during the cold months.
In early spring, cut back the stems to about 6 inches above the ground to encourage new, vigorous growth. Regular thinning of the plant every few years can help prevent overcrowding and reduce the risk of powdery mildew, a common issue with bee balm.
7. Feather Reed Grass
YayImagesFeather reed grass adds movement and texture to the garden year-round. In winter, the golden plumes provide visual interest and can catch the light beautifully, creating a stunning effect in the landscape.
In late winter to early spring, before new growth starts, cut back the grass to about 6 inches above the ground. This allows the new shoots to emerge cleanly and maintains the plant’s tidy appearance. Using sharp hedge shears can make this task easier and quicker.
8. Hardy Geraniums
YayImagesHardy geraniums, or cranesbill, have lovely foliage and flowers that persist into the fall. By not cutting them back, you allow the plant to protect itself with its own foliage, enhancing its resilience against winter weather.
In early spring, trim back the old foliage to make way for new growth. This helps rejuvenate the plant and encourages a more vigorous bloom. Removing any dead or diseased leaves as they appear can also help keep the plant healthy throughout the growing season.
9. Red-hot Poker
YayImagesRed-hot poker plants produce striking flower spikes that, when left uncut, provide architectural interest in the garden. The plant’s foliage can also help protect its crown from frost damage.
In early spring, remove the old flower spikes and any damaged or dead foliage to promote healthy growth. Cutting back too early can expose the plant to hard frosts, so wait until you see new growth starting before pruning.
10. Balloon Flower
YayImagesBalloon flowers have unique, balloon-like flower buds that burst into star-shaped blooms. The spent flowers and stems offer winter interest and can protect the plant’s base, making spring cleanup more effective.
In early spring, cut back the stems to just above the new growth. This encourages a neat, compact shape and helps the plant focus its energy on producing new flowers. Balloon flowers are slow to emerge in spring, so be patient and avoid premature pruning.
11. Heuchera (Coral Bells)
YayImagesHeucheras, or coral bells, are prized for their colorful foliage. By leaving the leaves intact over winter, you provide natural insulation for the plant, which helps it survive cold temperatures and emerge healthier in the spring.
In early spring, remove any dead or damaged leaves and trim back the stems to just above the new growth. Regularly dividing the plants every few years is a good idea to help maintain their vigor and prevent overcrowding.
12. Sedum (Stonecrop)
YayImagesSedum ‘Autumn Joy’ and other varieties should be left standing through winter. Their dried flower heads add texture and interest, and the plant’s succulent nature helps it survive the cold months without extra protection.
In early spring, cut back the old stems to ground level. This encourages fresh growth and keeps the plant looking tidy. Sedums are drought-tolerant and thrive in well-drained soil, making them low-maintenance additions to any garden.
13. Milkweed (Asclepias)
YayImagesMilkweed, or butterfly weed, is crucial for monarch butterflies, providing habitat and food. Leaving the stalks and seed pods ensures these pollinators have what they need to survive the winter and return in the spring.
In early spring, after the danger of frost has passed, cut back the old stems to about 6 inches above the ground. This helps promote new growth and ensures the plant is ready to support the next generation of monarchs. Be sure to wear gloves when handling milkweed, as the sap can be irritating.
14. Hellebores (Lenten Rose)
Jessica Joh / PixabayHellebores are some of the first perennial plants to bloom in late winter or early spring. Their evergreen foliage and emerging flowers provide much-needed color and interest during the bleakest months.
In early spring, remove any old or damaged leaves to make way for the new growth and flowers. This simple maintenance helps keep the plant healthy and enhances its appearance. Hellebores prefer shaded areas with well-drained soil, making them ideal for woodland gardens.
15. Ornamental Grasses
YayImagesOrnamental grasses, like miscanthus and panicum, offer stunning winter visuals with their tall plumes. They also provide shelter for wildlife and help prevent soil erosion during winter storms.
In late winter to early spring, cut back the grasses to about 6 inches above the ground. This encourages new growth and keeps the plants looking neat and tidy. Using sharp hedge shears or a scythe can make this task easier, especially for larger clumps of grass.
16. Ferns
YayImagesFerns, especially evergreen varieties, are popular perennials that should not be cut back in fall. Their fronds provide winter interest and help protect the plant’s roots from freezing temperatures.
Early spring is a great time to remove any old or damaged fronds to make way for new growth. Ferns thrive in shaded, moist environments, and regular mulching can help retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.
17. False Indigo (Baptisia)
Kirsten Hughes / PixabayFalse indigo produces beautiful seed pods that add interest to the garden in winter. The plant’s robust stems can also help support snow, reducing the impact on surrounding plants.
In early spring, cut back the old stems to about 6 inches above the ground to encourage new growth. Baptisia is a long-lived perennial that thrives in well-drained soil and full sun, making it a low-maintenance choice for perennial borders.
18. Russian Sage
YayImagesRussian sage adds beauty and structure to the garden year-round. In the fall, its stems can provide visual interest and help protect the plant’s crown from winter damage. In early spring, cut back the stems to about 6 inches above the ground to encourage fresh, vigorous growth.
Regular pruning in the spring ensures a healthy, bushy plant that will produce abundant blooms throughout the growing season. Russian sage thrives in well-drained soil and full sun, making it a drought-tolerant and low-maintenance choice for any garden.
YayImagesConclusion
As we’ve explored, leaving certain perennials uncut during the fall offers numerous benefits for your garden.
These plants not only provide food and shelter for local wildlife, but also add structure and beauty to your winter landscape.
By waiting until spring to cut back these perennials instead of fall, you ensure their health and vigor for the next season.
You may also like:
- How To Cut Back Perennials For A Thriving Garden
- 23 Perennials You Need To Cut Back This Fall
- 23 Beautiful Perennials To Plant In Fall
- 21 Best Winter Flowering Perennials For A Vibrant Landscape
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