Laura Chaves Missouri Botanical Garden
Q: I blew the leaves from my lawn onto my flower beds to try to help overwintering insects. Will my perennials be OK if I keep the leaves there all winter long?
A: Moving leaves from one part of the yard to another can help provide habitat for insects that overwinter in leaf litter, serve as a nice mulch material for various beds in the yard, and recycle nutrients and organic matter.
Your perennials should not be harmed as long as the leaves aren't piled on too thick and you give some attention to how the plants are covered. Leaves that are left in a pile over the top of plants can stick together and form a heavy layer that doesn't allow much air or moisture to pass through them, which can cause perennials to rot.
Generally, it's best to keep the leaf layer in beds to 6 inches or less to help prevent the formation of a thick mat. Additionally, you should redistribute leaves as needed so the leaf layer directly over the top of your perennials is thinner, about two inches. It's a good idea to check on the leaves throughout the winter, and if they have formed a dense layer, loosen it up with a rake or other tool to help improve the flow of air and moisture.
Write to the Missouri Botanical Garden's Center for Home Gardening at plantinformation@mobot.org or the Horticulture Answer Service, 4344 Shaw Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63110.
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