Complete Gardening
As autumn winds down and the chill of November settles in, gardeners everywhere are tidying up their gardens for the winter.
However, not all perennials should be cut back at this time. Some plants benefit from being left as they are, adding texture to the winter garden and providing habitats for wildlife.
Here, we explore ten perennials you should let be this November, ensuring your garden remains vibrant and healthy.
1. Sedum
Sedum, also known as ‘stonecrop’, is a sturdy perennial that offers late-season blooms.
Its thick foliage and vibrant flowers add structure and color to your garden, even as temperatures drop.
By leaving Sedum uncut, you allow its seed heads to provide winter interest and food for birds.
2. Echinacea (Coneflower)
Echinacea plants are renowned for their resilience and stunning blooms.
Leaving their seed heads intact through the winter not only provides visual interest but also serves as a food source for birds.
Plus, the spent flowers can catch the morning frost beautifully.
3. Hellebores
Hellebores, often called Christmas Roses, bloom in late winter to early spring.
By not cutting them back in the fall, you allow the plant to conserve energy and prepare for its early bloom, adding life to your garden when most plants are still dormant.
4. Russian Sage
Russian Sage is adored for its aromatic foliage and long-lasting blooms.
Instead of cutting it back, leave the stems to catch the snow and frost, which can create a picturesque display in your winter garden.
Furthermore, it provides shelter for overwintering insects.
5. Ornamental Grasses
Ornamental grasses add movement and sound to your winter garden.
Their tall stalks and feathery plumes stand out against the stark landscape.
Leaving them intact helps protect the crowns and provides habitats for small creatures.
6. Cardinal Flower
Though the Cardinal Flower’s blooms are summer highlights, its tall stalks and seed heads provide winter interest.
By leaving them uncut, you offer food for birds and help the plant reseed naturally, ensuring its return next year.
7. Japanese Anemone
Japanese Anemones are known for their late-season beauty.
Their seed heads can be quite attractive in winter, catching frost and adding texture.
Allow them to stand through winter to protect the plant’s crown and encourage a more robust growth in spring.
8. Black-Eyed Susan
Black-Eyed Susans provide a pop of color well into the fall.
By not cutting them back, you leave their seed heads for birds to enjoy and allow the plant to self-seed, potentially bringing more blooms to your garden next year.
9. Astilbe
Astilbes are favored for their feathery flower spikes.
In winter, these spent blooms catch the frost beautifully, creating a stunning visual effect.
Let them stand to provide winter interest and a habitat for beneficial insects.
10. Coral Bells
Coral Bells are appreciated for their colorful foliage that lasts well into fall.
By leaving the leaves intact, you protect the plant’s crown from winter damage and maintain ground coverage, which helps retain soil moisture and temperature.