12 Perennials You MUST Prune Before WINTER (And 6 That Will Die If You Touch Them)

Fall pruning can either prepare your garden for winter or accidentally remove next year's flowers and winter protection. In this video, discover 18 plants you need to treat differently before winter — including 12 plants that benefit from fall pruning, such as roses, hostas, peonies, bee balm, coneflower, salvia, catmint, and garden phlox. You'll also learn why 6 plants should be left alone until spring: lavender, ornamental grasses, butterfly bush, Russian sage, baptisia, and caryopteris. Their old stems can protect crowns, preserve winter structure, and support next year's growth. The key rule is simple: know whether your plant flowers on new growth or surviving old wood before reaching for the pruners. Timing, climate, and plant variety still matter, so always check the specific variety growing in your garden. Legal Notice: This video is created under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976 (fair use) for educational and commentary purposes. Some visuals may belong to their respective owners. Contact for credit or removal.