Pruning perennials is a pefect way for the antsy gardener to get some hands-on time this winter.
Perennials are dormant or at least semi-dormant during January, February and March. That makes this a great time of year to cut back your perennials -- just make sure you do it before they start to put growth on in the spring.
To prune or not to prune? It depends on how cold the weather gets and how long it stays cold. Since below freezing temperatures have occurred this year, many plants have naturally died back. Your best bet is to look to your plants for the answer. If they have a nice shape and no damage to their foliage, just leave them alone.
If the top part of the plant has freeze damage, don’t worry. Perennials have extensive root systems that help them survive from year to year. Whether a particular species is affected by the cold has to do with the hardiness of its foliage:
