Postseason Perennial Care: Cutting Back and Dividing

Cutting Back

Herbaceous perennials: cut to ground after tops die back in fall. Woody/evergreen perennials: leave until spring, then cut back by half to just above swelling buds.

Dividing

Most perennials need division every few years to flower well. Signs: centers dying out, fewer/smaller flowers annually. Divide spring bloomers in fall; summer-to-fall bloomers in early spring. Dig clump, tease roots apart by hand or cut with knife/spade, replant.