Perennial Cleanup: Bee Balm and Black-Eyed Susan

Leave Roots, Remove Spent Tops

Both are perennials—roots survive winter. Deadhead faded blooms to ground, leaving basal leaves for root energy storage. After full dieback, mulch crowns with leaf mold/compost. Bee balm spreads; black-eyed Susan clumps divide after few years.

"Plants for Free" Bonus

• Bee balm: self-seeds, appears in new spots
• Black-eyed Susan: divide clumps every 3-4 years
• Both: reliable return annually

Minimal fall work yields maximum spring returns.