As we settle into early July, gardens across the country are reaching their vibrant summer peak. The longer days and warmer temperatures have flowers and bedding plants bursting with colour but this also means they need a little extra care to stay healthy and lively. One essential task that gardeners should not overlook this month is deadheading, the simple act of removing spent blooms.
According to The Sunday Gardeners, an independent gardening advice and tips website, even the busiest gardeners can benefit from setting aside a few minutes for this task. They wrote: “If you have little for any gardening task, if you can spare a few minutes, it is worthwhile deadheading. To keep summer plants and bedding at its best and to prolong flowering, it is essential to spent flowers. “
July marks a critical stage in the growing season when many plants begin to tire after their initial burst of flowers. Once a flower fades and starts to produce seeds, the plant’s energy shifts from blooming to reproduction.
This natural process often causes the plant to slow or stop producing new flowers altogether.
The removal of these spent flowers signals to the plant that it should continue focusing on growth and bloom production rather than seed development.
By cutting off old flower heads promptly, gardeners can encourage a fresh cycle of flowering, extending the plant’s display well into late summer and sometimes even beyond.
Certain summer bloomers require regular attention. For example, the Ice Plant (Mesembryanthemum) needs constant deadheading to maintain its colourful carpet of flowers.
Clematis, a popular climbing plant, will also reward regular deadheading with a longer flowering season. For some plants, deadheading can be so frequent that trimming back with shears is easier and more effective.
Hardy geraniums, Lady’s Mantle (Alchemilla mollis), chives, and Nepeta (catmint) often respond well to this approach, producing fresh growth and sometimes a second wave of flowers. Argyranthemums, Cherry Pie, roses, pansies, polyanthus, and petunias also respond well to light deadheading, which can be done in just a few minutes and does not require any tools.
Even just a few minutes spent deadheading during this week can boost your garden’s health and appearance. This quick task will help your plants stay vibrant, save energy, and provide colour throughout the rest of the season so if you’re juggling a busy schedule, try to prioritise this key gardening job and your flowers will thank you