Gardening Plants & Flowers Perennials

43 Perennials to Cut Back in the Spring

Plants to leave standing until spring

Black-eyed susan perennial bush with yellow flowers and red centers

The Spruce / Autumn Wood

Some perennials benefit from being allowed to stand through the winter and then cut back in the spring. Certain plants weaken when trimmed in the fall and prefer to have their fallen leaves or intact foliage provide insulation while overwintering. Or they can offer shelter to beneficial insects and seed heads to feed wildlife. In these cases, you can attend to these perennials in the spring. Here are 43 plants best pruned in the spring and not the fall.

Warning

Some plants on this list are toxic to humans and animals and are noted below.

  • 01 of 43

    Artemisia

    closeup of artemisia

    The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova

    Artemisia (Artemisia spp.) is often known by common names such as wormwood or mugwort. Most species in the Artemisia genus don’t like being pruned in the fall. The growth that results from a fall trim is too tender to survive the winter and the dieback is often enough to kill the whole plant. Instead, clean up these plants in early spring.

    Artemisia plants can be aggressive to the point of invasiveness and you may need to control it when planting it in your garden. This plant is mildly toxic to humans.

    • Name: Artemisia (Artemisia spp.)
    • USDA Growing Zones: 3a-9a
    • Color Varieties: Yellowish-brown or gray (flowers are fairly insignificant)
    • Sun Exposure: Full sun
    • Soil Needs: Dry to medium moisture, well-drained
  • 02 of 43

    Aster

    Asters

    The Spruce / Adrienne Legault

    While there are some pure species in the Aster genus cultivated in the garden, most garden varieties are hybrid cultivars derived from a cross between A. amellus  and A. thomsonii. They are known collectively as Aster x frikartii, named after the Swiss hybridizer who developed them. Other species of asters fall into the Symphyotrichum genus.

    These fall-blooming asters have generally been pinched and forced several times throughout the growing season. Once they are finally allowed to bloom in the fall, they appreciate being left alone to recuperate until spring.

    • Name: Aster (Aster x frikartii, Aster spp., Symphyotrichum spp.)
    • USDA Growing Zones: 4a–8a (varies by species and variety)
    • Color Varieties: Lavender, purple, pink, white
    • Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
    • Soil Needs: Medium moisture, well-drained
  • 03 of 43

    Astilbe

    Astilbe plant with pink and white plume-like flowers

    The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova

    Astilbe plants (Astilbe spp, hybrids) don’t require much maintenance. Long considered a shade plant, newer cultivars are available that thrive in full sun. Fall clean-up is unnecessary and may weaken the plant’s tolerance for cold. Minimal spring clean-up is required.

    • Name: Astilbe (Astilbe spp., hybrids)
    • USDA Growing Zones: 3b–9a
    • Color Varieties: Pink, red, white
    • Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
    • Soil Needs: Loamy, slightly acidic
  • 04 of 43

    Autumn Joy Sedum

    Autumn joy sedum plant with tiny pink flower clusters

    The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova

    Once a member of the Sedum genus, this very familiar garden plant is now categorized in the Hylotelephium genus as H. 'Herbstfreude' ('Autumn Joy'), though it is often still sold as a Sedum or stonecrop. Like other tall sedums, this plant can remain attractive throughout the winter, even holding caps of snow on its flower heads. Birds will also continue to eat the seeds as long as they are present.

    ‘Autumn Joy’ in particular holds up very well through the winter. The basal foliage appears very early in spring, so sedum can be one of the first plants you prune after winter.

    • Name: Autumn joy sedum (Hylotelephium 'Herbstfreude')
    • USDA Growing Zones: 3a–10a
    • Color Varieties: Rosy pink, turning rust-red
    • Sun Exposure: Full sun
    • Soil Needs: Dry to medium moisture, well-drained
    Continue to 5 of 43 below
  • 05 of 43

    Aven

    Aven plant with orange flowers and buds on thin deep red stems

    The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova

    The Geum genus includes about 50 species, several of which are native wildflowers in North America. These plants often are known as avens, but individual species may have other common names. Prairie smoke, for example, is the common name for Geum triflorum, a common North American wildflower. Several common hybrid varieties are common garden plants, such as 'Fire Storm', Totally Tangerine', and 'Banana Daiquiri'.

    Aven plants are clump-forming perennials with dark green leaves with scalloped edges. They bloom on long wiry stems in spring and early summer and sometimes rebloom in fall. The plants can remain semi-evergreen throughout winter, so no fall pruning is necessary, especially if you’ve been deadheading and cleaning up dead leaves during the growing season.

    • Name: Aven (Geum spp. and hybrids)
    • USDA Growing Zones: 5b–7a
    • Color Varieties: White, red, yellow, orange (depends on species and cultivar)
    • Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
    • Soil Needs: Medium moisture, well-drained
  • 06 of 43

    Basket-of-Gold

    Basket-of-Gold plant with tiny yellow flower clusters

    The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova

    Although basket-of-gold (Aurinia saxatilis) fares best and lives longer if sheared back after flowering and not allowed to go to seed, the foliage can be evergreen in mild winters. There doesn’t seem to be any benefit to cutting it back until spring.

    • Name: Basket-of-gold (Aurinia saxatilis)
    • USDA Growing Zones: 3a–7a
    • Color Varieties: Yellow
    • Sun Exposure: Full sun
    • Soil Needs: Dry, sandy to average, well-draining
  • 07 of 43

    Bear’s Breeches

    Bear’s breeches plant with purple bracts

    The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova

    You may need to cut back old, dying bear’s breeches (Acanthus spp.) foliage throughout the growing season, but the new healthy growth remaining in the fall could well remain evergreen throughout the winter, depending on weather conditions. In cold climates, leaving the growth in place over winter offers valuable protection to the plant.

    Three principal species go by the common name bear's breeches: Acanthus balcanicus, A. mollis, and A. spinosis. They have similar cultural needs.

    • Name: Bear’s breeches (Acanthus spp.)
    • USDA Growing Zones: 7b-10a
    • Color Varieties: White flowers with purple bracts
    • Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
    • Soil Needs: Rich, well-drained
  • 08 of 43

    Bellflower

    Bellflower plant with purple bell-shape flowers closeup

    The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova

    There are various bellflower (Campanula spp.) species and some popular ones include Campanula portenschlagiana (Dalmation bellflower), C. rapunculoides, creeping bellflower), and C. persicifolia (peach-leaved bellflower).

    Most campanulas get sheared back at some point during the summer to clean up ugly or damaged foliage and encourage another flush of blooms. The resulting fresh basal foliage should be left through winter.

    • Name: Bellflower (Campanula spp.)
    • USDA Growing Zones: 4a–8b
    • Color Varieties: Lavender, blue, white
    • Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
    • Soil Needs: Medium moisture, well-drained
    Continue to 9 of 43 below
  • 09 of 43

    Black-eyed Susan

    Black-eyed Susan plant with yellow radiating flowers and brown centers

    The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova

    Although not particularly attractive in winter, black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta) seed heads will provide plenty of food for birds. The remaining seeds will readily germinate the following spring and propagate volunteers in the garden.

    Several other members of the Rudbeckia genus also offer winter benefits to birds, including R. fulgida (orange coneflower), R. triloba (brown-eyed Susan), and R. maxima (large coneflower).

    • Name: Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)
    • USDA Growing Zones: 3a–9a
    • Color Varieties: Yellow with dark brown centers
    • Sun Exposure: Full sun
    • Soil Needs: Medium moisture, well-drained
  • 10 of 43

    Bluebeard/Blue Mist Spirea

    Blue beard plant with tiny purple flowers and buds on silvery green leaves

    The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova

    Depending on the climate, bluebeard (Caryopteris x clandonensis) can be grown either as a woody shrub or a semi-woody perennial that dies back annually. When grown as a perennial, it can be very sensitive to cold and shouldn't be cut back until tree buds begin to green up in the spring. When spring arrives, trim it back quite early to 6 to 10 inches, as the plants will bloom in mid to late summer on new growth.

    • Name: Blue beard/blue mist (Caryopteris x clandonensis)
    • USDA Growing Zones: 5a-9b
    • Color Varieties: Blue, purple; pink cultivars are also available
    • Sun Exposure: Full sun
    • Soil Needs: Medium moisture, well-drained
  • 11 of 43

    Blue Star

    Blue star plant with tiny light blue-purple flower clusters with grass-like leaves

    The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova

    Blue star (Amsonia tabernaemontana) is a clump-forming perennial that produces clusters of star-shaped blue flowers in mid to late spring. It holds its shape better if sheared by about one-third after flowering. You’ll lose the seed pods, but you’ll prevent rampant self-seeding. However, after this initial shearing, Amsonia responds better to being cut back in the spring, rather than the fall. Spring pruning seems to rejuvenate it.

    • Name: Blue star (Amsonia tabernaemontana) 
    • USDA Growing Zones: 3a–9a
    • Color Varieties: Blue
    • Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
    • Soil Needs: Moist, loamy
  • 12 of 43

    Butterfly Bush

    Butterfly bush with purple flower spikes on tall silvery-green stems

    The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova

    Butterfly bush (Buddleia davidii) is another shrubby plant that is often grown as a perennial in colder climates, where it dies back to the ground and returns in the spring. When grown as a returning perennial, leave the stems and foliage in place through the winter, which will lessen winter kill. When signs of green appear at the base in spring, cut the plant back to 6–10 inches.

    • Name: Butterfly bush (Buddleia davidii)
    • USDA Growing Zones: 5a-9a
    • Color Varieties: Shades of purple; pink, blue, white, yellow cultivars are also available
    • Sun Exposure: Full sun
    • Soil Needs: Medium moisture, well-drained
    Continue to 13 of 43 below
  • 13 of 43

    Butterfly Weed

    Butterfly weed with small orange flowers clustered by long thin leaves

    The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova

    Although butterfly weed (Asclepias tuberosa) is a prolific self-seeder and should be deadheaded if dozens of new plants are not wanted, it winters better if the foliage is allowed to protect the crown.

    Butterfly weed is a native to North America that blooms in mid to late summer, immediately luring butterflies and other pollinators with its nectar-rich flowers. It grows to about 2 feet tall. Butterfly weed is mildly toxic to people and animals.

    • Name: Butterfly weed (Asclepias tuberosa)
    • USDA Growing Zones: 3a–9a
    • Color Varieties: Orange, yellow
    • Sun Exposure: Full sun
    • Soil Needs: Dry, well-drained
  • 14 of 43

    Cardinal Flower

    Cardinal flower with bright red petals on deep purple stems

    The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova

    Although cardinal (Lobelia cardinalis) likes moist soil, it doesn’t like sitting in cold, wet soil all winter. Leaving the foliage and flower stems intact protects the plant from some of the ravages of winter, so it's best to hold off clean-up until spring. At that point, you can trim the damaged areas or simply cut them back to the ground. Cardinal flowers are toxic to people and animals.

    • Name: Cardinal flower (Lobelia cardinalis)
    • USDA Growing Zones: 3a–9a
    • Color Varieties: Red; pink, white cultivars are also available
    • Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
    • Soil Needs: Rich, moist
  • 15 of 43

    Coral Bells

    Coral bells plant with thin stems and tiny pink flowers and rust-colored leaves

    The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova

    Coral bells (Heuchera) are prone to heaving in soils that freeze and thaw. Leaving the foliage intact helps to mulch the plants through winter.

    Most garden varieties of coral bells are complicated hybrids derived from  H. sanguinea, H. americana, H. micrantha, H. villosa, and H. cylindrica. These hybrids are considerably more tolerant of full sun than most of the original species, which are largely shade-lovers.  

    • Name: Coral bells (Heuchera)
    • USDA Growing Zones: 4a–9a
    • Color Varieties: Red, coral, pink, white
    • Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
    • Soil Needs: Rich, moist but well-drained
  • 16 of 43

    Cushion Spurge

    Cushion spurge shrub with small yellow flowers near sidewalk

    The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova

    In warmer climates, cushion spurge (Euphorbia polychroma) can become a shrub and it’s fine to leave the plant alone until spring and then clean out the dead foliage. In colder climates, simply cut the plant back to its base in the spring. This plant freely self-seeds, so make sure to deadhead spent flowers if you want to prevent this. Cushion spurge is toxic to humans and animals.

    • Name: Cushion spurge (Euphorbia polychroma)
    • USDA Growing Zones: 4a–8a
    • Color Varieties: Yellow bracts
    • Sun Exposure: Full sun
    • Soil Needs: Dry, well-drained
    Continue to 17 of 43 below
  • 17 of 43

    Delphinium

    delphinium flowers growing in a garden

    The Spruce / Autumn Wood

    The most popular perennial species in the Delphinium genus is D. elatum, a designation that indicates hybridized forms of the plant. The pure species delphiniums are rarely grown as cultivated garden plants and also known as larkspur.

    Garden delphiniums are fairly finicky, short-lived perennials. Gardeners sometimes give up on growing them as perennials but plant them as annuals for the spectacular blooms that cover tall flower stalks.

    If you want to grow Delphiniums successfully as perennials, remove the flower stalks in fall but allow the foliage to remain until spring. This will maximize your chances of the plant returning in spring. This plant is toxic to humans and animals.

    • Name: Delphinium (Delphinium elatum)
    • USDA Growing Zones: 5a-9a
    • Color Varieties: Blue, purple
    • Sun Exposure: Full sun
    • Soil Needs: Evenly moist, well-drained
  • 18 of 43

    Dianthus

    closeup of perennial dianthus

    The Spruce / Adrienne Legault 

    Dianthus is a large genus that includes many annual and perennial plants, but the perennial species most popular in garden cultivation include D. plumarius, D. superbus, and D. deltoides. Perennial dianthus plants go by many common names, such as pinks, sweet William, and carnation. In regions where they die in winter, they are often grown as annuals.

    Most Dianthus plants can remain somewhat evergreen throughout the winter and nothing is gained by cutting back in the fall. In fact, in borderline zones, the extra insulation offered by the dead foliage may allow the plants to return in the spring when they would otherwise be grown as annuals. All Dianthus plants will still need some clean-up in the spring. Dianthus is toxic to animals.

    • Name: Dianthus (Dianthus spp.)
    • USDA Growing Zones: 4a-9a
    • Color Varieties: White, purple, red, pink
    • Sun Exposure: Full sun
    • Soil Needs: Rich, well-draining, slightly alkaline
  • 19 of 43

    Foamflower

    Foamflowers growing

    The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova

    The common name of this plant derives from the foamy pinkish-white flowers that bloom in spring for up to six weeks. Foamflower (Tiarella cordifolia) enjoys the cool days of fall and may remain evergreen throughout the winter, so unless it is covered in snow, it's best to leave the foliage in place until spring arrives.

    • Name: Foamflower (Tiarella cordifolia)
    • USDA Growing Zones: 3a–8a
    • Color Varieties: White, with pink accents
    • Sun Exposure: Part shade to full shade
    • Soil Needs: Rich, loamy
  • 20 of 43

    Foxglove

    Foxglove plant with pink bell-shaped petal on tall stem

    The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova

    The Digitalis genus includes some species that are reliably perennial, as well as short-lived biennial forms. Perennial foxgloves, such as D. lutea and D. grandiflora (yellow foxglove), are usually pruned back after flowering and produce a rosette of basal growth that is generally left in place to protect the roots until spring when it is pruned away to make room for new growth. Foxglove is toxic to animals and humans.

    • Name: Foxglove (Digitalis spp.) 
    • USDA Growing Zones: 4a-9a
    • Color Varieties: Yellow, pink, orange
    • Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
    • Soil Needs: Medium moisture, well-drained
    Continue to 21 of 43 below
  • 21 of 43

    Fringed Bleeding Heart

    Fringed Leaf Bleeding Heart

    The Spruce / Marie Iannotti

    Fringed bleeding heart (Lamprocapnos spectabilis, formerly Dicentra spectabilis) is the native North American wildflower cousin of the showy Asian bleeding heart. Although the crowns of fringed leaf bleeding heart like to be high enough in the soil to be protected from dampness, the foliage is slight enough to leave for the winter and it almost disappears by spring. Bleeding heart is toxic to humans and animals.

    • Name: Fringed bleeding heart (Lamprocapnos spectabilis, formerly Dicentra spectabilis)
    • USDA Growing Zones: 3a–9a
    • Color Varieties: Rosy pink to purplish-red
    • Sun Exposure: Part shade
    • Soil Needs: Medium moisture, well-drained
  • 22 of 43

    Gas Plant

    Gas plant with pink clump forming flowers on red stems

    The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova

    Gas plant (Dictamnus albus), sometimes known as dittany, is a clump-forming perennial that blooms from late spring into summer. The seed heads can look attractive well into fall and winter. The real reason to cut the plant back in the early spring is that the skin-irritating sap is not as pronounced during the plant’s dormant stage. The gas plant is mildly toxic to humans.

    • Name: Gas plant (Dictamnus albus) 
    • USDA Growing Zones: 3a–8a
    • Color Varieties: White, pink, lavender, red
    • Sun Exposure: Full sun
    • Soil Needs: Medium moisture, well-drained
  • 23 of 43

    Gayfeather

    Gayfeather plant with purple bottlebrush-like flowers on tall spiky stems

    The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova

    Gayfeather (Liatris spicata), also known as blazing star, is another plant that is more sensitive to cool, wet soil than cold temperatures. When left standing over the winter, the seed heads provide food for the birds and may self-seed to make up for any plants that don’t survive. This native North American wildflower is famous for its ability to lure butterflies and other pollinators.

    • Name: Gayfeather (Liatris spicata) 
    • USDA Growing Zones: 3a–8a
    • Color Varieties: Reddish purple
    • Sun Exposure: Full sun
    • Soil Needs: Medium moisture, well-drained
  • 24 of 43

    Globe Thistle

    Globe thistle plant with purple globe-shaped flowers

    The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova

    Two species in the Echinops genus are garden plants commonly known as globe thistles: E. ritro (small globe thistle), and E. bannaticus (globe thistle). Several other species are also available (E. sphaerocephalus and E. gmelinii) but they are less common as garden plants.

    Much like coneflowers, Echinops will respond well to pruning in July, producing more flowers and sturdier plants that will stand for the winter and feed the birds. The plant’s winter survival seems improved if it is not cut back hard in the fall.

    • Name: Globe thistle (Echinops spp.) 
    • USDA Growing Zones: 2a-8a
    • Color Varieties: Blue
    • Sun Exposure: Full sun
    • Soil Needs: Medium moisture, well-drained
    Continue to 25 of 43 below
  • 25 of 43

    Heartleaf Bergenia

    Heartleaf bergenia with tiny pink flowers on sturdy stalks and rounded leaves

    The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova

    Heartleaf bergenia (Bergenia crassifolia) is a clump-forming plant normally used as a spreading ground cover for shady areas. Pink flowers rise as sturdy stalks in early spring. The shiny round leaves of Bergenia remain evergreen in mild winters, and even cold-damaged leaves can remain an attractive bronze color through the winter. Clean up winter-damaged foliage in spring, only as needed.

    • Name: Heartleaf bergenia (Bergenia crassifolia) 
    • USDA Growing Zones: 3b–8a
    • Color Varieties: Deep pink
    • Sun Exposure: Part shade to full shade
    • Soil Needs: Humusy, well-drained
  • 26 of 43

    Italian Bugloss

    Picture of Italian bugloss with flowers of 2 different colors at once.

    The Spruce / David Beaulieu

    Italian bugloss (Anchusa azurea) is a member of the borage family, a short-lived perennial that grows 3 to 5 feet tall and produces loose spikes of flowers in late spring to early summer.

    Anchusa plants look better and self-seed less if sheared back after flowering. Anchusa can be sheared back to the crown since its foliage declines rapidly after flowering. But after this, allow the plant to recover, and don’t cut again until spring.

    • Name: Italian bugloss (Anchusa azurea) 
    • USDA Growing Zones: 3a–8a
    • Color Varieties: Blue to violet
    • Sun Exposure: Full sun
    • Soil Needs: Medium moisture, well-drained
  • 27 of 43

    Joe Pye Weed

    Joe Pye weed with tall stems and pink flower clusters on top

    The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova

    When a plant is bred from a common weed, you can usually assume that it doesn’t need much care to survive. Joe Pye weed (Eupatorium maculatum), native to eastern and central North America, is a tall plant (4 to 7 feet) that will bloom well into the fall and then produce fluffy seed heads. You can cut it back if you choose, but it’s not necessary for the plant’s survival. Birds such as chickadees will continue to feed on the seed heads well into winter.

    • Name: Joe Pye weed (Eupatorium maculatum)
    • USDA Growing Zones: 3b-8a
    • Color Varieties: Mauve pink
    • Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
    • Soil Needs: Moist, humusy
  • 28 of 43

    Lady’s Mantle

    Lady's mantle plant with large rounded leaves and tiny yellow flower clusters

    The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova

    Lady's mantle (Alchemilla mollis) is a mound-forming perennial with light green, circular leaves with scalloped edges. Stems of chartreuse flowers rise above the foliage in late spring to early summer. Lady’s mantle doesn’t like to be sheared back frequently. Occasional shearing or selective de-leafing may be necessary because of sun scorch, but lady’s mantle will overwinter better if left intact and cleaned up in the spring.

    • Name: Lady’s mantle (Alchemilla mollis) 
    • USDA Growing Zones: 3b–8b
    • Color Varieties: Chartreuse
    • Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
    • Soil Needs: Medium moisture, well-drained
    Continue to 29 of 43 below
  • 29 of 43

    Lamb’s Ear

    Lamb's ear plant with silver-colored leaves and stems

    The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova

    There’s no point in trying to clean up lamb’s ear (Stachys byzantina)  for the winter. Let it be and remove winter damage when the leaves perk up in the spring. In borderline zones, leaving the foliage in place will provide some protection to the crowns of the plant. Spring cleanup will be an easy matter of loosely raking up dead foliage.

    • Name: Lamb’s ear (Stachys byzantina) 
    • USDA Growing Zones: 4a–9a
    • Color Varieties: Light purple (flowers are not showy)
    • Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
    • Soil Needs: Medium moisture to dry soil, well-drained
  • 30 of 43

    Lavender

    Field of lavender plants with deep purple flowers

    The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova

    Several species of lavender (Lavandula spp.) serve as great aromatic shrubby plants in the garden, blooming through the entire summer. Many areas have a hard time over-wintering lavender. The problem is more often moisture than cold, but cold is a factor. Don’t prune lavender late in the season, as new growth is extremely cold-sensitive. Wait until new growth appears in the spring before removing winter dieback. Lavender is toxic to animals.

    • Name: Lavender (Lavandula spp.) 
    • USDA Growing Zones: 5a–9a
    • Color Varieties: Purple
    • Sun Exposure: Full sun
    • Soil Needs: Dry to medium moisture, alkaline
  • 31 of 43

    Lavender Cotton

    Lavender cotton plant with round yellow blooms

    The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova

    Lavender cotton (Santolina chamaecyparissus) is a broadleaf evergreen shrub with aromatic gray-green foliage, flowering with yellow blooms in summer. It is a great plant for dry conditions but does not like moist soils or humid conditions.

    Lavender cotton plants need time to harden before winter. Don’t prune at all after mid-August and wait until new growth appears in the spring before pruning.

    • Name: Lavender cotton (Santolina chamaecyparissus) 
    • USDA Growing Zones: 6b-9a
    • Color Varieties: Yellow
    • Sun Exposure: Full sun
    • Soil Needs: Dry, with very good drainage
  • 32 of 43

    Leadwort

    leadwort flower

    The Spruce / Letícia Almeida

    Also known as plumbago, leadwort (Ceratostigma plumbaginoides) is a low-growing ground cover perennial that produces blue flowers from midsummer to midfall. There’s not much left to these plants as winter sets in, but many gardeners like to leave them standing to identify their location since new growth is late to emerge in spring.

    This plant is an aggressive grower, however, and pulling unwanted plants out in fall may be advised if you want to limit its spread.

    • Name: Leadwort (Ceratostigma plumbaginoides) 
    • USDA Growing Zones: 5a–9a
    • Color Varieties: Blue
    • Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
    • Soil Needs: Moist, well-drained, acidic (fairly good tolerance for dry soils)
    Continue to 33 of 43 below
  • 33 of 43

    Lupine

    Lupine plants with tall flower spikes with bright purple petals

    The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova

    There are several species in the Lupinus genus, but the common garden lupines are mostly hybrids, designated as Lupinus × hybrida. Most of these hybrids are derived from crossing Lupinus polyphyllus, a North American native, with other non-native species.

    Garden lupines are generally short-lived perennials that are somewhat temperamental to grow. The flower stalks can be trimmed back after the blooms fade (this may prompt a second fall bloom), but leave the foliage in place to protect the root crown. This will improve the chances for the plant to survive the winter, especially in colder climates. Lupine is toxic to humans and animals.

    • Name: Lupine (Lupinus) 
    • USDA Growing Zones: 4a-8a
    • Color Varieties: White, pink, red, yellow, blue, purple, bicolors
    • Sun Exposure: Full sun
    • Soil Needs: Rich, evenly moist, slightly acidic
  • 34 of 43

    Mums

    Hardy mum plants with red, orange and purple flowers in garden

    The Spruce / Gyscha Rendy

    The profusely blooming florist mums (Chrysanthemum) are generally nursery-grown potted plants that don't do well when planted in the garden. But several hardy mums are designed for garden use. This late summer and fall bloomer can be cut back to 6 inches or so in warmer climates to continue growing, but in colder climates, it is best to leave the foliage in place to protect the root crowns over winter. Cutting back the plants severely will simulate late new growth, which will be very susceptible to winter kill. The leaves and flowers of hardy mums are mildly toxic to humans and animals.

    • Name: Mums (Chrysanthemum) 
    • USDA Growing Zones: 4a-8a
    • Color Varieties: Gold, white, off-white, yellow, bronze (rust), red, burgundy, pink, lavender, purple
    • Sun Exposure: Full sun
    • Soil Needs: Rich, moist, well-draining
  • 35 of 43

    Pincushion Flower

    Pincushion flowers with lavender petals and white centers closeup

    The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova

    The Scabiosa genus includes several annual and perennial species of pincushion flowers. S. columbaria is one of the most common perennial types, a mound-forming 2-foot-tall plant that produces white, pink, blue, or purple flowers from May to September. You can remove old flower stems from the pincushion flower, but this plant is so temperamental that leaving the old foliage may be the only way you will know where the plant was planted when spring comes. The foliage may be evergreen in warmer areas, where it is hardier.

    • Name: Pincushion flower (Scabiosa columbaria) 
    • USDA Growing Zones: 5a–9a
    • Color Varieties: White, pink, blue, purple
    • Sun Exposure: Full sun
    • Soil Needs: Loamy, evenly moist, well-draining
  • 36 of 43

    Purple Coneflower

    purple coneflower

    The Spruce / K. Dave

    Purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) is a North American prairie native. While the flower heads are not particularly attractive in winter, wild birds will certainly find them appealing for the edible seeds. If you’d like both birds and aesthetics, you can always prune your coneflowers in July and get squat, sturdy plants that will provide seeds without flopping.

    • Name: Purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) 
    • USDA Growing Zones: 3a–8a
    • Color Varieties: Purplish pink
    • Sun Exposure: Full sun
    • Soil Needs: Dry to medium moisture, well-drained
    Continue to 37 of 43 below
  • 37 of 43

    Red-Hot Poker

    Red hot poker plant with tall stalks and reddish green cone-like flowers on top

    The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova

    The Kniphofia genus includes several species that go by the common name red-hot poker plant, including  K, uvaria, K. galpiniK. northiaeK. rooperi, and K. thomsonii. More common as garden plants, however, are the many hybrids and cultivars derived from a complicated cross-breeding of these species.

    You can trim back the foliage on red hot poker plants as it begins to decline, but don’t cut it back entirely. The crown is very sensitive to cold and leaving a clump of foliage will help protect it through the winter. Trimming by half will keep the foliage from completely flopping over and retaining too much moisture around the crown.

    • Name: Red-hot poker (Kniphofia spp. and hybrids) 
    • USDA Growing Zones: 5a–8b
    • Color Varieties: Combinations of red, yellow, orange
    • Sun Exposure: Full sun
    • Soil Needs: Medium moisture, well-drained
  • 38 of 43

    Red Valerian

    Red valerian plant with small pink flowers clusters on thin stem

    The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova

    Red valerian (Valeriana rubra), sometimes known as Jupiter's beard, is a bushy, woody-based perennial renowned for its ability to thrive in poor soils. Showy blooms of white, pink, or crimson are produced from spring to frost.

    Cutting valerian back to about 6 or 8 inches in late summer and then leaving that new growth over winter increases the plant’s chance of survival, but the spent flowers should be deadheaded if you want to control the rampant self-seeding.

    • Name: Red valerian (Valeriana rubra) 
    • USDA Growing Zones: 5b–8a
    • Color Varieties: Pale to dark red
    • Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
    • Soil Needs: Sandy, well-drained; does not like wet soils
  • 39 of 43

    Russian Sage

    Russian sage

    ​The Spruce / K. Dave

    Like its cousin, lavender, Russian sage (Salvia yangii) doesn’t like to be trimmed back in the fall, because its tender growth is sensitive to cold. Wait until new growth appears in the spring and then cut back to about 6 to 8 inches. If the only new growth is from the base of the plant, the entire top woody section has died back and it can be pruned to the ground.

    • Name: Russian sage (Salvia yangii) 
    • USDA Growing Zones: 3a-9a
    • Color Varieties: Blue
    • Sun Exposure: Full sun
    • Soil Needs: Medium moisture to dry, well-drained
  • 40 of 43

    Sea Lavender

    Sea lavender flowers

    The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova

    The Limonium genus has more than 100 species, many of which are known as sea-lavender. They bear no relation to the common lavender herb, however, but are instead related to the leadwort/plumbago group of plants. Most types have pink, lavender, or purple flowers that bloom in mid to late summer. The most common species of sea lavender for garden use are L. platyphyllum and L. sinuatum. The name "sea lavender" comes from this plant's fondness for sea marshes.

    The flowers are held so high on this airy plant that it’s easy to forget the cluster of leaves at the base. Go ahead and forget them. Let them be for the winter and clean up any dieback in the spring.

    • Name: Sea lavender (Limonium spp.) 
    • USDA Growing Zones: 4a-9a
    • Color Varieties: Lavender blue
    • Sun Exposure: Full sun
    • Soil Needs: Medium moisture, well-drained
    Continue to 41 of 43 below
  • 41 of 43

    Tickseed

    Tickseed plant with small yellow flowers clustered on thin stems

    The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova

    Several species of the Coreopsis genus are commonly known as tickseed. Among them are C. tripteris (tall tickseed), C. Rosea, (pink tickseed), C. pubescens, (star tickseed), C. grandiflora (large-flowered tickseed), C. auriculata (ear-leaved tickseed), C. major (greater tickseed), C. lanceolata (lance-leaved tickseed), and C. verticillata (threadleaf tickseed).

    All species of coreopsis seem to fare better if allowed to stand during the winter and cleaned up in the spring.

    • Name: Tickseed (Coreopsis spp.) 
    • USDA Growing Zones: 4a–9a
    • Color Varieties: Yellow to orange; some pink varieties available
    • Sun Exposure: Full sun
    • Soil Needs: Varies by species; most prefer dry to medium moisture, well-draining soil
  • 42 of 43

    Turtlehead

    pink chelone

    The Spruce / Adrienne Legault 

    Turtlehead (Chelone lyonii) is a clump-forming perennial that has hooded flowers that resemble those of snapdragons. It favors moist environments and does not do well in dry soils. Keeping the foliage on until spring seems to improve turtlehead's winter survival. The flower heads, however, should be deadheaded as they fade.

    • Name: Turtlehead (Chelone lyonii) 
    • USDA Growing Zones: 3a–8a
    • Color Varieties: Pink, purple, or white
    • Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
    • Soil Needs: Rich, moist
  • 43 of 43

    Wandflower

    Wandflower plant with tiny white and pink flowers on tall thin stems

    The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova

    Oenothera lindheimeri goes by several common names, including wand flower, bee blossom, guara, and Indian feather. Whatever you call it, wandflower is such a short-lived perennial that allowing the flowers to remain so they might self-seed may be the only way you’ll see another plant pop up in the garden next spring.

    • Name: Wandflower (Oenothera lindheimeri) 
    • USDA Growing Zones: 5a-9a
    • Color Varieties: White, pink
    • Sun Exposure: Full sun
    • Soil Needs: Sandy loam, well-drained

Tip

When plants have clear symptoms of bacterial or fungal disease, prune and dispose of the affected foliage, even before the winter, to avoid spreading microbes to infect other plants.

Also, remove diseased leaves around otherwise healthy plants and apply a clean, sterile mulch to protect them while overwintering.

The Spruce uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
  1. Leaving Perennials Standing: Pros and Cons. Minnesota State Horticultural Society.

  2. Artemisia. North Carolina State Extention.

  3. Asclepias tuberosa. North Carolina State Extension.

  4. Lobelia cardinalis. North Carolina State Extension.

  5. Cardinal Flower. ASPCA.

  6. Euphorbia epithymoides (Cushion Spurge). North Carolina State Extension.

  7. Delphinium. North Carolina State Extension.

  8. Larkspur. ASPCA.

  9. Pinks. ASPCA.

  10. Foxglove. ASPCA.

  11. Foxglove. National Capital Poison Center.

  12. Lamprocapnos spectabilis. North Carolina State Extension.

  13. Bleeding Hearts. Pet Poison Helpline.

  14. Potentially Harmful Perennials OH 63. University of Vermont Extension.

  15. Lavender. ASPCA.

  16. Lupine/blue bonnetPoison Control | University of Utah Health.

  17. Bluebonnet is toxic to dogsPet Poison Helpline.

  18. Chrysanthemum x MorifoliumNorth Carolina State Extension.

  19. Mum. ASPCA.