Question:
kb-176 - What do I do with my perennials in the fall?
Answer:
First and most important is to thoroughly and deeply water before the ground freezes, this will prevent damage from cold, dry soil. When the plants die back you can cut them back and clean up the leaves or you can leave them and do your clean-up in the spring. The only plants that really need to be cut back in the fall are Peonies, Lilies and Barrenwort. Once the ground has started to freeze, you can mulch any perennials that need a little extra protection. When you cut back your perennials you want to cut plants back to about 5cm high.