How to Prune Perennials
Perennials are distinguished from annuals by returning every year, provided that they are properly cared for during the growing and off-season. Part of taking care of the perennials is making sure they are properly pruned to keep them healthy.
Directions:
- Inspect the area around the plant. Take away any leaves that have fallen from the plant, or any old mulch. Make sure that there is no mold or signs of decay to the plant and remove any of it, as well as other breeding areas for insects, from the plant and the area around it.
- Trim flower stems that are faded or turning dark and remove the areas of those plants above where new leaves are starting to form.
- Remove dead and brown stems, as well as dead flowers that are still on the plant. This should be done late in the fall for most areas. This may vary, however, depending on the climate.
- Use a fertilizer on the soil of the plant. It is best to use a fertilizer that has slow-release features, which help the plant grow.
- Complement the soil with a new layer of mulch. This also discourages weed growth around the plant.
- Prune the plants with scissors or pruners by cutting an inch around the entire plant. This should be done after the plants have flowered for the season (typically in late spring or early summer of the year), and help additional blooms to form.