Hummingbird mint is a popular plant that attracts hummingbirds to gardens with its brightly colored flowers and irresistible nectar. As fall approaches, a common question that arises is whether or not to cut down hummingbird mint plants for the season. There are pros and cons to consider when deciding if and when to cut back hummingbird mint in the fall.
Should You Cut Down Hummingbird Mint in the Fall?
The main factors to consider when deciding whether to cut down hummingbird mint in fall are:
Reasons to Cut Down Hummingbird Mint in Fall
– Aesthetics – Mint plants can look unattractive after flowering as the flowers fade and the stems die back. Cutting them to the ground provides a cleaner look.
– Prevent Seed Spread – Allowing mint plants to go to seed can lead to unwanted spread of the plant. Cutting it back prevents unwanted propagation.
– Reduce Pest Issues – Leaving dead plant material over winter can harbor insect pests and diseases. Removing it eliminates places where pests can overwinter.
– Promote New Growth – Cutting mint back in fall helps encourage fresh new growth in spring. The plant will put energy into new leaves and flowers instead of old, spent growth.
Reasons to Leave Hummingbird Mint for Winter
– Provides Winter Interest – The dried seed heads and stems of mint plants can provide visual interest in the winter garden.
– Shelter for Insects – Leaving plant debris and stalks in place provides important shelter for overwintering beneficial insects.
– Delayed Source of Seeds – Allowing mint plants to self-seed ensures a continued supply of new plants in spring.
– Insulation for Roots – Leaving top growth in place helps insulate plant crowns and roots from extreme cold.
When to Cut Down Hummingbird Mint
The timing of cutting back hummingbird mint depends on your climate and goals:
– Warm climates – Cut back after flowering finishes, as late as mid-fall. Regrowth may continue through winter.
– Cold climates – Leave plants for winter and cut back in early spring. This protects roots from cold damage.
– For aesthetics – Cut back once flowering finishes and plants look unattractive, typically late summer or fall.
– For seed prevention – Cut back as soon as flowers fade before viable seeds form, typically mid to late summer.
– For pest/disease control – Cut back after hard frost kills top growth and pests, typically late fall.
How to Cut Down Hummingbird Mint
Use the following steps for cutting back hummingbird mint plants:
– Wait for plant to die back after hard frost.
– Cut stems down to an inch or two above the ground using pruners or shears.
– Clear away and dispose of cut debris to prevent pest issues.
– Consider mulching around mint crowns if winters are very cold.
– Mint may sprout new leaves soon after cutting due to latent growth buds. These may persist through winter in mild climates.
Care After Cutting Back
– Water plants periodically through fall if dry to prevent drought stress on roots.
– Apply compost/fertilizer to beds in early spring to fuel new growth.
– Watch for new sprouts and growth in spring.
– If plants do not sprout after several weeks, scrape back mulch to check for viable growth.
– Propagate new plants from root cuttings if cold damage has killed original plants.
Conclusion
Deciding whether to cut down hummingbird mint in fall depends on your specific garden goals. Leaving plants standing provides winter interest, shelter for insects, and delayed seed dispersal. Cutting plants back gives a cleaner look, prevents unwanted spread, and reduces the potential for pest issues. Whenever you cut it back, be sure to leave an inch or two of stem to allow for regrowth. With proper care after cutting back, hummingbird mint will return vigorously the following spring. Adjust timing and practices to suit your specific climate and needs.
Pros of Cutting Down Hummingbird Mint | Cons of Cutting Down Hummingbird Mint |
---|---|
– Improved appearance as flowers fade – Prevent self-seeding – Remove hiding places for pests – Encourage fresh new spring growth |
– Loss of winter interest – Loss of insect shelter – Loss of seed source – Less insulation for roots |
Other Key Points About Hummingbird Mint
Ideal Growing Conditions
– Full sun to part shade
– Moist, well-draining soil
– Avoid soggy soil
Care and Maintenance
– Pinch back tips during growing season to encourage bushy growth
– Deadhead spent flowers to prolong bloom
– Divide plants every 2-3 years in spring if they outgrow space
– Can be aggressive spreaders – watch for unwanted growth
Pest and Disease Issues
– Powdery mildew
– Leaf spots
– Slugs and snails
– Aphids
– Mint rust
– Spider mites
Winter Protection
– Mulch around crowns before hard frost
– Cover with row cover if temperatures drop below -10°F
– Avoid too much moisture on crowns in winter
Propagation
– Take 6 inch cuttings from stem tips in spring/summer
– Root cuttings in water or moist potting mix
– Divide established plants in spring
– Can also self-seed readily
Varieties
– Agastache rugosa – Korean mint, licorice mint, wrinkled giant hyssop
– Agastache foeniculum – Anise hyssop
– Agastache aurantiaca – Orange hummingbird mint
– Agastache cana – Mosquito plant
– Agastache nepetoides – Yellow giant hyssop
Uses
– Culinary use – leaves used for tea, flavoring
– Beds and borders – mass plant for color
– Containers – trailing varieties look good in pots/baskets
– Pollinator gardens – attracts bees, hummingbirds, butterflies
– Herbal remedies – infusions used for colds, fever
Companion Plants
– Yarrows
– Catmints
– Salvias
– Verbena
– Agapanthus
– Lilies
– Blanket flower