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#298071
Oct 17th, 2009 at 02:03 PM
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 442
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 442 |
Sorry if I'm in the the wrong place but couldn't find a perennial section. Anyways we had a killer frost and everything is hanging including my hostas and day lilies and more. I usually leave them until the following spring. We had a dump of snow but the snow melted and it's an eye sore. Can I cut them down or is that detrimental to the plant long term? Thanks
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Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 37,027 Likes: 9
California Queen
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California Queen
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 37,027 Likes: 9 |
This is the correct forum, I guess. Unless it would be better in plant pests and problems.
I know that daylilies and hostas can be cut back and you may as well. They tend to use up valuable energy trying to bring dead leaves back to life as long as they are still attached. Save all that energy for next year's show. .
~Tina ![[Linked Image]](//www.agardenersforum.com/images/graphics/buttons/tina.gif) ![[Linked Image]](//www.agardenersforum.com/images/graphics/buttons/gardenhelper.jpg) Drama Free Zone. What every gardener loves the most, Begins and ends in rich compost. (Tina)
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Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 31,597
Purl One
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Purl One
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 31,597 |
You can cut them back now - I try to do that here in zone 6, so it looks a bit neater, though I don't always get it done before we have snow. Either way is fine for the plants - it's a personal preference.
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Joined: Oct 2005
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Hot Rod
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Hot Rod
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 21,848 |
I don't cut my frozen flowers down, cause it is extra feed for the birds in the winter snows.. I read that. And it drys better for easy removing in the spring. And is sort of a nice mulch for the protection of he hardy plants. dodge
![[Linked Image]](//www.agardenersforum.com/images/graphics/buttons/dodge.gif) PS... My horse isn't here, this is my Nitemare..
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Joined: Jul 2005
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Deep Purple
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Deep Purple
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 2,477 |
i rarely cut anything back for winter (it's just so much easier to just give a gentle tug in spring when everything is completely dried out).
the seedheads provide food for birds and other critters. they also provide some interest in the bleek winter landscape - whether they're popping up through a layer of snow or not, so, some things should actually be left instead of cutting them back.
if the way things look is bothering you, you can certainly cut them back and there won't be any damage to the plants - they're done growing this season, so, it's safe enough to cut things back at this point.
Zone 6b
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Joined: Nov 2003
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Purl One
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Purl One
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 31,597 |
I agree about leaving food for the birds - I always leave my coneflowers and black eyed suzies for just that reason.
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 442
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Thank you for the advice. Much appreciated.
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Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 47,223 Likes: 34
Frogger
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Frogger
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 47,223 Likes: 34 |
I agree about leaving food for the birds - I always leave my coneflowers and black eyed suzies for just that reason. So if I am lazy & let my flowers alone, it is all good, huh???? AND my birdies will like me for it?....great!!! Thanks guys.........
![[Linked Image from agardenersforum.com]](//www.agardenersforum.com/images/graphics/buttons/junie.gif) ________ Life isn't about how to survive the storm, but how to dance in the rain!! .....
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