You should cut back black-eyed Susans in late summer or fall, ideally after their foliage has begun to brown and their flower petals have fallen.
Optimal Timing for Pruning Black-Eyed Susans
To ensure the healthy return of your black-eyed Susans year after year, the best time to cut them back is as follows:
- Season: Late summer or fall. This allows the plant to complete its blooming cycle and for energy to be drawn back into the roots before winter.
- Visual Cues: Wait until the plant has shown signs of decline, specifically when:
- The foliage has browned a bit.
- The flower petals have completely fallen off.
- Method: When ready, cut the plants back at their base.
Understanding Their Resilience
Black-eyed Susans are remarkably hardy plants, making them quite forgiving when it comes to pruning. It is genuinely difficult to cut these plants back at the "wrong" time, as their robust nature ensures they will typically grow back. Their hardiness means they will continue to return season after season unless they are completely pulled out of the ground.
