Pruning Perrenials

If you're a seasoned perennials gardener, you know that it's not just about the intial planting and watering your plants. Regular maintenance is important to get the most out of your plant. eHow.com has great instructions on How to Prune Perennials.

1. Start off by removing old mulch and yard waste around the plant. My aunt and uncle probably tend to dead and fallen yard-waste more than they do maintaining their actual plants and trees. How clean and clear your yard looks affects the overall presentation of your garden; if there is too much junk around, your beautiful plants and flowers will be unseen amongst the waste.
2. Unfortunately, what was once a beautiful flower will eventually fade and die. Faded flowers and stems can also lower the quality of the overall plant, so be sure to cut these off. Be careful to only cut until where fresh new leaves are growing.
3. Because most perennials tend to turn ugly at the sign of any cold temperatures, it's important to know when to prune. Cut back all dead stems and flowers in late fall if you live in a mild climate, or early spring in colder climates. To see if your perennials should be pruned in the Spring, read About.com's Suggested Perennial Plants to Prune in the Spring and see if your plant is listed.
4. After you've pruned and cleaned up the plant, start adding new fertilizer and mulch to jump-start new growth. The extra layer of mulch will also keep the plant well-moisturized and will prevent weeds from growing.
5. You're not done yet! Shortly after flowering seasoning starts, be sure to keep up with the maintenance. Cut off 1 inch evenly around the plant to create a much cleaner and luscious overall look for your garden. And with more space, it will also encourage more blooming for the rest of the season.