Fall perennial care: What to prune and divide now
As temperatures begin to cool, many flowers intensify in color, providing one last burst of beauty before the frost arrives.
All photos by Candace Godwin
Peony leaves display beautiful colors in fall. Once frost hits, it’s best to trim stems to 2 to 3 inches to prevent fungal disease during winter.
All photos by Candace Godwin
Bee Balm (Monarda) tends to develop powdery mildew when the weather cools. Trim the plants to the ground and throw away any diseased stems and leaves.
All photos by Candace Godwin
Some perennials should be left undisturbed in the fall. Evergreen perennials like coral bells (left) and hydrangeas that bloom on old wood (right) should not be pruned. These plants also add interest to the winter landscape.
All photos by Candace Godwin
The seed heads of Black-eyed Susans and Coneflowers not only feed wildlife during the winter but also add interest to the garden.
All photos by Candace Godwin
This tangle of hostas was overcrowded and needed dividing. I carefully dug around the plant, lifting as I worked. The smaller clump easily broke free from the central plant—just enough to replant, while keeping the central plant healthy.
All photos by Candace Godwin
Fall is one of my favorite times in the garden. As temperatures cool down, the garden seems to come alive again, especially with the recent rains. Dahlias, zinnias and phlox all appear to deepen in their colors, providing one last burst of beauty before frost arrives.
Once the first frost arrives, typically by mid-to-late October, it’s time to prune many perennials and divide them if needed to promote healthy blooms in the spring.
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