Core perennials and practical pruning tips
| Perennial | When to Prune | Notes / Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Coneflowers (Echinacea) | Fall or Spring | Leave seed heads for birds; cut back in spring before new growth |
| Hostas | Fall | Cut down to ground after frost; reduces pests and disease |
| Peonies | Fall | Remove all foliage to prevent fungal issues |
| Daylilies | Fall or Spring | Trim leaves to 6–8” above soil; remove old flower stalks |
| Sedum (Autumn Joy / Stonecrop) | Spring | Leave fall blooms for winter interest; cut back before new growth |
| Phlox (Garden Phlox) | Fall or Spring | Cut lightly in fall; heavy pruning in spring if needed |
| Shasta Daisies | Fall | Deadhead spent flowers; cut stems before winter or wait until spring |
| Lavender | After Flowering | Cut back 1/3 after bloom; avoid cutting into old wood |
| Astilbe | Fall | Cut down to soil; leave crowns undisturbed |
| Bee Balm (Monarda) | Fall | Cut back to 2–3” above soil to reduce powdery mildew |
| Salvia | Fall or Spring | Cut spent blooms; hard prune in spring for bushy growth |
| Russian Sage | Spring | Cut back dead stems; protects crown over winter |
| Coral Bells (Heuchera) | Fall | Trim dead leaves; spring clean-up for shaping |
| Iris (Bearded) | After Bloom / Fall | Remove spent flower stalks; trim foliage to 6–8” |
| Rudbeckia (Black-eyed Susan) | Fall | Optional: leave for winter interest |
Less common perennials + space to add your own notes
| Perennial | When to Prune | Notes / Tips / Your Observations |
|---|---|---|
| Delphiniums | Fall or Spring | |
| Fall Bulbs (tulips, daffodils) | N/A | |
| Roses | Early Spring | |
| Hydrangea (Macrophylla) | After Flowering | |
| Hydrangea (Paniculata) | Early Spring | |
| Lilacs | After Flowering | |
| Forsythia | After Flowering | |