when to cut back black eyed susans for winter and how to do it right

Alternatively, the flower stems can be left to cut back in the spring. Make sure that gutter downspouts do not drain near or on the planting site. Black - eyed susans are hardy perennials that do not need to be brought into an unheated greenhouse or basement to survive the winter. Root rot is a common problem when plants are left to sit in cold, waterlogged soil for too long. Watering during the winter is not usually necessary. The plants need a period of dormancy to prepare for new growth in the spring. This not only tidies up the garden but also prepares the plants for winter. Cut the stems down to the ground, or to the basal growth if you are gardening in the warmer hardiness zones. Containers need to have excellent drainage for the plants to overwinter successfully. Run-off from driveways, patios, neighboring yards, or streets can also be i. Birds and other wildlife will feast on the seeds through the winte. The plant roots are not actively growing and can survive on little moisture if needed. · cut back black-eyed susans anytime dead foliage appears —it’s optional, not required. · fall is the optimal time to cut back black-eyed susans, reducing them to 4-6 inches above ground, removing spent flowers and damaged foliage. While it’s not mandatory to prune for winter, it eases spring clean-up. If the pot is sitting in water at any time, it should be either moved to another location or lifted up on bricks or pot feet. Herbaceous perennials do not make suitable houseplants and do not need to be overwintered in the house. · because of this, you may want to hold off on cutting black - eyed susans back. · come fall, after flowering has ended, i cut back my black - eyed susans to a few inches above the ground level. In warmer climates, supplemental watering may be needed during long stretches of dry weather. Leaving them up helps wildlife, soil health, and reseeding for next season. · this comprehensive guide will provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to prune black - eyed susans for winter , ensuring they return with even more vibrant blooms next year. · cutting back plants in the fall helps to tidy and neaten the garden for winter , while removing the seed heads will prevent black eyed susans self-seeding all over the garden – something they are famed for doing. They can be deadheaded any time of year to promote new flower growth, but pruning the entire plant should be done autumn to early spring, mcdonough says. If pruning, use clean shears and cut near the base without damaging the crown. Cutting back of dead or dying top growth is the only maintenance that is needed for winter preparation. See full list on plantaddicts. com The most important thing to monitor during the winter is the drainage in the garden or the container. Applying an organic mulch will help conserve soil moisture and insulate the plant crown. The alternative is to leave the plants in situ over winter.

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