As autumn fades and temperatures drop, November is one of the most important months for garden maintenance. This is the time to prepare plants for winter dormancy and encourage vigorous growth when spring returns. According to horticulturists, cutting back certain plants before the first frost can prevent disease, control overgrowth, and ensure healthier blooms next season.
Below are seven plants experts recommend pruning in
November — and tips on how to do it right.
1. Perennial Flowers (like Peonies and Daylilies)
Perennials such as peonies, daylilies, and hostas begin to
wither as the cold sets in. Once their foliage yellows and dies back, trimming
them to ground level helps stop fungal spores and pests from overwintering in
the decaying leaves.
Tip: Use clean, sharp shears and remove all plant debris from the soil
surface.
2. Lavender
Lavender thrives best when lightly pruned before winter.
Cutting back the top third of the plant keeps its shape tidy and prevents
woodiness. However, avoid cutting into the old woody stems, which may not
regrow.
Tip: Perform pruning on a dry day to prevent moisture-related rot on
fresh cuts.
3. Catmint (Nepeta)
Catmint’s vigorous growth can quickly overtake garden beds.
Trimming it down to a few inches in late autumn prevents it from becoming leggy
and encourages compact spring growth.
Tip: After pruning, mulch around the base to insulate roots during
frost.
4. Bearded Irises
Bearded irises are prone to iris borers and fungal rot if
their old foliage is left untouched. Cut leaves back to about 6 inches in
November, and remove any dead or diseased material.
Tip: Disinfect your tools with rubbing alcohol after pruning diseased
leaves.
5. Black-Eyed Susans (Rudbeckia)
While their seed heads can provide winter interest, they
also harbor pests. Many gardeners prefer cutting Rudbeckia down to the ground
in November to prevent mildew and maintain garden tidiness.
Tip: Leave a few seed heads if you’d like to feed winter birds.
6. Phlox
Phlox can develop powdery mildew if left uncut over winter.
Once its stems and foliage fade, trim it back to just above the ground and
remove the debris to promote air circulation.
Tip: Compost only healthy stems—discard any with mold or mildew.
7. Bee Balm (Monarda)
Bee balm is susceptible to mildew, especially in damp, cold
weather. Pruning it after flowering reduces disease risk and allows new shoots
to emerge cleanly in spring.
Tip: Apply a light layer of mulch after cutting to protect the crown
from frost.
Why November Pruning Matters
Pruning in November offers several long-term benefits:
- Disease
control: Prevents fungal infections and pest infestations.
- Improved
air circulation: Reduces humidity and mold formation around roots.
- Healthier
regrowth: Encourages stronger, more vibrant blooms in spring.
- Tidy
garden appearance: Keeps beds neat through the dormant season.
Final Gardening Tip
Always sterilize pruning tools before and after use, and avoid pruning if frost is imminent. For shrubs or roses, postpone heavy pruning until late winter or early spring to prevent frost damage.
By following these expert recommendations, you’ll set your
garden up for a successful growing season — ensuring that when spring arrives,
your plants return healthier, stronger, and more beautiful than ever.
References
- Royal
Horticultural Society. What to Prune in Autumn and Winter. rhs.org.uk
- Better
Homes & Gardens. Plants to Cut Back in Fall. bhg.com
- Gardeners’
World. How and When to Prune Perennials. gardenersworld.com
- Fine
Gardening Magazine. Seasonal Pruning Tips for Perennials. finegardening.com
