A gardening expert has told which five plants can be pruned now to get another bloom in late summer and early fall.
Some perennials can be encouraged to rebloom if approached correctly.
Maryam Ghani, brand manager at Haute Florist, said cutting back some plants after flowering can encourage new growth, meaning gardeners get fresh blooms in late summer and early autumn.
Maryam continued, “Cutting perennials is like giving them a little rejuvenation.
“After the first bloom, plants can become leggy and tired. By cutting them, you remove spent flowers and encourage the plant to use its energy to produce new growth and ultimately more blooms.”
Which plants produce more flowers?
According to Maryam, not all plants produce a second bloom after cutting.
However, geraniums, delphiniums, lupins, salvia and bellflowers have the best chance of producing a second flush of flowers if cut back.
Geraniums are the most reliable perennials when planning for a second bloom, often blooming well into early fall if cut back hard after the first bloom.
Delphiniums are also likely to produce more flowers, but they may be smaller compared to the blooms produced earlier in the season.
Lupins bloom again in late summer, but gardeners must remember that cutting them back after flowering prevents the seeds from ripening.
Many sage varieties, but especially summer-blooming varieties, produce more flowers later in the season.
Bellflowers can also produce more blooms when cut.
How to Prune Perennials for Second Blooms
Timing
Maryam said, “The best time to prune perennials is right after they finish their first bloom.
“Don’t wait too long or the plant will start to set seeds, which can reduce its energy to produce new flowers.”
Cut low, but not too low
The gardening expert said: “When you cut back, aim to remove about two-thirds of the plant’s height, leaving just 2-3 inches above the base of the stem.
“This helps stimulate new growth while leaving enough leaves for the plant to continue photosynthesis.”
Feed and water
Once the plants are cut back, give them a boost with fertilizer and make sure they are well watered.
“A little extra nutrient and moisture can help the plants recover and produce new blooms,” Maryam added.
Deadhead
Regular deadheading can add blooms to perennials that don’t need a full cut.
Maryam said: “By regularly removing spent flowers, you prevent seed formation and encourage the plant to continue flowering.”
Mulch and protect
Mulching around the base of perennials can help them retain moisture and keep the plant’s roots cool. Shredding is especially important in hot weather.
Maryam added, “Multi not only helps retain moisture, but also protects the roots as they energize new growth.”
