Plant Care Guide
Shrub & Perennial Care Guide
Thoughtful, consistent care is what keeps shrubs and perennials healthy, vigorous, and beautiful year after year. This guide walks you through the essentials — from watering and pruning to fertilizing, deadheading, dividing, and winterizing — so your plantings thrive through every Minnesota season.
Watering Tips for Shrubs & Perennials
Proper watering builds deep, resilient root systems. Follow these guidelines to keep your plants hydrated without overdoing it.
- Water deeply and infrequently to encourage roots to grow downward rather than staying near the surface.
- Newly planted shrubs and perennials need consistent moisture for the first full growing season.
- Water early in the morning so foliage dries quickly and disease risk is reduced.
- Check soil moisture a few inches down before watering — if it’s still damp, wait.
- Apply a two- to three-inch layer of mulch to retain moisture and moderate soil temperature.
- Reduce watering in fall to help plants harden off before winter dormancy.
Pruning Timing & Techniques
Pruning at the right time shapes healthy growth and encourages abundant blooms. Timing and technique matter as much as the cut itself.
- Prune spring-flowering shrubs right after they bloom to avoid removing next year’s buds.
- Prune summer-flowering shrubs in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
- Always remove dead, damaged, or diseased branches as soon as you notice them.
- Use clean, sharp tools and make cuts just above an outward-facing bud or node.
- Avoid removing more than one-third of a plant’s growth in a single season.
- Thin crowded interior branches to improve air circulation and light penetration.
Fertilizing Schedule for Healthy Growth
Feeding your plants at the right moments fuels strong roots, lush foliage, and vibrant flowers without encouraging weak, excessive growth.
- Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges.
- Avoid fertilizing late in the season, which can push tender growth vulnerable to frost.
- Test your soil periodically to understand what nutrients your plants actually need.
- Work compost into the soil to improve structure and provide gentle, lasting nutrition.
- Follow product rates carefully — over-fertilizing can burn roots and harm plants.
Deadheading Perennials for Continuous Color
Removing spent blooms redirects energy back into the plant, extending the flowering season and keeping beds looking tidy.
- Pinch or snip faded flowers just above the first set of healthy leaves.
- Deadhead regularly throughout the season to encourage repeat blooming.
- Leave some late-season seed heads in place to feed birds and add winter interest.
- Some perennials rebloom more readily than others — know your plants’ habits.
Dividing Overgrown Perennials
Dividing rejuvenates crowded clumps, improves flowering, and gives you free new plants to expand your garden.
- Divide most perennials every three to five years, or when the center starts to die out.
- Divide spring and summer bloomers in fall, and fall bloomers in spring.
- Lift the entire clump and separate it into sections with healthy roots and shoots.
- Replant divisions promptly and water them in well to reduce transplant stress.
- Choose a cool, overcast day to divide and transplant whenever possible.
Winterizing Shrubs & Perennials for Minnesota
Minnesota winters are demanding. A little preparation in fall protects your investment and helps plants emerge strong in spring.
- Apply a thick layer of mulch after the ground freezes to insulate roots from temperature swings.
- Water evergreens deeply before the ground freezes to prevent winter desiccation.
- Wrap tender or newly planted shrubs with burlap to shield them from wind and sun scald.
- Cut back perennials only after they have gone fully dormant, or leave stems for winter interest.
- Protect against rodents by keeping mulch pulled slightly away from woody stems.
- Use burlap screens or anti-desiccant sprays for plants in exposed, windy locations.
Partner with Sandvig Services for Expert Care
Caring for shrubs and perennials takes time, knowledge, and the right timing. Let our team handle the seasonal details so your landscape stays healthy and beautiful year-round. Reach out today to discuss a maintenance plan tailored to your property.