As temperatures drop and days grow shorter in fall, hardy geraniums start going dormant for the winter. Cutting back hardy geraniums in late autumn helps promote lush new growth when they reawaken in spring. Unlike tender annual geraniums, hardy geranium species can withstand freezing winters in the ground. With proper care, they will return reliably for years.
Why Cut Back Hardy Geraniums
Trimming hardy geraniums back before winter serves multiple purposes
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Removes dead foliage that can harbor pests and disease
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Prevents plants from matting down under snow or ice
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Allows new growth to emerge unimpeded in spring
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Improves air circulation around crown to minimize rot
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Directs energy into roots rather than seed production
Cutting away spent leaves and stems in fall tidies up hardy geranium’s appearance. It also eliminates places where fungal diseases or insects can overwinter. Removing this debris improves the plant’s health and vigor.
When to Trim Hardy Geraniums
Time cutting back hardy geraniums in late fall after several hard frosts have hit your area. This is generally late October to mid November for most regions. The foliage will yellow or brown and look bedraggled once the plant goes dormant.
Cutting too early while plants are still actively growing risks damaging new basal growth emerging for spring. Waiting until early winter allows all energy from the leaves to transfer back to the roots before trimming.
Cutting Back Flowers, Stems, and Foliage
Use bypass pruners, garden scissors, or hedge shears to trim hardy geraniums. Start by removing any dried flower stems. Clip back the upright shoots to about half their height, or around 4 to 6 inches above soil level.
Next, clear away the basal rosette of leaves. Trim this foliage down to just an inch or two above the ground. Remove all diseased or insect-damaged leaves as well.
Take care not to cut into any new leaf crowns at the plant’s base. Also avoid damaging the central crown itself where new growth initiates.
Additional Care Tips After Cutting Back
After cutting hardy geraniums back for winter, consider loosening the soil around plants with a hand trowel. This improves drainage and oxygen circulation around the roots.
Topdress beds with a thin layer of compost or shredded leaves to further protect root systems from winter damage. Just avoid piling mulch right against the central crown of the plants.
Water deeply before the ground freezes to prevent desiccation. No supplemental water is needed during dormancy unless winter drought occurs.
Pruning Hardy Geraniums in Spring
You can also opt to leave hardy geraniums unpruned in fall and cut plants back in early spring. Trim off any remaining dead leaves or stems once you see new growth starting to push up from the base.
Spring pruning tidy up winter damage, clears space for emerging foliage, and prevents self-seeding. However, leaving plants uncut over winter provides winter interest and shelter for pollinators.
Whether you prune in fall or spring, be sure to sterilize your cutting tools before use with isopropyl alcohol to avoid transmitting diseases between plants.
What Types of Hardy Geraniums to Cut Back
Many popular hardy geranium species respond well to cutting back in autumn:
- Geranium x cantabrigiense
- Geranium macrorrhizum
- Geranium sanguineum
- Geranium pratense
- Geranium himalayense
- Geranium wlassovianum
- Geranium x oxonianum
Avoid cutting back evergreen geranium species like Geranium maculatum too severely. Only remove spent blooms and tattered leaves, not all foliage.
Signs New Growth is Ready in Spring
Watch for these signs that hardy geraniums are stirring from dormancy in spring:
- New reddish or green leaves emerging from the center
- Swelling leaf buds at the crown
- Sprouting of new lateral shoots from root ball
Hold off on spring fertilizing or excessive watering until several inches of new growth are visible. Then plants are ready for accelerated care and revival.
Enjoying Hardy Geraniums for Years
With proper seasonal care, most hardy geranium varieties thrive for many years in the garden. Cutting back spent top growth in fall and spring keeps plants looking tidy and encourages healthy new foliage. Pair this maintenance with protection from extreme cold, and your hardy geraniums will provide durable floral color spring through fall.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best tool for cutting back hardy geraniums?
Bypass pruners, garden scissors, or hand shears all work well. Sterilize tools before use to prevent transmitting diseases.
Can I cut hardy geraniums back in the spring instead?
Yes, spring pruning is fine but offers fewer benefits than fall cutting. Some gardeners do both fall and spring cuts.
How much can I cut back hardy geranium foliage?
Trim spent leaves and stems down to about 1-2 inches above soil level. Avoid damaging new growth near the crown.
Should I cut off dead flower stalks on hardy geraniums?
Yes, remove spent blooms and seed heads to improve appearances and prevent self-seeding.
How often should I cut back hardy geraniums?
Once a year is sufficient – either in late fall after frost or early spring before new growth resumes.
The Takeaway
Cutting back hardy geraniums after they go dormant for winter keeps plants tidy and healthy. Trim off dead leaves, stems, and spent blooms in late fall or early spring. This maintenance rejuvenates their appearance and supports vigorous growth and flowering. With minimal seasonal care, hardy geraniums thrive for many years in the garden.
Cutting Back Geraniums For Winter
Cut back annual geraniums by at least a half before overwintering indoors. You can also trim up any long roots. Try saving some of the cuttings to propagate new plants.
Perennial geraniums can be cut back hard in the fall or spring to remove spent leaves and flowers. This provides new shoots with access to plenty of sunshine and air circulation.
Protecting Geraniums in Winter
Annual geraniums can’t handle cold winters, so they should be thrown away at the end of the growing season or brought inside or put in a greenhouse for the winter. To overwinter them, dig up the plant in the fall and cut back the stems by about one-half. Put the pelargonium in a pot that’s just big enough for the root ball, and then put it somewhere cool and sunny inside. They prefer nighttime temperatures of approximately 50° to 60°F. Keep the container on the dry side in the winter, but don’t let it dry out completely. Geraniums should not be fed while they are resting in the winter.
You can also let pelargoniums go dormant over the winter and store them bare root in a cool, dark place. After digging them up, shake all the dirt off the roots and place plants in a paper bag. Allow the plant to dry out, then put it away in a basement or garage that is 45° to 50°F. Check on the geraniums every few weeks and remove any shriveled or dead stems. Give them a long soak about once a month and return them to storage.
In the spring, you can pot up the geraniums and water them deeply to get them growing. Place them in a sunny window, and new growth should appear after a few weeks. Once the risk of frost has passed, gradually acclimate plants to the outside to help harden them off.
Perennial geraniums do not require extra protection in winter. Cut the leaves off just a few inches above the ground when they start to die back in the fall. Alternatively, you can wait until early spring to cut off the dead foliage before new growth emerges.