- Cutting back perennials after the first frost depends on plant type, health, and local climate.
- Fall cleanup can prevent pests and diseases from overwintering and make spring maintenance easier.
- Leaving some perennials standing in winter adds visual interest and supports wildlife.
The first frost of the year often signals the end of the growing season for many gardeners across the country. However, it doesn’t necessarily mean all the gardening work for the year is done. Depending on the plants in your beds, you may still need additional cleanup and prep for the following season, especially with perennials.
But do you really need to cut back perennials after the first frost, or can that task wait until spring? According to gardening pros, the answer depends on your gardening goals, local climate, and the type of perennials in your garden.
Read on for everything you need to know about cutting back perennials at the end of the season.
- Wendy Hanson Mazet is a certified horticulturist, certified arborist, and the University of Nevada, Reno Extension’s plant diagnostician.
- Curtis Atkinson is the founder and CEO of Sunline Landscapes, a landscape design, build, and maintenance company based in Bluffdale, Utah.
The Best Time to Cut Back Perennials
The best time to cut back perennials is an often-debated topic in the gardening world—some professionals swear by a strict fall cleanup, while others take a more laissez-faire approach and wait until spring to tidy up…