Prepping Perennials for Spring

 

Late fall and winter are great times to clean up many perennials and prepare the garden for fresh spring growth. The exact timing and amount of cleanup depends on the type of perennial you’re growing, so not every plant needs to be cut back the same way.

Some perennials die completely to the ground after a hard freeze, while others keep woody stems or evergreen foliage through winter. Leaving some healthy stems and seed heads standing through winter can also provide food and shelter for birds and beneficial insects, so cleanup doesn’t always have to happen immediately after the first freeze.

 

 
 

Perennials That Die Back After a Freeze

 

Tender or herbaceous perennials such as Daylilies and Cannas may lose much or all of their top growth after freezing temperatures.

Once the foliage has completely died and turned brown, it can be removed when you’re ready to tidy the garden. Cut or gently remove dead material without damaging the crown or new shoots developing near the soil surface.

 
 

Woody & Semi-Woody Perennials

 

Plants such as Lantana and Autumn Sage (Salvia greggii) may retain woody stems through winter. In East Texas, it’s often better to wait until late winter or early spring before making major cuts so the old growth can provide some protection through the coldest weather.

Once the threat of severe winter weather is beginning to pass and new growth is approaching, remove dead or damaged stems and shape the plant as needed. Don’t automatically cut every woody perennial to the same 6″–10″ height. How far you cut back should depend on the particular plant and where healthy growth is present.

 
 

Liriope & Mondo Grass

 

Liriope and Mondo Grass can develop tired, brown, or damaged foliage by the end of winter. If they need rejuvenating, trim the old foliage before fresh spring growth begins.

Cutting too late can damage the tips of emerging leaves, leaving the new growth looking ragged for much of the season.

For larger plantings, carefully using a string trimmer or mower may make the job faster, provided the new growth hasn’t started and the equipment can be used without damaging nearby plants, irrigation, edging, or other landscape features.

 
 

Ornamental Grasses

 

Many deciduous ornamental grasses benefit from being cut back once a year before new spring growth begins. Their dried foliage and seed heads can be left standing through much of winter for texture and interest, then removed before fresh shoots become tall enough to be damaged during trimming.

Evergreen and semi-evergreen grasses may need only selective removal of damaged or brown foliage rather than being cut completely to the ground.

 

 
 

Dividing Perennials

 

Late winter into early spring can also be a good time to divide many summer- and fall-blooming perennials before active growth gets underway.

Dig the clump carefully, keeping as much of the root system intact as possible. Divide it into healthy sections using your hands, a clean sharp knife, spade, or other appropriate garden tool, depending on the plant and size of the root system.

Replant the divisions promptly at the appropriate depth and water them thoroughly. Keep in mind that not every perennial responds well to division, so check the needs of the particular plant before digging.

 

 
 

Moving Perennials

 

The cooler season can also be a great opportunity to move many dormant perennials that aren’t performing well in their current location.

If a plant needs more or less sunlight, struggles with drainage, or has simply outgrown its space, moving it to a location better suited to its needs can make a big difference.

Prepare the new location before digging, preserve as much of the root system as possible, replant at the appropriate depth, and water thoroughly after the move.

 
 

What About Fertilizer?

 

As perennials begin actively growing in spring, evaluate whether fertilizer is actually needed. Fertilizer isn’t automatically necessary for every perennial every spring, and too much can encourage excessive leafy growth at the expense of flowers or contribute to other problems.

If feeding is appropriate, choose a fertilizer suitable for the plant and follow the product label for application rates and timing.

 
 

Get Ready for Spring!

 

A little late-winter cleanup can go a long way toward getting perennial beds ready for another growing season. Remove dead growth when appropriate, divide or relocate plants that need it, and make sure each perennial has the space and growing conditions it needs to thrive.

Just remember—different perennials have different needs, so take a look at what you’re growing before cutting everything in the garden back the same way!