foliage, rather than pruning to the ground when no
signs of life are evident. Regrowth usually is much
faster and generally is ensured if pruning is done
when basal foliage is present. When cutting plants to
the ground, do not cut flush to the soil; leave about 2
in. of stem, just in case new buds are present slightly
above ground. They won’t be damaged by shearing
too close if a few inches of stem remain.
Spring-flowering perennials
Many spring-blooming, low-growing rock garden
or edging plants should be cut back or sheared by
half after flowering. This severe pruning promotes
attractive new growth and sometimes sporadic
rebloom, and it prevents the plants from becoming
straggly or woody or opening up in the center
(melting out). Plants that benefit from this type of
pruning include maiden pink (Dianthus deltoides),
evergreen candytuft (Iberis sempervirens), and moss
phlox (Phlox subulata).
Although not a mat-forming perennial,
Hungarian speedwell (Veronica austriaca subsp.
teucrium) also benefits from a cut in half after
flowering. Catmint (genus Nepeta) may flower
sporadically throughout the summer if cut
back by a third to half after the first spring bloom
period. Plus, the plant’s overall appearance is
greatly enhanced by the pruning even if you don’t
get more blooms. If you miss the chance to cut back
catmint in the spring and it starts to rebloom for you
later in the summer, it will benefit from removal of the ratty foliage and dead
flowers that will have fallen to the edges.
Pruning for spring-flowering
perennials, here showing
Dianthus deltoides.An alternate form of cutting back
perennials, in stages to prevent
a large hole in the garden or to
assist a timid gardener through
the operation, here showing
Geranium platypetalum.cuttinG BacK 109