Cutting Back Perennial Plants for Winter
This week I’m showing you how to cut back any perennial plants you have in preparation for winter. This will help the plants to spring back to life in the spring, as they won't be trying to support new growth over their dormant months, and will reduce the risk of rot.
Why Now?
This is the ideal time to cut back your perennial plants as the weather is getting colder and wetter, as these plants need the cold to strengthen them for the next year. While some tender perennials, such as most Fuchsias, will need to be brought in, harder varieties will be able to survive just fine if you take care of them.
What You’ll Need:
-
Perennial plants
-
Sharp secateurs
Step-by-Step:
- Depending on the type of plants you have, trimming may differ. Most perennials will want you to rim back the plant until you have reduced it by about half, leaving some fresh growth
- Remove any dead flowers or foliage to reduce the chance of rot.
- Take out any weeds or grass that may reduce the airflow around the plant or reduce the nutrients it can draw from the soil over the winter.
- Continue caring for it over the winter, however reduce the amount you water and feed as the plants will be dormant, and will therefore require less to maintain themselves.
Aftercare:
Keep the plants watered, although reduce the amount you water while they are dormant. This should allow them to revive again in the spring and produce wonderful displays year-on-year.
