Should one cut perennials or not? There is no blanket yes or no, but there are two tips to help you decide.

Cut perennials - yes or no?

Some say cut perennials must be, others advise against it. In general, you can do what you want in your garden, but a sensible pruning makes sense for most perennials. This prevents on the one hand the uncontrolled proliferation and on the other hand promotes the second flowering phase. These two tips should be taken into account when cutting the perennials.

 

Schneiden Cut perennials in summer

If perennials have withered, then you can safely cut them. On the one hand this strengthens the perennials, on the other hand they usually re-exude and form a second flower. In addition, self-seeding is prevented by the pruning. Start with the summer cut as soon as most of the flowers have withered. It is about a hand's breadth above the ground. Then add some fertilizer to the shrub and water to encourage the regrowth of the shoots. Such perennials are for example the larkspur , the thimble or the cranesbill.

 

Cut perennials in spring - keep away in winter

Do not cut perennials before winter. The withered shoots simply stop. This gives the plant extra protection in the cold season and usually does not even look so bad. Such perennials are plants that bloom into autumn, such as Liatris, Eisenhut, Fette Henne or asters and chrysanthemums . The cut is done in spring.
If you still want to cut in the fall, you are welcome to do so, but the plants are more susceptible to frost damage. Therefore, it is best to cover well with foliage, but then remove it again in the spring in order to prevent rot.