12 Perennials to Cut Back in Fall

2023-09-22
12 Perennials to Cut Back in Fall

Plants can be picky about when they're pruned: Some perennials should be cut back in the fall, while others don't respond well at all to autumn pruning. It's good to know the preferences about the plants in your yard, since pruning at the wrong time of the year can reduce blooming and cause other issues. The list below includes the top perennial plants that benefit from a late season trim, which can encourage better growth and even reduce some garden pests and diseases like powdery mildew.

01 of 12

Bee Balm

Some gardeners prefer not to prune their bee balm (Monarda spp.) plants because birds and other wildlife often feed on the seeds in winter. However, bee balm plants should be cut back in fall if they’ve struggled with powdery mildew issues during the growing season. Pruning affected plants is one way to keep this plant disease from spreading, but watering your plants at the soil line and following proper spacing recommendations can also reduce mildew problems.

Don't compost diseased foliage. Most home composting systems don't get hot enough to kill the bacteria, fungi, and viruses that cause plant diseases so they could infect plants down the road when you use the resulting compost.

02 of 12

Blazing Star

Blazing star (Liatris spp.) leaves can look messy by the end of the season and many gardeners opt to cut these plants back to keep their garden beds looking more manicured. While some gardeners prune blazing star immediately after the plants finish flowering, this can limit blooming the following year. Waiting until this perennial naturally dies back in fall will give your plants more time to grow and store the energy they need to survive the winter.

03 of 12

Catmint

The long stems on catmint (Nepeta spp.) often flop over toward the end of the growing season, making garden beds look unkempt in winter. Pruning catmint plants about 4 to 6 inches above the soil line in fall will give your flower beds a tidier look. But don’t cut catmint back too low to the ground because this will leave the plant’s roots more vulnerable to winter damage.

04 of 12

Daylilies

Daylilies (Hemerocallis spp.) generally bloom throughout summer, although there are a few cultivars that can continue to flower into fall. But when frosts arrive, daylily plants naturally die back and you can easily cut away the dead foliage to keep your garden looking tidy. While some gardeners prune daylilies earlier in the season, this can interfere with the plant’s ability to photosynthesize and daylilies will be much healthier if you cut them back after the first frost of fall.

05 of 12

Garden Phlox

Powdery mildew is often a problem for garden phlox (Phlox paniculata). Nip mildew issues in the bud by cutting back your phlox plants in fall and properly disposing of all diseased foliage. This includes burning affected plant parts or bagging them and throwing them in the trash.

06 of 12

Hostas

Hostas (Hosta spp.) are commonly grown in shade gardens and their easy-going nature makes them top plant picks for beginning gardeners. However, hostas are often plagued by slugs and snails during the growing season. These pesky critters then lay their eggs in hosta foliage during autumn. Cutting away hosta leaves after they die back in fall will improve the look of your plant and prevent slug eggs from overwintering too.

07 of 12

Irises

Like daylilies and blazing star, irises (Iris spp.) can look bedraggled by the end of the season and their leaves often become mushy after frost arrives. But if you wait to prune your plants until after the first fall frost, your irises will have more time to photosynthesize and store energy for the winter. When pruning irises, make your cuts about 6 to 8 inches above the plant’s crown and prune the leaves in a fan-like shape to give your irises a more organic look.

08 of 12

Lavender

Lavender (Lavandula spp.) only produces leaves and flowers on old wood so cutting plants back into their woody sections can inhibit their growth. While this popular herb can be pruned in spring, it’s often easier to prune lavender in fall when the plant still has its leaves, making it easier to tell where the woody sections begin. Just keep in mind that lavender plants should be cut back at least 6 weeks before your first frost date as late pruning can make lavender more vulnerable to winter damage.

09 of 12

Lilies

True lilies (Lilium spp.) benefit from being cut back in fall. Like other bulbing plants, lilies store nutrients in their bulbs during the winter months so cutting plants back too early in the season can inhibit flowering the following year. Instead, wait until frost arrives and your lilies naturally die back to bring out your pruning shears.

10 of 12

Peonies

Peonies (Paeonia spp.) are popular ornamental plants, thanks to their large, fragrant blooms that are often used in cut flower arrangements. But peony plants are prone to powdery mildew, which can coat plant leaves in an unsightly white film and weaken plants over time. Cut peonies back in fall to prevent powdery mildew spores from overwintering and reemerging in your spring garden.

11 of 12

Blanket Flower

Blanket flowers (Gaillardia) are power bloomers, producing tons of flowers all summer into fall. The trait that makes them so beloved by gardeners, however, can be a detriment as colder weather creeps in: If left to keep flowering in late fall, they'll use up valuable energy needed to keep them alive. So deadhead spent blooms and cut blanket flower plants back before winter to keep the plant healthy.

12 of 12

Salvia

Unlike the annual cultivars, perennial salvia varieties come back every year in the right conditions. This tough herbaceous plants will often keep blooming without any intervention at all, but by cutting them to the ground as winter approaches, the plant is more likely to produce not just one, but two, blooms the following year. Pruning them in fall also helps prevent them from developing woody stems.

Related Article

How to Plant and Grow Rose of Jericho

How to Plant and Grow Rose of Jericho

Rose of Jericho is a unique houseplant that can survive with minimal water, making it a great option for travelers and forgetful gardeners.
21 Adorably Petite Plants for Fairy Gardens

21 Adorably Petite Plants for Fairy Gardens

Color is always nice, but scale is everything when choosing miniature garden plants. Peruse our favorite picks for fairy gardens and terrariums.
13 Colorful Nectar Plants for Pollinators

13 Colorful Nectar Plants for Pollinators

Create a gorgeous, pollinator-friendly garden by including these nectar-rich plants.
Is Coleus a Perennial or Annual? Here's How to Grow It Both Ways

Is Coleus a Perennial or Annual? Here's How to Grow It Both Ways

Is coleus a perennial that comes back every year? That depends on where you live and how you care for it. Use these tips to enjoy coleus as a colorful perennial or annual plant.
How to Plant and Grow Ranunculus

How to Plant and Grow Ranunculus

Ranunculus are favorite flowers for weddings, arrangements, and gardens. Here's how to plant and grow ranunculus.
How to Plant and Grow Glossy Abelia

How to Plant and Grow Glossy Abelia

This guide on how to grow glossy abelia includes essential planting and care tips such watering, fertilizing, and pruning needs. You'll also find popular types of abelia to grow and pretty companion plants for this flowering shrub.
Hydrangeas Not Blooming? 7 Reasons Why and How to Fix the Problem

Hydrangeas Not Blooming? 7 Reasons Why and How to Fix the Problem

Hydrangeas not blooming can be a frustrating problem for gardeners. These straightforward tips will promote tons of long-lasting flowers.
10 Best Sweet Potato Companion Plants for Larger Harvests

10 Best Sweet Potato Companion Plants for Larger Harvests

Mix and match these sweet potato companion plants in your vegetable beds for pest-free crops and easier gardening.
How to Harvest Mint, Dry Mint, and Store Mint

How to Harvest Mint, Dry Mint, and Store Mint

Learn how to harvest mint to keep plants more manageable and gather fresh mint leaves for cooking, drying, and storing!
How and When to Harvest Radishes at Their Peak

How and When to Harvest Radishes at Their Peak

These easy-to-follow tips will help you figure out how and when to harvest radishes for the best flavor and size. Plus, get troubleshooting advice if your radish roots aren't developing properly.
How and When to Start Tomato Seeds Indoors

How and When to Start Tomato Seeds Indoors

Find out exactly how and when to start tomato seeds indoors so they'll be ready to transplant into your garden in spring.
Tillers vs. Cultivators: How to Choose the Right One for Your Gardening Tasks

Tillers vs. Cultivators: How to Choose the Right One for Your Gardening Tasks

Learn the differences between tillers and cultivators and the tasks they're best suited for.
Here’s What Not to Put in Compost to Avoid a Contaminated Bin

Here’s What Not to Put in Compost to Avoid a Contaminated Bin

Composting is a simple way to turn your kitchen and yard waste into food for your garden. But some of these items should never be in compost.
Easy Lawn Repair for Patchy Grass Using Seed or Sod

Easy Lawn Repair for Patchy Grass Using Seed or Sod

With a bit of grass seed or sod, lawn repair is easy, and you’ll soon have a lush green carpet again.
What Are the Tiny White Bugs on Your Plants? 4 Common Pests They Could Be

What Are the Tiny White Bugs on Your Plants? 4 Common Pests They Could Be

Tiny white bugs on plants in your home or outdoors can be a big problem. Learn how to identify and get rid of them with this guide.
How to Spot 5 Common Plant Diseases and Keep Your Garden Healthy

How to Spot 5 Common Plant Diseases and Keep Your Garden Healthy

Protect your plants from the most common diseases. Learn to recognize the symptoms and how to prevent these diseases in the first place.
How to Landscape with Rocks and Stones in Your Yard

How to Landscape with Rocks and Stones in Your Yard

Decorative rocks and stones add another element of nature to your yard, whether you grow hydrangeas, tulips, or cacti.
Landscape Planning Tips From Start to Finish for a Perfect Yard

Landscape Planning Tips From Start to Finish for a Perfect Yard

Even if you're a beginner, these simple landscape planning tips will take the mystery out of designing your yard's ideal layout.
10 Native Alternatives to Invasive Plants Growing in Your Garden

10 Native Alternatives to Invasive Plants Growing in Your Garden

Use native plants in your garden instead of popular invasive landscape plants: See a list of common invasive plants, plus native alternatives to plant instead.
Your Seasonal Lawn-Care Schedule for the Midwest

Your Seasonal Lawn-Care Schedule for the Midwest

Use our lawn-care schedule to help you maintain a beautiful yard all year long. You'll learn exactly when to mow, aerate, fertilize, and overseed.