6/16
Cut Back: Lilies
Lush, vibrant lilies from bulbs, including Asiatic, Oriental, Tiger, and Trumpet lilies, can stick up as straight as driveway snow stakes during the growing season. “Let them go until the green disappears,” Zondag says. “When they turn to yellow or red, that signals leaves are no longer feeding the bulbs.”
It only takes one quick snip of the stalk near the soil line, and you’re done. Sometimes the stalk may come off with a gentle twist, making them one of the easiest plants to clean up in the fall.
7/16
Cut Back: Phlox
Like bee balm, this fragrant flower likes to spread and can be vulnerable to mildew. Trim it down to the soil in the fall to help prevent mildew from taking hold. If plants are especially thick, try using a small billhook to grab and cut off stems.
