When to cut back and why

Spring bloomers

100

Hellebore, huechera, liriope

Spring as needed, Semi evergreen 

200

Peonies, monarda, phlox

Fall, powdery mildew

300

Pulmonaria, brunnera

Spring, winter damage

400

Iris, Siberian, germain and Japanese 

Fall!

500

Trillium, bleeding hearts

Ephemeral, cut back as they die back in midsummer

Summer bloomers

100

Hosta

Fall, slugs

200

Geranium, catmint

Spring! Winter damage 

300

Astilbe 

Spring, for winter interest 

400

Dianthus, creeping phlox

Deadhead only

500

Salvia, daisies, and phlox

Fall!

Fall bloomers

100

Sedum

Spring! 

200

rudbeckia, echinacea 

Late fall! Black spot 

300

Anemone

Spring!

400

Lavender 

Deadhead in fall and shear down in spring

500

Summer allium

Fall, to avoid reseeding and sliminess

Woody perennials

100

Buddeia

Fall dead head, spring cut back to 12-18”

200

Roses

Spring! No pruning after September 

300

Russian sage 

Spring cut to 12-18”

400

Baptisia

Late fall, when leaves turn black or brown 

500

Caryopteris

Spring cut back by 1/2

Double points.

100

Liatris

Spring! Winter damage

200

Perennial lobelia

Spring, winter damage 

300

Ligularia

Deadhead only, to avoid aggressive reseeding, foliage is semi evergreen

400

Aesclepias 

Per customer preference, fall to prevent reseeding, spring for winter interest or to promote spreading

500

Coreopsis, balloon flower

Spring! Cut back by 1/3