Perennial care 2

A few years ago someone from a hot summer area said it helps to whack everything back in late July which stimulates new growth for fall.  Since we have such a long growing season this works for us and I have done it to good results.  Those rudbeckias will be cut back to the basal clump in a week or so when this round of bloom is looking ratty.  With rudbeckia especially I like the break from the color.  The all summer perennials are the ones that need cutting back, along with annuals. The spring bloomers are finished and just hanging on til frost.  The so called fall bloomers are still growing in anticipation of flowering in a month or two.