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Should I cut these perennials back?

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Posted by Rico1967 Illinois (My Page) on
Mon, Sep 12, 11 at 22:09

This weekend I plan to prepare a lasagna bed that will compost through next spring and I would like to use some perennials as a source of nitrogen. My only concern is that if I cut them back hard, I might kill them in doing so. I am a beginner and this is my first attempt, so I would appreciate your input on the matter.

I would like to cut back and use the following:

peonies, bee balm, phlox, and day lilies

I'm guessing these are pretty hardy plants. (?) Most of these perennials are turning slightly yellow/brown at this point and the temperature is forecast to fall into the 60's this week.

My biggest concern is the bee balm and phlox. They are my favorites and I'd be disappointed if they did not come back.

Any thoughts? Thanks.

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RE: Should I cut these perennials back?

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if you cut those back now you could induce them to put out new growth that would not be hardy enough to survive the winter. Those plants right now are using the green growth to manufacture nutrients that are stored in the plants roots for use to grow next spring. I'd wait to cut them down until after the tops turn brown and find another source of Nitrogen.

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RE: Should I cut these perennials back?

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Thanks for your response, I will take your advice.

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