As summer winds down, it’s essential to start preparing your garden for the upcoming cooler months. Proper care of your perennials at the end of summer ensures they remain healthy and vibrant, ready to flourish again next year. This transition period is a great time to give your plants some extra attention, so they can thrive through autumn and into the next growing season.
In this article, we’ll explore how to care for various perennials as summer ends. From pruning and mulching to dividing and fertilizing, these tips will help you maintain a beautiful and healthy garden. Let’s dive into the best practices for preparing your perennials for the end of summer.
Daylilies (Hemerocallis)
Daylilies are hardy perennials known for their vibrant blooms. Native to Asia, these plants are not considered invasive and can thrive in various garden settings. As summer ends, it’s important to deadhead spent blooms and remove any yellowing or dead foliage. This not only keeps your garden looking tidy but also directs the plant’s energy towards root and foliage growth rather than seed production.
Another crucial step in preparing daylilies for the end of summer is to divide overcrowded clumps. Over time, daylilies can become crowded, reducing their blooming potential. Dig up the clumps, separate them into smaller sections, and replant them in well-drained soil. This rejuvenates the plants and encourages more vigorous growth and flowering in the following seasons.
Hostas
Hostas are popular perennials known for their lush foliage and ability to thrive in shady areas. Native to Japan, Korea, and China, hostas are not invasive but can spread to form dense clumps. As summer draws to a close, it’s a good time to cut back any damaged or diseased leaves to prevent the spread of fungal infections.
Dividing hostas is another important task to consider. Every three to four years, dig up the clumps and divide them to prevent overcrowding and ensure healthy growth. Replant the divisions in well-prepared soil with adequate spacing. Mulching around the base of hostas can help retain moisture and protect the roots as temperatures begin to drop.
Coneflowers (Echinacea)
Coneflowers are resilient perennials native to North America. They are celebrated for their vibrant, daisy-like flowers that attract pollinators. As summer ends, deadheading spent blooms can encourage a second flush of flowers and extend the blooming season. Additionally, removing any dead or diseased foliage helps maintain the plant’s health.
In preparation for winter, it’s beneficial to cut back coneflowers to about 6 inches above the ground once they have finished blooming. This tidies up the garden and helps prevent pests and diseases from overwintering in the plant debris. Leaving some seed heads, however, can provide food for birds during the colder months.
Peonies
Peonies are beloved for their large, fragrant blooms and longevity. Native to Asia, Europe, and Western North America, peonies are not invasive and make a stunning addition to any garden. As summer ends, it’s crucial to cut back the foliage to the ground after the first frost. This helps prevent fungal diseases from taking hold over the winter.
Mulching peonies is another important step in preparing them for the end of summer. A layer of mulch helps insulate the roots and maintain soil moisture. Be careful not to cover the crown of the plant to avoid rot. If your peonies have become overcrowded, consider dividing and replanting them to encourage better growth and blooming in the coming seasons.
Black-Eyed Susans (Rudbeckia)
Black-Eyed Susans are hardy perennials native to North America, known for their bright yellow petals and dark centers. As summer draws to a close, deadheading spent blooms can encourage prolonged flowering and improve the plant’s overall appearance. Removing any dead or diseased foliage is also essential to prevent the spread of disease.
Cutting back Black-Eyed Susans to about 6 inches above the ground after they finish blooming helps prepare them for winter. This reduces the risk of pests and diseases overwintering in the plant debris. Leaving some seed heads, however, can provide a valuable food source for birds during the colder months.
Phlox
Phlox are popular perennials known for their vibrant, fragrant blooms. Native to North America, phlox can brighten up any garden with their array of colors. As summer ends, deadheading spent flowers can encourage more blooms and extend the flowering season. It’s also important to remove any dead or diseased foliage to maintain plant health.
Dividing phlox every few years helps prevent overcrowding and promotes vigorous growth. Dig up the clumps, separate them into smaller sections, and replant them in well-prepared soil. Cutting back the plants after the first frost helps prepare them for winter and reduces the risk of diseases overwintering in the plant debris.
Coral Bells (Heuchera)
Coral Bells are prized for their colorful foliage and delicate flowers. Native to North America, these perennials are not considered invasive and are a great addition to shady gardens. As summer ends, it’s important to remove any dead or damaged leaves to keep the plant healthy and prevent diseases.
Dividing Coral Bells every three to four years helps maintain their vigor and prevents overcrowding. Dig up the clumps, separate them into smaller sections, and replant them in well-drained soil. Adding a layer of mulch around the base of the plants helps retain moisture and protect the roots as temperatures begin to drop.
Shasta Daisies (Leucanthemum x superbum)
Shasta Daisies are cheerful perennials known for their classic white petals and yellow centers. Native to Europe, these plants are not invasive and can add a touch of elegance to any garden. As summer ends, deadheading spent blooms encourages more flowers and keeps the plants looking tidy.
Cutting back Shasta Daisies to about 2 inches above the ground after they finish blooming helps prepare them for winter. This reduces the risk of pests and diseases overwintering in the plant debris. Dividing the clumps every few years helps prevent overcrowding and promotes vigorous growth, ensuring a beautiful display of flowers each summer.
Salvia
Salvia, also known as sage, is a versatile perennial with fragrant foliage and vibrant flowers. Native to the Mediterranean region, salvias are not invasive and attract pollinators like bees and butterflies. As summer ends, cutting back the spent flower spikes encourages new growth and potentially more blooms.
Dividing salvia plants every few years helps maintain their vigor and prevents overcrowding. Dig up the clumps, separate them into smaller sections, and replant them in well-drained soil. Adding a layer of mulch around the base of the plants helps retain moisture and protect the roots as temperatures begin to drop.
Astilbe
Astilbe are shade-loving perennials known for their feathery plumes of flowers. Native to Asia and North America, astilbe are not invasive and thrive in moist, well-drained soil. As summer ends, it’s important to remove any spent flower plumes and dead foliage to keep the plants healthy and prevent diseases.
Dividing astilbe every three to four years helps maintain their vigor and promotes better flowering. Dig up the clumps, separate them into smaller sections, and replant them in enriched soil. Adding a layer of mulch around the base of the plants helps retain moisture and insulate the roots as temperatures begin to drop.
Lavender (Lavandula)
Lavender is a beloved perennial known for its fragrant flowers and foliage. Native to the Mediterranean region, lavender is not invasive and is a wonderful addition to sunny, well-drained gardens. As summer ends, it’s crucial to prune lavender to maintain its shape and promote healthy growth. Cutting back about one-third of the plant helps prevent woody growth and encourages new shoots.
Mulching lavender plants can help retain moisture and protect the roots from winter cold. However, be careful not to cover the crown of the plant to avoid rot. Lavender’s beautiful scent and attractive blooms make it a standout in any garden, and proper end-of-summer care ensures it remains healthy and vibrant.
Japanese Anemone
Japanese Anemone is a charming perennial that blooms in late summer and early fall. Native to China and Japan, these plants are not considered invasive and can add a touch of elegance to any garden. As summer ends, it’s important to deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms and remove any dead or diseased foliage.
Dividing Japanese Anemones every few years helps prevent overcrowding and promotes vigorous growth. Dig up the clumps, separate them into smaller sections, and replant them in well-prepared soil. Adding a layer of mulch around the base of the plants helps retain moisture and protect the roots as temperatures begin to drop.
