Table of Contents
September is the perfect time to prepare your garden for a burst of vibrant blooms in the coming months. Pruning your perennials correctly can promote healthy growth, improve flowering, and keep your garden looking its best. Here are the top 10 perennials to prune this September.
1. Peonies
Peonies benefit from a light pruning after their flowering period. Remove spent blooms and any dead or damaged stems. Avoid cutting back the woody stems, as they support next year’s buds.
2. Coneflowers (Echinacea)
Cut back faded flowers to encourage a second bloom or to tidy the plant. Remove any dead or damaged stems to keep the plant healthy and vigorous.
3. Black-eyed Susans (Rudbeckia)
Trim back the stems after the flowers fade. Cutting back to the basal leaves can promote bushier growth and more flowers in the next season.
4. Daylilies
Remove spent flower stalks and dead leaves to improve appearance and airflow. This encourages healthy growth and can lead to additional blooms.
5. Sedum (Stonecrop)
After flowering, cut back the flower stalks to promote a tidy appearance and prepare the plant for winter. Avoid cutting into the woody base.
6. Lavender
Prune lavender lightly to shape the plant and remove spent flower stems. Do not cut into the woody part, as it can hinder regrowth.
7. Phlox
Remove faded flower heads and any dead or damaged stems. This encourages bushier growth and more flowers in the next season.
8. Bee Balm (Monarda)
Cut back the plant to about 4 inches above the ground after flowering. This helps prevent disease and encourages new growth.
9. Shasta Daisies
Remove spent blooms and prune back the stems to promote a tidy appearance and encourage reblooming.
10. Japanese Anemone
Trim back the stems after flowering to maintain shape and health. Removing old stems also prevents disease and pests.
Conclusion
Pruning these perennials in September sets the stage for a vibrant and healthy garden next year. Remember to use clean, sharp tools and to prune at the right time to maximize your garden’s potential.