Question
Hi! I planted a lot of new perennials last year and I don't know which ones to totally cut to the ground, or which ones to just cut back.  Is there a general rule about cutting them?  Also is it best to wait until spring, or should they be cut back in the fall? Some of my new ones are: Zinnias, Daisy,Pincushion (Scabiosa columbaria)just to name a few.  Thanks for any help!

Answer
Hello Barb

Now this is where we experts really start to disagree!!

If you want a very tidy garden over the winter, then cut perennials to the ground in the fall when the growth has begun to die down naturally.

If you don't mind a bit on untidiness, wait until early spring.

The latter does have some advantages in that the seed heads left will help to feed birds through the winter and the dead stems will provide a measure of protection from frost.

If you opt to leave cutting back until spring be careful not to cut any new growth that may be emerging (this method does make it a bit labor intensive).

If you decide to cut back in the fall, provide some protection from frosts by spreading a layer of mulch about 2" thick over and around the plants.  You can gently brush away the mulch to expose the new growth around this time of year.

Remember also that perennials are usually very tough and can survive most of what we do to them!!

Gill