When to Cut in the Ground Plants for Winter

Flowers and plants that stay in the ground over the winter are generally considered perennial flowers, meaning that they return each spring. These plants perform better if they are cut back before winter sets in. This helps the plants prepare for winter dormancy and allows the roots to store nutrients for the winter instead of sending them out to the leaves.

Cutting Preparation

In the fall before the first frost it is a good idea to prepare your flowerbeds and over-winter plants for the cold that is coming. This includes raking and weeding the flower bed, applying compost of fertilizer and a layer of mulch to help protect the bulbs and root systems through the winter as they lie in dormancy. Knowing when to cut plants back can make a big difference in how well your plants perform each spring.

Cutting

Some plants such as sedum and irises should be cut back to the ground each fall. Others such as shrubs and evergreen varieties of ground cover should be trimmed and shaped, but not cut all the way back. Whether you are pruning or cutting always use sharp garden shears and make sure that you do the grooming before the first frost. This gives the plants time to harden the cut ends, and keeps them from falling victim to freezing temperatures.

Protecting Plants for Winter

In addition to mulch, many people in colder climates will spread a layer of straw, burlap, or even a plastic covering for their flower beds through the winter. These help hold in heat and moisture. When the coverings are removed in early spring the plants will seem to have a head start on their growing season and will begin to emerge quickly.

References

• Author experience as noted in profile

Resources

• How to Put Your Perennial Flowerbed to Sleep for the Winter
• Wintering Plants