In August daylily plants are often in need of a refresher.

Perennial gardens need some mid-summer tending. Pulling weeds, of course. But also deadheading and editing. Pull plants that want to take over the garden…some perennials need the controlling hand of the gardener. 

Plants that have flowered in the spring or early summer can be pruned or even cut to the ground if they are not attractive. If a perennial plant isn’t contributing to the garden party at this time of year, you can show it to the door. Many plants such as catmint and salvia will produce new, fresh foliage when they are cut down at this time of year. They may not flower much on that new growth, but they will be more attractive in the garden.

See my previous post about tweaking perennial gardens and the various ways that catmint (Nepeta) can be handled at this time of year.

Perennial gardens benefit from a cleanup in late July or early August.

This cart is filled with the weeds, finished perennials and edited plants after a late-July cleanup.