Basic Gardening Question?

Question

I'm in Zone 5, and Now that winter is approaching i need to know what to do with some of my perrenials. I know it depends on what kind i have, but here is my question:
In General, why is it that some say to cut down dead foliage and branches of perennial shrubs in the Winter AND some say to do it in the Spring??? What is the difference in WHEN I do it?
ALSO, when I do cut down, should I do it all the way to the ground?

Answer 1

Depends on the perennial, and the shrub. If it's a flowering shrub you should prune right after blooming (typically). Some people leave the dead foliage on perennials for "winter interest", and to give the birds some seeds to eat. Birds may also use the dead material in the spring for nest building.

Here's a good site with general answers:
http://www.ext.vt.edu/pubs/nursery/430-462/430-462.html

You can also check with your local Ag Extension Agent or Master Gardener program.

Answer 2

Hi:
The best time of year to prune your shrubs is in the fall.
I don't recommend cutting them to the ground. I tell my clients to leave the shrubs in their natural form and cut the branches at an angle. I will direct you to my properly pruning page of my website.

Most perennials should be dead headed and taller plants should be trimmed back some. There are so many different varieties that if you have specific questions on yours, feel free to contact me on my website.

Hope this has helped some. Take a look at my pruning page as well as my site map to get some ideas for your questions. I also have photos of different perennial flowers and their descriptions.


Have a great day!
Kimberly
http://www.landscape-solutions-for-you.com/Pruning.html

http://www.landscape-solutions-for-you.com/Site.html

Answer 3

Pruning on shrubs(flowering) should be done after blooming usually within 5 weeks after. For perennial flowers I let them go till spring. They act as a mulch on next years crop.

Answer 4

Cold climates cut early;
Warm climates cut around February or March which is sliding into the warmer weather.

Some plants bloom on last year's wood, these should be pruned right after they bloom in the spring or early summer.

It is best to read and study about the plants, shrubs, and trees that you are interested in.