WINTERING & UNCOVERING OF PERENNIALS

Wintering over perennials is really quite easy. Plants that are hardy to zone 3 or 4 need minimal winter preparation. Perennial plants die back to the ground each winter. In the spring all new growth comes up from the old root system.

Maturity

  • The perennial root system increases in size just like the above ground foliage.
  • It takes most perennials about three years to reach their mature size.

Fall Care

  • Cutting all perennials back in the fall, to within three inches from the ground and disposing of the leaves is recommended.
  • Cutting in the fall makes spring cleanup easier and ensures that you aren`t over wintering any fungi.
  • It is especially important to remove old leaves from peony bushes because they can hold a fungus that will keep the plant from producing blooms next spring.
  • Exceptions to cutting back would be any plants that provide winter interest such as ornamental grasses and sedum. Also any semi-evergreen plants which include Dianthus, Ajuga, Vinca, Pachysandra, Bergenia, Euonymus, and Heuchera do not need to be cut back.

Winter protection

  • Protection for perennials is important when we have no snow cover to act as an insulating blanket.
  • It is always a good idea to mulch your garden.
  • Linder`s recommends using marsh hay for mulching because it has better loft and fewer weed seeds.
  • Mulching the plants in fall keeps the cold in and slows down early spring growth.
  • Winter mulching is recommended for first year or late fall perennial plantings.
  • Many gardeners try to extend their plant selection with plants for zone 5 or 6. Many of these plants will do fine in Wisconsin if given extra protection.
  • After cutting back, make a mound over the plant with additional soil and then add mulch.

Uncovering in Spring

Removal of Mulch

  • Uncovering perennials should be done in the spring once the soil has warmed enough for growth to start.
  • If left on too long fungus may start to grow and cause damage to the tender shoots that are developing.
  • Also, excessive weak growth without sunshine under the mulch may be damaged when the cover is removed.
  • Uncover in Mid-April but also check for mold on the new plant growth.
  • Leave mulch near by if there is a danger of frost at night.