As spring arrives in the Kansas City area, it’s time to give your perennials the care they need for a vibrant and healthy growing season. Proper spring maintenance—including pruning, trimming, and fertilizing—can help ensure your perennials thrive all year long. Here’s a guide to what perennials need spring care, how to trim them, and when to get started.
Which Perennials to Trim in Spring?
Not all perennials should be trimmed back in the fall. Many benefit from spring pruning to encourage new growth and improve their appearance. Here are some common perennials that need spring trimming:
- Hydrangeas – The best pruning method depends on the variety. For Bigleaf (Hydrangea macrophylla) and Oakleaf Hydrangeas, trim only dead branches in spring, as they bloom on old wood. Panicle (Hydrangea paniculata) and Smooth Hydrangeas (Hydrangea arborescens) can be pruned back by one-third in early spring before new growth emerges, as they bloom on new wood.
- Ornamental Grasses – Cut back to about 4-6 inches from the ground in early spring before new shoots appear.
- Lavender – Trim about one-third of the plant to encourage bushier growth and prevent legginess.
- Salvia – Cut back spent flower stalks and remove any dead stems to promote fresh blooms.
- Sedum (Autumn Joy) – Remove dead stalks from the previous season to make room for new growth.
- Daylilies – Remove dead foliage and spent flower stalks to promote better flowering.
- Russian Sage – Prune back to about 12 inches in early spring to encourage fuller growth.
- Bee Balm (Monarda) – Trim dead stems to ground level to prevent disease and encourage fresh growth.
When to Start Spring Perennial Maintenance
In the Kansas City region, the best time to begin perennial care is late March to early April, once temperatures consistently stay above freezing but before new growth is well established.
Additional Spring Perennial Care Tips
✔ Clear Out Debris – Remove dead leaves and old mulch to allow new shoots to emerge easily. ✔ Fertilize Smartly – Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer to give perennials a healthy start. ✔ Divide Overcrowded Plants – Spring is a great time to divide perennials like Hostas, Daylilies, and Coneflowers to prevent overcrowding and improve blooms. ✔ Add Fresh Mulch – A fresh layer of mulch helps retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weeds. ✔ Check for Pests and Diseases – Look for signs of insect activity or fungal issues and treat early if needed.
Keep Your Landscape Thriving with Professional Care
At Envision Lawn and Tree, we specialize in maintaining healthy, thriving landscapes in the Kansas City area. Whether you need help with spring pruning, fertilization, or full landscape maintenance, our team is here to ensure your perennials and entire yard look their best.
Contact us today to schedule your spring landscape care and get your garden ready for a season of growth and beauty!
