Keep pests in check and beautify the winter landscape with selective fall pruning.
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To cut or not to cut?
That is the perennial questionpardon the punwhen it comes to cutting back plants in fall.
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Withperennials, there is no one perfect time to cut back plants as a group.
Some perennial plants should be pruned in fall, while others benefit from waiting until spring.
A few simple rules of thumb will help you make decisions regarding fall pruning.
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Plants with interesting seedheads or pods, such as baptisia, also add interest during winter.
These can be cut back after the first few frosts of autumn.
Also prune any plants showing signs of disease or insect infestation.
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Removing infected foliage will help reduce pest outbreaks the following season.
Dispose of infected cuttings in the trash rather than the compost pile.
The foliage of beebalm plants is susceptible to powdery mildew.
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Hosta
Hostas are well known for their showy foliageand their propensity to attract slugs and snails.
The eggs of these critters overwinter on withered hosta leaves and other debris.
To manage slug populations, cut back hosta foliage to ground level as soon as frost kills it back.
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Remove the cut foliage and any other debris from around the base of plants.
Iris
In addition to a spectacular floral display, iris plants produce gorgeous sword-like foliage.
Unfortunately, iris foliage is susceptible to several diseases as well as an insect called the iris borer.
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All species of iris can be infected.
To manage disease, remove infected leaves as soon as you notice them.
After the first few fall frosts, cut all foliage back as close to the rhizome as possible.
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Fall clean-up helps control iris borer as well as foliar diseases.
Yarrow may develop new basal leaves in fall and initiates growth in early spring.
Fall clean up allows light to reach this developing foliage.
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Plants require good drainage to prevent root rot, and the foliage is susceptible to powdery mildew.
Dispose of cutting in the garbage.
Shasta Daisy
Shasta Daisies grow new basal leaves late in the season.
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Removing spent flower heads helps direct plant energy to this leaf growth rather than seed production.
Prune out flower stalks as the flowers fade.
Avoid disturbing the basal leaves by cutting stems 2 to 3 inches above the soil line.
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Peony
A few well-timed cuts will keep peony plants healthy and productive for years to come.
Start by deadheading flowers after they fade to direct plant energy to next years growth and blooms.
Then, cut plants to the ground after a killing frost in fall.
Daylily
Daylily foliage dies back to the ground in fall after a killing frost.
After pruning, mulch plants to provide extra winter protection.
Columbine
Columbine blooms mid-spring and, in very hot climates, may die back during summer.
The plant is host to an insect called the leaf miner which tunnels through foliage.
Columbine reseeds, so remember to scatter any remaining seeds when cutting back plants.
Catmint
Catmint foliage turns gray in winter, adding nothing of interest to the garden.
Another great time to prune catmint is in early summer after the initial spring bloom.
Often called the Chelsea Chop, this trim tidies up plants and encourages a second flush of blooms.
