From our perspective, the shortening days and cooler temperatures of late autumn are not a signal to die, but to rest. We are perennial at heart. Our above-ground growth, the vibrant flowers and tender green leaves you admire in spring and summer, will naturally begin to yellow and wither. This is not a cause for alarm; it is our energy retreating downwards, concentrating in our crown and root system. We are entering a state of dormancy, a period of minimal metabolic activity where we conserve all our resources to survive the colder months and prepare for a vigorous resurgence.
When our flowering has finished and the foliage shows signs of decline, a strategic pruning is immensely beneficial. Please use clean, sharp shears to cut our stems back to about 2-3 inches above the soil line. This serves two vital purposes for us. First, it removes expendable material that could otherwise rot and harbor fungal pathogens like botrytis or powdery mildew, which thrive in cool, damp conditions. Second, and most importantly, it eliminates a target for pests and prevents us from wasting precious energy trying to sustain non-essential growth. This allows us to focus every bit of our stored energy on root survival.
While air temperatures in a mild climate may rarely freeze, the soil can still experience cold cycles that threaten our crown—the crucial point where our stems meet the roots. A consistent layer of mulch is our best defense. After pruning, please apply a 3-4 inch blanket of a loose, organic material like straw, shredded leaves, or bark chips around our base. This mulch acts as a superb regulator. It insulates our crown from sudden temperature dips, helps retain just enough soil moisture to prevent our roots from desiccating, and suppresses weed growth that would compete with us for nutrients come spring.
Our water needs change dramatically. While our roots must not be allowed to completely dry out and become brittle, we are equally vulnerable to sitting in cold, waterlogged soil, which will cause our roots to rot and suffocate. The goal is slightly damp, not wet. Please water us deeply only when the soil has dried out significantly several inches down, and preferably during a period of milder weather so the water can be absorbed before a potential cold snap. Good drainage in the planting site is absolutely non-negotiable for our survival.
As the days noticeably lengthen and the soil begins to warm in late winter or early spring, we will sense the change. You will see the first signs of this as tiny new green shoots emerging from our protected crown. This is the signal that our dormancy is breaking. At this point, you can gently pull back the mulch to allow the new growth access to sunlight and air. A light application of a balanced, slow-release fertilizer will provide us with the nutrients needed to support a full season of lush growth and prolific flowering, rewarding your care with a spectacular display.
