Winter in the Black Hills can be breathtaking, but it’s also tough on gardens. At Jolly Lane Greenhouse in Rapid City, South Dakota, we know what it takes to help your perennials survive the cold and come back strong in spring. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting out, winterizing your perennial plants is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your landscape.
Why Winterizing Matters
Perennials are built to last, but they still need a little help when the frost rolls in. As temperatures drop, these plants enter dormancy which is a natural rest period that helps them conserve energy. But without proper care, they can suffer damage from freezing temperatures, dry winds, and heavy snow.
That’s why we recommend starting your winter prep in late fall, usually between mid-October and early November. A few simple steps now can make a big difference come spring.
Step 1: Clean Up and Cut Back
Begin by clearing out dead foliage and debris. This helps prevent disease and gives your garden a fresh start. Use sharp pruners to trim back plants like hostas and daylilies to a few inches above the soil. Remove any diseased or damaged leaves but leave healthy ones that can offer natural insulation.
Don’t forget to compost what you can—shredded leaves make excellent mulch and add nutrients back into the soil.
Step 2: Insulate and Hydrate
Mulching is one of the best ways to protect your perennials. Apply a 2–4-inch layer of organic mulch (like straw or shredded leaves) around the base of each plant. Just be sure not to pile it directly against the stems, which can cause rot.
Before the ground freezes, give your garden a good watering. Moist soil holds heat better than dry soil, and hydrated roots are less likely to suffer from winter stress.
For tender varieties, consider using burlap or frost cloth to shield them from harsh winds. And if we get a heavy snow, gently brush it off branches to prevent breakage.
Your Winter Garden Resource: Jolly Lane’s Plant Finder
Looking for help choosing the right perennials for your garden—or just want to explore what’s available? Check out our Plant Finder tool. It’s a fantastic resource that showcases all of our featured perennials, complete with photos, growing tips, and care instructions.
From hardy yarrow and ornamental onions to colorful columbines and lady’s mantle, you’ll find a wide variety of plants suited to our local climate. You can even build a custom wish list and bring it into the greenhouse; our friendly team will help you find exactly what you need.
Explore Perennials at Jolly Lane!
We're Here to Help
At Jolly Lane Greenhouse, we’re more than just a garden center - we’re part of your community. Our team is always happy to answer questions, recommend products, or walk you through the winterization process. Whether you're prepping your garden for snow or dreaming about spring blooms, we’re here to support you every step of the way.
Stop by our Rapid City location or explore our online tools to get started. Let’s make sure your garden wakes up happy next spring.