Winter can be a tough time for perennials and shrubs, but with the right care, you can help them survive the cold and come back strong in spring. Proper winter preparation not only protects plants from freezing temperatures and moisture but also sets them up for healthy growth. Here’s how to care for your perennials and shrubs throughout the winter months.
1. Cut Back and Clean Up Perennials
To prepare perennials for winter, start by cleaning up dead foliage and stems.
- Trim Back Spent Stems: Cut back perennials like coneflowers, peonies, and hostas to a few inches above the ground. This removes dying foliage and prevents diseases.
- Leave Seed Heads for Wildlife: For plants like sunflowers or black-eyed Susans, consider leaving some seed heads to feed birds during winter.
- Remove Debris: Clear away fallen leaves and dead plant material around the base to prevent pests and diseases from taking shelter.
2. Mulch for Insulation
A good layer of mulch acts as a winter blanket, protecting roots and stabilizing soil temperatures.
- Apply a 2-4 Inch Layer: Spread mulch around the base of perennials and shrubs to insulate roots and preserve moisture.
- Use Organic Mulches: Straw, shredded leaves, and bark are ideal for winter as they break down slowly, adding nutrients to the soil.
- Avoid Mulching Too Early: Wait until after the first frost to prevent trapping too much moisture, which can encourage rot.
3. Water Thoroughly Before the Ground Freezes
While plants need less water in winter, a deep watering before the ground freezes helps them withstand winter dryness.
- Water Deeply and Slowly: Ensure that soil around shrubs and perennials is evenly moist, especially for evergreens, which need to retain moisture through winter.
- Don’t Water Frozen Soil: Once the ground is frozen, avoid further watering as it won’t be absorbed and could freeze around the roots.
4. Prune at the Right Time
While pruning is essential for plant health, timing is critical in winter.
- Prune Damaged Branches: Trim back any dead or diseased branches on shrubs and small trees to prevent them from breaking under the weight of snow or ice.
- Avoid Pruning Spring-Flowering Shrubs: For shrubs like lilac or forsythia, wait until after they bloom in spring to prune, as they form buds in late summer and fall.
- Wait on Major Pruning: Avoid heavy pruning until late winter or early spring, when plants are getting ready to grow again.
5. Protect Plants with Burlap or Frost Cloth
For tender shrubs and those in exposed areas, extra insulation can prevent frost damage.
- Wrap Vulnerable Shrubs: Wrap sensitive shrubs, such as boxwoods and young evergreens, in burlap or frost cloth to protect them from wind and freezing temperatures.
- Create a Windbreak: Erect a burlap barrier or use stakes around delicate shrubs to reduce the impact of harsh winds.
- Avoid Plastic Covers: Plastic can trap moisture and cause freezing damage; opt for breathable materials like burlap instead.
6. Guard Against Animal Damage
During winter, animals may seek food and shelter in your garden, potentially damaging plants.
- Install Physical Barriers: Use chicken wire or netting around shrubs to prevent deer, rabbits, and other animals from nibbling on branches.
- Apply Natural Repellents: Consider using safe, animal-friendly repellents or sprays that deter browsing.
- Wrap Tree Trunks: For young trees and vulnerable shrubs, wrap trunks or stems in hardware cloth or tree guards to protect against rodents.
7. Avoid Fertilizing Late in the Season
Fertilizing perennials and shrubs before winter can encourage late growth, which is especially vulnerable to frost damage.
- Hold Off on Fertilizers: Avoid fertilizing plants in fall, as this can stimulate tender growth that will likely not survive cold temperatures.
- Plan to Fertilize in Spring: Wait until early spring to apply fertilizer, which will nourish plants as they begin their active growth cycle.
8. Use Snow to Your Advantage
Snow acts as an insulator for plants, shielding them from extreme temperatures and maintaining soil moisture.
- Gently Pack Snow Around Shrubs: If you receive light snow, pack it around the base of shrubs to create an insulating layer.
- Avoid Piling Heavy Snow: Don’t pile large amounts of snow on top of delicate perennials, as this can break branches or stems.
- Clear Away Ice Carefully: Ice can damage plants if it builds up. Remove it gently to avoid breaking branches or injuring the plant.
9. Prepare Container Plants for Winter
Perennials and shrubs in containers are more susceptible to frost since the roots aren’t insulated by the ground.
- Move Containers Indoors: Bring delicate container plants into a garage or shed to keep roots from freezing.
- Wrap Containers: For hardy plants staying outdoors, insulate pots by wrapping them in burlap, bubble wrap, or placing them in larger containers filled with straw.
- Group Pots Together: Group containers near a wall or in a protected area to create a microclimate with slightly warmer temperatures.
10. Monitor Plants Throughout Winter
Regular checks during winter can help you spot potential issues and address them before they become problems.
- Inspect After Storms: Check for broken branches, animal damage, or uprooted plants after winter storms.
- Adjust Mulch as Needed: If mulch has shifted, replenish or redistribute it to ensure consistent protection.
- Look Out for Frost Heave: Freezing and thawing can cause soil to shift, exposing roots. Re-cover any exposed roots with soil or mulch to protect them.
By following these steps, you can protect your perennials and shrubs from the challenges of winter. With proper care, they’ll remain resilient through the cold months and emerge healthy, ready for new growth come spring.
