From our perspective, the shortening daylight and cooling soil temperatures are not a threat, but a signal. It is our cue to enter a period of dormancy, a deep and essential rest. Our growth above ground ceases as we redirect all our energy downward, storing precious carbohydrates in our thick, fleshy roots and rhizomes—our survival storage units. This natural process makes us remarkably cold-hardy. Your role is not to fight this process, but to support it, ensuring we are protected and healthy for our long sleep and subsequent spring revival.
Once our final summer blossoms fade, do not be too quick to tidy up. The energy from the sun is our food. Our leaves, though perhaps looking a bit tired, are still hard at work through photosynthesis, converting sunlight into the sugars we will store for winter and use to fuel next year's growth and flowers. Cutting these solar panels back too early starves us, weakening our root systems. Please allow our foliage to remain until it has been thoroughly browned and killed by a hard frost. This yellowing and browning is our signal that we have reabsorbed all possible energy and are ready for the next step.
Our greatest winter challenge is not the consistent cold, but the unpredictable freeze-thaw cycles. When the soil repeatedly freezes, heaves, and thaws, it can physically push our roots right out of the ground, exposing them to desiccating winds and killing temperatures. After the ground has frozen hard for the first time, applying a thick, loose layer of mulch (about 4-6 inches) over our crown is like tucking us in with a warm, breathable blanket. Use straw, shredded leaves, or pine boughs. This layer regulates the soil temperature, keeping it consistently cold and preventing those damaging heaves. It also conserves vital soil moisture.
While we are dormant, we still lose moisture. A common cause of winter loss is desiccation, where dry winter winds pull moisture from our roots and crown. Please ensure we enter our dormancy well-hydrated. If the autumn is particularly dry, continue to provide deep watering until the ground freezes. A deep drink before the freeze ensures our cells are plump and hydrated, much better equipped to handle the dry, cold months ahead than if we are already stressed and thirsty.
As the sun strengthens and the snow melts, we will begin to stir. Do not rush to remove our protective mulch too early. A late frost can damage our new, tender shoots. Wait until the danger of hard frost has passed and you see our fresh green growth starting to push through. Then, gently pull back the mulch to allow us to emerge. This is also the time to assess any winter damage and finally trim away the old, dead foliage from last season. With your careful preparation, we will be well-rested, energized, and ready to put on a spectacular show for you once again.
