Protecting Perennials in Winter

Perennials can be classified based on their hardiness. Hardy-perennials will normally survive the winter with little or no protection. Hardy does not, however, refer to the ability of the plant to withstand heat and drought. Tender or half-hardy perennials will survive a mild winter but may not survivea severe winter without protection.

In colder parts of the country perennial beds are often mulched to provide winter protection. Many gardeners prefer to leave the dead foliage as a form of winter protection, however, old foliage can harbor disease and insect problems. If left over the winter, the dead foliage should be removed quite early in the spring.

There are some gardeners who prefer a more 'natural' approach and leave the dead stalks in the garden...just like Mother Nature does. The seed heads are a source of food for those hardy birds that stick around for the winter, and are always a welcome sight on a cold bleak winter day.

Ornamental perennial grasses are also an attractive addition to the winter landscape. Many perennials are partially or totally evergreen and can also be left as is to provide a more attractive winter garden.

A mulch should be applied to plants that are growing at the upper limits of their normal growing area. The purpose of the mulch is to help the plants remain dormant. Apply mulch only after the soil temperature has decreased following several killing frosts.

If a winter mulch is applied too early, the warmth from the protected soil could cause growth to continue and become more subject to winter injury. Be careful not to pile mulch heavily over the crowns, as this would encourage rotting. Remove the winter mulch from the crown as soon as growth starts in the spring, but do not be in too much of a hurry to uncover your plants as a late spring frost can damage them.