· To prevent the disease from returning the following year, we suggest cutting the plants back in the fall and removing any debris – no matter the variety! It will give your plants a clean start next season. · Not all perennials need cutting back in fall! Learn which plants to trim, which to leave alone, and how to protect your garden from winter damage and disease. · Ahead, here are the plants you shouldcutback this fall to reduce disease risk, improve the appearance of your winter garden, and give your plants a healthy head start next spring: · Just like with perennial sunflowers, we can cut it back in the fall if it’s showing signs of mildew or if it’s tall enough to become prone to windrock over the winter months. · When fall arrives, the flowering season of most perennials also comes to a close. But do you want to enjoy their blossoms (and, why not, foliage) next year as well? If you do, you may have to cut them back, so they can survive winter safely underground and return strong, healthy and willing to bloom next year. · If you don't know where to start, we've done the work for you—here, 10 perennials that experts recommend always cuttingback in the fall. Beautiful and aromatic, bee balm (Monarda) is a favorite of pollinators and a bright spot in any garden. It also benefits from an autumn pruning.