Even though it is hot outside right now, fall is right around the corner and winter is not far behind. If you have perennials planted in your yard and you do not take the proper steps to get them ready for winter, they could easily die and not come back when it warms up again in the spring. Below are some tips on how to take care of black-eyed Susans and Shasta daisies to ensure they come back for you.
Black-eyed Susans
Black-eyed Susans start blooming in the early summer and generally keep bloom until the late fall. Once the flower quits blooming, you will notice the blooms will start to wilt and fade. Once all of the blooms are like this, then you can choose to cut the black-eyed Susans back. If so, you cut the stems down until they are approximately three to four inches above the ground for the cold winter months. Once winter arrives and the temperatures get below freezing, cover the black-eyed Susans with two or three inches of mulch to keep them protected. When the weather warms up, the black-eyed Susans will grow back.
You can also choose to not cut back your black-eyed Susans. They will have leftover seeds that will provide food for birds that do not migrate to the south. You can then cut them back a few weeks before spring arrives.
Shasta Daisies
You likely see a lot of Shasta daisies with cheery white petals around your neighborhood. If you care for your Shasta daisies in the growing season, you will have no problems winterizing them. To take care of these flowers, make sure they have enough water and remove any spent blooms. Once you are sure fall is over, cut back the stems to the base of the plants. Put a two or three-inch layer of mulch, hay, or pine over the flowers when the ground starts to freeze. This will provide enough insulation for the flowers to protect them from freezing. Once spring arrives and it is time to plant, remove the mulch or whatever you used over the flowers, and they will then start growing again.
If you have any questions on how to take care of these flowers or any other flowers you have, contact a landscape contractor in your area. They can come to your home and help you get your landscaping ready for winter.
