by Peggy
Burch
Colorado State University Cooperative Extension
Agent, Horticulture
Larimer County
Q. Last year I did not clean up my perennial bed in the fall. When spring came, it was really a mess. How do I clean up in the fall to prevent this from happening again?
A. Herbaceous perennials are non-woody plants that die back to the ground after a hard frost, creating a wet soggy mess that is difficult to clean up the following spring. In fall, after the leaves and stems of perennials have turned brown, cut the stems down to just a couple of inches above the ground. This will also allow you to locate the plant easier in the spring. For plants without stems, remove dead leaves and avoid cutting or damaging the basal rosettes or growing points. Mark the location of the plant. If the perennial is semi-woody, such as Echinacea, you can choose to leave the stems until early spring to provide some winter interest and seed for birds—this same rule goes for ornamental grasses. Remove all leaf litter to prevent spread of insects and disease. After the weather has cooled, mulch the area to prevent drying and frost heaving. For information on mulching, refer to CSU Extension Fact Sheet #7.214, “Mulches for Home Grounds.”
Q. Last year I did not water any of my plantings in the winter, since I didn’t realize it was necessary. I lost a couple of trees and some perennials. How do I water in the winter?
A. Colorado can have extended warm, dry spells in the winter. It can also be very cold and sometimes very wet. Many types of plantings, including trees, shrubs, perennials and lawns can suffer damage when the weather is dry for a lengthy period of time. Newly established plants are especially susceptible to damage. Water plants when leaves start to fall in autumn to enable the plants to enter winter with adequate moisture. If four weeks elapse without snow cover, water the plants again. Be sure to water when temperatures are above freezing and early in the day so water can soak in. For more detailed information, read Fact Sheet #7.211, “Fall and Winter Watering.”
Gardening and Insect Fact Sheets are available on-line by clicking HERE.
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