5 Perennials to Prune in Summer for a Better Garden Next Year

When summer is in full swing, many gardeners are focused on watering, weeding, and soaking in the color. But this season is also a key time for one often-overlooked task: pruning your perennials. Giving a few of your plants a careful trim now can lead to more blooms, stronger growth, and a tidier garden next year. Here are five perennials that benefit from summer pruning—and a few tips on how to do it right!

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1. Salvia (Sage)

Salvia is a garden favorite for its long blooming season and pollinator appeal. After the first flush of flowers in early summer, the blooms can start to fade and look a bit tired. By cutting the plant back by about one-third, you’ll encourage fresh growth and often trigger a second bloom. Deadheading spent flower stalks regularly also keeps the plant looking tidy and productive.

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2. Geranium (Cranesbill)

Hardy geraniums can get leggy and flop over by mid-summer. Don’t be afraid to give them a bold haircut! Shearing the entire plant back to about 2–3 inches above the ground helps rejuvenate the foliage and encourages a fuller shape with possible late-summer flowering. Add a bit of compost or liquid feed afterward to support regrowth.

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3. Catmint (Nepeta)

Nepeta is a hardy and fragrant bloomer that bees adore. Once the first round of flowers starts to fade, cut the stems back by half to encourage bushier growth and another flush of blooms. This also helps keep the plant compact and prevents it from sprawling too much over neighboring plants.

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4. Lady’s Mantle (Alchemilla mollis)

While Lady’s Mantle offers beautiful chartreuse blooms in early summer, those spent flowers can turn brown and create a mess. Once the flowering fades, prune back both blooms and any tattered foliage. This encourages fresh new leaves that can stay attractive for the rest of the season.

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5. Yarrow (Achillea)

Yarrow’s flat-topped blooms add structure and color to the summer garden, but once they fade, they can make the plant look tired. Deadheading or cutting back spent blooms not only encourages a second wave of flowering but also helps maintain the plant’s shape and strength for the following year.

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Pro Tip: After pruning, give your plants a good drink and consider a light dose of fertilizer to help them bounce back. Also, don’t prune too late in the season—by mid to late August, it’s best to let plants begin preparing for dormancy.

With a bit of summer pruning, your perennials will thank you with a longer bloom time and a healthier, more vibrant return next spring. So grab those shears, step into the sunshine, and give your garden a mid-season refresh! 🌿✂️🌼