Let’s talk perennials and that blissful, non-stop color they bring to our gardens! Imagine your garden overflowing with blooms, buzzing with bees, and dazzling eyes with a whirlwind of colors all summer long. Now, if you’re like me and you want to see that happen, it’s essential to start with a little snip-snip here and there. Spring is the time to get those pruning shears out and start shaping up your plants for a season full of life.
But it’s not just a chop fest; knowing how much to cut and where is key to getting it right. For instance, some perennials prefer a light trim, while others may need to be cut back quite a bit more to promote flowering.
Let’s delve into the top 10 perennials that require your attention now to set the stage for a summer filled with colorful blooms.
Shasta Daisy (Leucanthemum x superbum)
Shasta Daisies are like a ray of sunshine in any garden, with their timeless white petals surrounding a sunny yellow center. Not only are they charming, but they’re also reliable bloomers from early summer right through until fall. Want to keep those cheerful flowers going strong? Give them a proper trim in spring. After the first round of flowering, trim back the entire plant by about one-third. This little snip encourages a second wave of blooms later in the summer, ensuring your garden stays bright and beautiful all season long.
Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)
Echinacea, also known as coneflowers, are low-maintenance perennials that bring joy to gardens with their vibrant blooms from early summer to late autumn. To encourage vigorous growth and maximize flowering, trim off spent flowers back to a leaf where new buds are emerging. Late spring is the perfect time to cut back by one-third to stimulate the growth of bushier plants.
Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia)
Stands out in any garden, Russian Sage, boasting vibrant blooms from midsummer through fall. To ensure it looks its best and stays healthy, consider a thorough pruning session in early spring. This involves cutting the plant back significantly, to about 6 to 12 inches in height, once the flowers begin to fade and winter approaches. This not only encourages new growth but also prevents the plant from appearing messy with long stems during the winter months. Alternatively, you can opt to delay this hard pruning until late winter or the very beginning of spring.
Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia fulgida)
Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia fulgida) is beloved in gardens for its striking blooms, which endure from midsummer through fall. To maintain a continuous display of blossoms, regular deadheading during the flowering season is advisable. And come springtime, don’t hesitate to give your Black-Eyed Susans a thorough haircut—trim them back to just a few inches from the ground. While this may seem drastic, it fosters fuller and stronger growth, guaranteeing another season of stunning blossoms.
Coreopsis (Coreopsis grandiflora)
Coreopsis brings vibrancy to any garden, blooming from early to late summer with its cheerful, colorful flowers. To ensure your Coreopsis thrives and blooms abundantly, regular deadheading is essential. This simple task prompts the plant to produce more blooms, extending its flowering period and enhancing its overall appearance.
In addition to deadheading, a light trim in spring can work wonders for your Coreopsis. This helps maintain a rounder shape for the plant and stimulates further flowering throughout the season.
Daylilies (Hemerocallis spp.)
Daylilies (Hemerocallis spp.) are famous for their extended bloom period, stretching from late spring through late summer. After the initial flurry of blooms, it’s recommended to trim the flower stalks at their base. This promotes fresh growth and extends the flowering season. Furthermore, in early spring, it’s beneficial to clear away any old foliage from the plant’s base.
Peonies (Paeonia lactiflora)
Peonies grace gardens with their stunning blooms, typically appearing from late spring to early summer. Once the flowers have faded, it’s advantageous to remove the spent blooms. This practice not only improves the plant’s appearance but also invigorates it by redirecting energy into new growth. Additionally, in spring before fresh growth emerges, it’s recommended to trim back any remaining foliage from the previous year. This aids in rejuvenating the plant and fostering healthy development throughout the growing season.
Salvia (Salvia nemorosa)
Salvia (Salvia nemorosa) is a standout in late spring and early summer, adding vibrant blooms to any garden. To extend its flowering season and ensure a continuous display, consider taking action after the first round of flowering. Just trim back the flower spikes by half, and watch as the plant rewards you with a second wave of beautiful blooms. This straightforward maintenance step can significantly prolong the enjoyment of Salvia’s colorful presence in your garden throughout the entire season.
Catmint (Nepeta spp.)
Catmint is a dependable addition to any garden, boasting blooms that last from early summer to fall. To keep the plant thriving and encourage a second round of flowers, a bit of post-bloom maintenance is key. After the initial burst of blooms, trim away the faded flowers and about one-third of the top growth. This simple step stimulates the plant to produce new blooms, ensuring a constant show of beauty in your garden all season long.
Sedum ‘Autumn Joy’ (Hylotelephium ‘Herbstfreude’)
Sedum ‘Autumn Joy’ is like the late bloomer who steals the show when everyone else has left the party. Picture this: late summer, your garden’s feeling a bit tired, but here comes Sedum ‘Autumn Joy’ strutting in, ready to add a pop of color well into fall. In early spring, when Sedum ‘Autumn Joy’ reaches 6 to 8 inches in height, pinching back its growing tips promotes sturdier, more compact growth and encourages abundant blooming later in the season.
