how do you prepare perennials for the winter?

Question

I have perennials in my garden and wanted to know how do I cut them in order for them to come back next season. black eyes susans, etc.

Answer 1

Most perennials will die back on there own so you don't have to do anything. If they are dying back and are ugly you can cut them down near the ground but it's not necessary. If it's a questionalble perennial put some mulch on it for insulation.

Answer 2

It is a good idea to mulch the perennials well before cold weather sets in. I have had good luck in Zone 8 with them coming back, but my black eyed susans did not make it through last winter because I did not mulch as well as I should have. The coreopsis came back in full glory and are beautiful right now. Most plants need to be trimming within a few inches of the ground and the mulch added to keep them protected from the cold.

Answer 3

I will typically cut them back but not too far back since this seems to cause trouble in deep cold. I can cover them over with something like leaves, mulch, plastic tarp depending on conditions, desired look and so forth. You can also save some of the seeds in a container, dry them first on muslim or on a plate and then plant new perennials next spring or seed in the fall and start them over the winter indoors.

Answer 4

Black eyed Susan's are not perennials, but they do self propagate - meaning that many of the seeds that fall into the soil will sprout and grow in the next spring. Perennials are usually cut to one third of their size in the fall. Be sure to clear out debris to prevent insects and disease.

Answer 5

You really need do nothing. Leaving the dead stalks standing helps to hold snow cover which gives them some protection against freezing and thawing. If you want to mulch (it's really not necessary), use straw or wood chips or compost. but not leaves. Dead leaves tend to mat down and do not give you the protection you think they will. Clean up the dead stems and leaves in spring before new growth starts.