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One of the trickiest parts of gardening is knowing which plants to cut back—and when. While some thrive with a good fall pruning, others do best left untouched until spring or even summer. So, how can you tell the difference?
If you’re eager to put those pruning shears to work, here are ten plants that benefit from a trim in the fall:
1. Golden Marguerite
If the plant is allowed to grow too large, the vibrancy of golden marguerite blooms will be depleted. Cut the plant back to the crown in the fall to encourage vigorous bushy growth and an abundant floral display in the spring.
2. Bee Balm
Bee balm is a beautiful plant but unfortunately, most varieties are highly susceptible to powdery mildew, which can overwinter on dead foliage. Cut back this plant in the fall to help minimize mildew issues and encourage a fresh, vigorous start in spring.
3. Hostas
Hostas are a magnet for slugs, who like to lay their eggs in the dense crown of this popular garden plant. Wait until the foliage has died back completely before pruning to ensure the plant has stored sufficient energy to survive the winter months.
4. Daylilies
Pruning daylilies in the fall helps to keep them healthy and stimulates a fabulous floral display in the spring.
5. Phlox
Phlox is another plant that is susceptible to powdery mildew, and this fungal disease can overwinter on old leaves and increase the chances of reinfection in the spring. Cut back dead leaves in late fall to keep your garden tidy and protect your plants.
6. Catmint
Catmint has an incredibly vigorous growth habit and can get leggy by the end of the growing season. Cutting it back in fall promotes bushier, more compact growth in spring.
7. Bearded Iris
Bearded iris foliage can harbor pests like iris borers, which overwinter in dead leaves and can cause serious damage to rhizomes. The tall leaves also tend to fall over and, as well as looking untidy, can smother low-growing plants.
8. Astilbe
The delicate fern-like foliage of astilbe is damaged by frost, causing it to turn black and unsightly. Trimming back the leaves in late fall also prepares this plant for robust spring growth.
9. Blanket Flower
Blanket flowers can become leggy and untidy by the end of the growing season. A hard prune during the fall encourages new, vigorous growth in the spring and more abundant blooms.
10. Peonies
Peonies are prone to developing fungal diseases on their foliage in late summer, so cutting them back in fall is a good way to remove diseased plant material. This also promotes healthier growth in spring and removes habitat for overwintering garden pests.
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