As summer winds down and the days start to get shorter, many native perennial plants in your garden may begin to change. Their lush, green appearance can fade into brown, dry foliage, causing concern for gardeners: "Is it dead, or is it just dormant?"
Understanding the life cycle of your native plants can help distinguish between a plant that has simply entered its dormancy period and one that is truly no longer alive.
Dormancy is a natural part of a perennial plant's life cycle, helping it survive adverse weather conditions, such as the cold of winter or the dry heat of summer. Like hibernation in animals, dormancy allows plants to conserve energy and resources, ensuring their survival until more favorable growing conditions return. Native plants are particularly well adapted to these cycles because they’ve evolved in sync with local climate patterns.
Most native perennial plants will go dormant by late fall or early winter, depending on your region and climate. Plants in colder areas may go dormant earlier, while those in milder climates may hold on a bit longer. During this phase, the plant stops growing, and the above-ground portion may appear dead, but the root system below is still alive and well. The energy is being stored in the roots, waiting for the right conditions to sprout new growth in the spring.
Native perennials will respond to changes in both daylight and temperature. As the days shorten in fall, plants recognize it’s time to shut down above-ground activities and retreat into dormancy. In northern regions, this might happen as early as September, while in milder climates, dormancy might not start until December. For some warmer areas, dormancy may also be less pronounced, as some plants are adapted to stay green year-round.
There are a few key signs to help you identify when your native perennials are going dormant rather than dying:
Foliage Turning Brown and Dry: This is one of the most common signs. Leaves and stems may turn brown and wither, but they won’t feel brittle to the touch. If you inspect the stems, they should still be somewhat firm. A plant that is truly dead will have stems that break easily when bent.
Plant Slows or Stops Growing: Dormant plants stop producing new leaves or flowers. You’ll notice that any remaining buds don’t develop further. The plant’s energy is now focused on preserving its root system.
Root Health: Gently inspect the roots if you’re unsure whether your plant is dead or dormant. If the roots are still white or firm, the plant is likely just dormant. Dead plants will have mushy or brittle roots.
Late Blooming or Dropping Flowers: Some native plants may send out late-season flowers before entering dormancy as one last effort to produce seeds. For instance, goldenrods and asters often bloom in late summer to early fall. As they approach dormancy, their flowers will dry up, signaling the end of the growing season.
Winter Defenses: In some cases, native plants produce specialized structures like rosettes or basal leaves that hug the ground, protecting their growing point through the winter. These plants will remain green even while the rest of the plant looks dead.
If you’re still unsure, there are a few additional clues that may indicate a plant is truly dead:
Snap Test: One of the simplest ways to test a plant’s health is to break off a small twig or stem. If the stem is brittle, snaps easily, and is brown inside, that section of the plant is likely dead. However, if you see any green inside, even if the rest of the plant looks dead, there is still life.
Check for Growth: A dead plant will not show any signs of new growth come spring. By mid-spring, if the plant hasn’t produced any new shoots, it may be dead. Dormant plants typically begin producing new shoots as soon as soil temperatures rise.
Mushy Roots: Dead plants often have mushy, blackened roots. These roots may be suffering from root rot or fungal diseases, especially in poorly drained soils.
Unresponsive to Water: Dormant plants won’t show growth until the weather changes, but a dead plant will remain shriveled and dry, no matter how much you water it. If your plant doesn’t respond to watering in spring, it’s likely time to remove it.
During dormancy, it’s still important to provide your native plants with care to ensure they survive the winter and come back strong in the spring.
Watering: While dormant plants need much less water, they aren’t immune to drought. Ensure that your plants receive a good soaking before the ground freezes. This will help them through the winter.
Mulching: Apply a layer of organic mulch (like leaf litter) around the base of your plants in late fall. Mulching helps regulate soil temperature and retains moisture. It also provides insulation for the root system, protecting it from extreme temperature fluctuations.
Avoid Pruning: Resist the urge to cut back dead-looking stems until spring. Many native plants provide shelter for beneficial insects, and leaving stems in place can protect the plant’s crown.
It can be alarming to see your once-vibrant garden turn brown and seemingly lifeless, but in many cases, your native perennials are just taking a well-deserved rest. With a little patience, your plants will return to life in the spring, often stronger than before. Understanding the difference between dead and dormant plants allows you to relax and appreciate the natural cycles of your garden, knowing that dormancy is simply a sign of survival.