| How to Prune Perennial Beds | | | | at leaf nodes (where leaf meets the stem). Each |
| Maintaining your landscape beds year-round | | | | plant should be investigated as to whether it has |
| doesn't have to be a chore. You can reap the | | | | a lateral or singular stalk. Lateral flower heads can |
| benefits of arranged pruning with a few simple | | | | be pruned back to the node. Terminal flower |
| steps. Take note of the specific types of plants in | | | | heads may be cut back to the terminal leaves or |
| your garden. Do they have singular or lateral | | | | the next lateral bud. When in doubt you can |
| stalks with blossoms? Identify which blooms need | | | | always prune the stem back to the closest lateral |
| to be pruned or simply removed. Prune all | | | | leaf. |
| necessary perennials. In less than a week, you will | | | | A few plants with singular stalks may be pruned |
| see rows of new color and refreshed plants. | | | | to the ground including: Hostas, Coral bells, and |
| Why should you deadhead your perennials? | | | | Lady's mantle. Whereas lateral stalks produce new |
| Dead-heading is defined as, "the process of | | | | buds near the leaf nodes, they may be pruned |
| removing spent blossoms." This process can | | | | back to the original node, just before the leaf |
| prolong the bloom period of your plants and | | | | stem. Some flowers requiring this type of pruning |
| prevent further seeding of plants you may not | | | | include: Salvia, Spiderwort, Golden phlox, and |
| desire growing in your garden next season. | | | | Roses. If you want a low maintenance gardening |
| Perennials will have a cleaner appearance when | | | | routine, you may consider planting: Astilbe, Sedum |
| you prune the dying flowers from each spent | | | | 'autumn joy,' and Russian sage. Contact your local |
| stalk. A few other benefits include the appearance | | | | nursery for more plants that require little or no |
| and growth of new buds and blooms. | | | | pruning during spring and summer months. Then |
| Plants consist of a stem, nodes, internodes, | | | | sit back and enjoy your revitalized garden. |
| flower stalks, and leaves. New flower stalks form | | | | |