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#298071 Oct 17th, 2009 at 02:03 PM
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DaisyM Offline OP
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Sorry if I'm in the the wrong place but couldn't find a perennial section.
Anyways we had a killer frost and everything is hanging including my hostas and day lilies and more. I usually leave them until the following spring. We had a dump of snow but the snow melted and it's an eye sore. Can I cut them down or is that detrimental to the plant long term? Thanks

DaisyM #298073 Oct 17th, 2009 at 02:18 PM
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This is the correct forum, I guess. Unless it would be better in plant pests and problems.
I know that daylilies and hostas can be cut back and you may as well. They tend to use up valuable energy trying to bring dead leaves back to life as long as they are still attached. Save all that energy for next year's show. .


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Tina #298092 Oct 17th, 2009 at 03:36 PM
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You can cut them back now - I try to do that here in zone 6, so it looks a bit neater, though I don't always get it done before we have snow. Either way is fine for the plants - it's a personal preference.


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plants 'n pots #298095 Oct 17th, 2009 at 03:51 PM
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I don't cut my frozen flowers down, cause it is extra feed for the birds in the winter snows.. I read that.


And it drys better for easy removing in the spring. And is sort of a nice mulch for the protection of he hardy plants.

dodge


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dodge #298111 Oct 17th, 2009 at 07:21 PM
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i rarely cut anything back for winter (it's just so much easier to just give a gentle tug in spring when everything is completely dried out).

the seedheads provide food for birds and other critters. they also provide some interest in the bleek winter landscape - whether they're popping up through a layer of snow or not, so, some things should actually be left instead of cutting them back.

if the way things look is bothering you, you can certainly cut them back and there won't be any damage to the plants - they're done growing this season, so, it's safe enough to cut things back at this point.


Zone 6b
Joclyn #298112 Oct 17th, 2009 at 07:33 PM
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I agree about leaving food for the birds - I always leave my coneflowers and black eyed suzies for just that reason.


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Joclyn #298114 Oct 17th, 2009 at 07:38 PM
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Thank you for the advice. Much appreciated.

plants 'n pots #298341 Oct 20th, 2009 at 03:59 PM
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Originally Posted by plants 'n pots
I agree about leaving food for the birds - I always leave my coneflowers and black eyed suzies for just that reason.


So if I am lazy & let my flowers alone, it is all good, huh????
AND my birdies will like me for it?....great!!! Thanks guys.........


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