They are considered to be extremely easy to care for, add impressive splashes of color to the garden, but must be brought to reason with their growth in late summer. In the case of perennials, the principle applies that the weaker are overgrown by the stronger, so that a courageous cut in the direction of autumn is the prerequisite for lush flowers and fresh shoots at the beginning of the next gardening season.

A vigorous pruning in late summer is the prerequisite for lush flowering next year

The diseased parts of the plant should first be thoroughly removed and then put away so that the remains cannot rot. Dry shoots are shortened to a height of five to ten centimeters above the ground. On the one hand, they are welcome retreats for insects or birds, and the perennials offer better protection against cold frosts during the winter. Shortening shoots by two thirds means that the buds for the coming year can already form now, for which the plants in the actual spring flowering period lack the biological strength. This applies in particular to the following late flowering perennials:

  • knapweed
  • autumn asters
  • cranesbill
  • snakehead
  • balloon flowers

Pruning actions during late summer

Even if the hardy perennials are naturally very robust and, as perennial specimens, are quite hardy: Permanent snipping is not recommended, even with fast-growing plants. The inevitable wound that occurs with every cut also promotes the penetration of pathogens, which in the long run can have a negative effect on the growth of the perennials.

Pruning to extend flowering periods

  • Promotes growth as dead plant parts are removed.
  • Prevents unwanted self-sowing of falling seeds.
  • Particularly good to use with: phlox, coneflowers, lupins and peonies.

Pruning for leaf formation and promotion of second flowering

  • If the weather is favourable, new leaves can form four weeks after the pruning has taken place. If you do it particularly vigorously, you can also look forward to new flowers.
  • Particularly suitable are: Jacob's ladder, bellflower, delphinium, yarrow and sage.

Pruning to promote growth

  • A generous pruning of woody perennials shortly after flowering ensures a neat and bushy perennial shape. To do this, shorten the shoots in question by at least a third of the current length.
  • Good to use with: rosemary, lavender, thyme and holy herb.

Category:

Herbs