Should you cut back astilbe in the fall or winter? Expert pruning advice for these popular flowering perennials
Pruning perennials is not a complicated process, but trimming at the right time is essential
Astilbes are popular perennial plants found in a range of bright and brilliant shades. From white to pink, yellow to red, these dramatic flowering plants have long been a favorite of mine. Whether you have a small patio, balcony or large backyard, these plume-like blooms will provide long-lasting interest, flowering vividly over the summer months and into the fall.
While low-maintenance, they do need to be pruned once the growing season ends, ready to shoot again the following spring. There are two schools of thought concerning when is the best time to prune astilbe, with some gardeners opting to trim in fall, and some opting to cut back in winter.
Here, I discuss the reasoning for both fall and winter pruning, helping you to make your mind up about the best approach for your garden. So, if you want to know how best to prune these tall perennial flowers, our guide has all the information you need to succeed and ensure that your plants return better than ever next year.
Should you prune astilbe in fall or winter?
Astilbes are one of the easiest perennials to grow and care for. They can be planted in borders and pots from US hardiness zone 3 to US hardiness zone 9, preferring a sunny spot in the yard. These flowering plants regrow every year, so long as they are pruned correctly. While you can prune in either fall or winter, here, we reveal the reasoning that might help you decide when to reach for the pruners.
When to prune astilbe
'Astilbes are impactful flowers during the summer, producing large, feather-like blooms,' says Rachel Bull, head of gardens at Homes & Gardens. 'By October, astilbe plants will begin to lose their color, fading as the seasons change.
'While you can add pruning to your fall gardening checklist, cutting back as the flower stems and foliage brown, I am always inclined to hold off trimming until the end of winter,' Rachel adds.
As Rachel says, some gardeners might like to put the yard to bed for the cold months, tidying and trimming all perennials at one time in the fall. This is not a problem, but leaving the stems to stand in the winter has its advantages too.
'For gardeners who appreciate winter garden interest, or perhaps you enjoy architectural plants in your yard, leaving the stems to stand until March ensures that your borders look beautiful, particularly in frosty weather,' Rachel says.
So, while it is up to you if you trim in fall or late winter, Rachel recommends holding back until February or March, keeping seasonal structure and interest in your yard for as long as possible, while also providing food and shelter for insects and animals.
Rachel is a gardening editor, flower grower and floral designer. Her journalism career began on Country Living magazine, sparking a love of container gardening and wild planting. After more than a decade writing for and editing a range of consumer, business and special interest titles, Rachel became editor of floral art magazine The Flower Arranger. She then trained and worked as a floral designer and stylist in London for six years, before joining the Homes & Gardens team.
Made in Japan, these pruning shears will make light work of your passion flower pruning jobs, easily slicing through thin and woody stems.
How to prune astilbe
Pruning is a simple and speedy process that requires only a few essential gardening tools. Before you begin, it is a good idea to wear gardening gloves to protect your hands. Then, using clean, sharp tools, such as these Felco snips from Walmart, you are ready to start.
Trim back dead flower stalks and stems to about one to two inches above the ground. If you are pruning in the fall, you can easily cut back all stems, removing all dead and dying material. If you are pruning in February or March, as part of your winter gardening checklist, look closely to identify any new green shoots, being careful not to damage them.
FAQs
Can I compost trimmed astilbe stems and flowers?
Yes, you can add any astilbe clippings to your compost heap. Dead stems, flowers, and leaves will quickly compost, especially if you cut all pieces down to a few inches in length. If you spot any diseased material, such as spotted leaves or pest damage, it is best to dispose of this in the green waste collection.
After pruning, it is a good idea to complete some mulching of your beds and borders. Use a good quality mulch, such as this pine mulch, available to order from Amazon, and apply a generous one to two-inch layer across the surface of the soil. Mulching at this time will help to feed the soil, improve moisture retention in the summer and suppress weeds.
For more fall and winter inspiration, see our guide on the best shrubs for fall berries, full of colorful plants to maintain interest during the colder months of the year.
Sign up to the Homes & Gardens newsletter
Design expertise in your inbox – from inspiring decorating ideas and beautiful celebrity homes to practical gardening advice and shopping round-ups.
Thomas is a Content Editor within the Gardens Team at Homes and Gardens. He has worked as a professional gardener in gardens across the UK and Italy, specializing in productive gardening, growing food and flowers. Trained in Horticulture at the Garden Museum, London, he has written on gardening and garden history for various publications in the UK, including The English Garden, Gardens Illustrated, Hortus, The London Gardener and Bloom. He has co-authored a Lonely Planet travel book, The Tree Atlas, due out in 2024.
-
I was getting modern farmhouse burnout until I saw Joanna Gaines's latest remodel – this is the best living room she's ever designed, and achieving the look is so easy
It is warm and welcoming, not contrived
By Jennifer Ebert Published
-
Olivia Munn's cream sofa taps into a timeless furniture trend – it serves as a 'base foundation' for any living space
Munn's cream sofa creates a soft, soothing ambiance in her living area, which experts say makes it a worthwhile investment for the home
By Hannah Ziegler Published
-
Best ornamental grasses for winter interest – 5 varieties for color and texture in the colder months of the year
With striking shades and shapes, these ornamental grasses are ideal for maintaining interest during fall and winter
By Thomas Rutter Published
-
Sanctuaries in the city – NYC garden designer reveals how to transform urban rooftop gardens into green oases
Filling an urban space with planting will create a private, calming retreat
By Thomas Rutter Published
-
Best shrubs for fall berries – 6 fruiting bushes to plant now for colorful borders and pots
Adding some of these fall-fruiting shrubs to your plot will not only look good but prove popular with wildlife too
By Thomas Rutter Published
-
How to grow Japanese maple bonsai trees – for miniature gardens with spectacular fall color
Patience is needed when practicing the art of bonsai, yet this slow and mindful approach to gardening can be transformative
By Thomas Rutter Published
-
How to divide hummingbird mint – expert propagation advice for this native perennial
While many people divide perennials in the fall, this is not the ideal time to divide hummingbird mint
By Thomas Rutter Published
-
How to grow creeping juniper – for a native evergreen ground cover
Everything you need to know to ensure this low-growing pine thrives in your borders
By Thomas Rutter Published
-
What to do with hibiscus in the fall – expert advice to prepare for the winter months
How to care for these flowering shrubs to prepare them for the coldest time of year
By Thomas Rutter Published
-
Should you deadhead chrysanthemums in fall? Here's why it's a good idea to cut back these blooms before winter
Deadheading is a key task for many flowering plants and getting the timing right is vital for future growth
By Tenielle Jordison Published