If you have never cut back a perennial during the growing season, it can be a little scary to take the pruners to it. Here is the timing for some common plants.

After blooming

1. Bluestar (Amsonia spp. and cvs., Zones 3–9)

2. Brunnera (Brunnera macrophylla and cvs., Zones 3–8)

3. Columbine (Aquilegia spp. and cvs., Zones 3–8)

4. Baptisia (Baptisia spp. and cvs., Zones 3–9)

5. Coreopsis (Coreopsis spp. and cvs., Zones 3–9)

6. Geranium (Geranium spp. and cvs., Zones 3–8)

7. Iris (Iris spp. and cvs., Zones 3–9)

8. Salvia (Salvia nemerosa and cvs., Zones 4–8)

9. Woodland phlox (Phlox divaricata and cvs., Zones 4–8)

Before blooming

10. Aster (Aster, Symphyotrichum, and Eurybia spp. and cvs., Zones 3–8)

11. Bee balm (Monarda spp. and cvs., Zones 4–9)

12. Culver’s root (Veronicastrum virginicum and cvs., Zones 4–8)

13. Helianthus (Helianthus spp. and cvs., Zones 4–9)

14. Garden phlox (Phlox paniculata and cvs., Zones 4–8)

15. Goldenrod (Solidago spp. and cvs., Zones 3–9)

16. Mums (Dendranthema spp. and cvs., Zones 3–9)

17. Tall sedums (Hylotelephium spp. and cvs., Zones 3–9)

18. Toad lily (Tricyrtus spp. and cvs., Zones 5–9)

SOURCE: DiSabato-Aust, Tracy. The Well-Tended Perennial Garden. Timber Press, Portland, OR. 1998.

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