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Love summer blooms that never seem to end?
The secret is in the pruning!
Discover the top 10 perennials you should be pruning right now for a garden full of vibrant, continuous flowers.
Excited to get started?
Let’s dive in!
1. Roses
Roses are essential for any summer garden, and pruning them on time makes sure they bloom continuously. In late winter or early spring, before any new growth starts, trim away dead or diseased branches. After the first bloom in summer, a light prune helps shape the bush and removes spent flowers, encouraging new blooms.
2. Lavender
Lavender’s fragrant spikes are not only attractive but also a favorite for you and the local pollinators. To keep these aromatic plants in top shape, prune in early spring by cutting back about one-third of the growth. When summer comes and lavender blooms, trim back lightly to maintain a neat appearance and possibly prompt a second blooming period.
3. Catmint
This hardy perennial doesn’t ask for much and gives back plenty with its nonstop blooms and minty scent. For best results, trim nepeta in early spring and again after the first wave of flowers. This practice encourages more blooms and keeps the plant looking tidy.
4. Coneflowers
Echinacea, a native beauty, is both adaptable and drought-tolerant, making it a perfect summer staple. Keep your coneflowers blooming all season by deadheading the spent flowers. If you leave some late blooms, they’ll add winter interest and offer nourishment for the birds.
5. Bee Balm
Bee balm brings life and color to your garden, attracting an array of pollinators. Make sure to trim these plants to about a foot high in early spring. After the initial blooms fade, cut them back by one-third to promote a second wave of flowers.
6. Salvia
If you keep salvia well-maintained, it can brighten your garden all summer. Trim it back to about 8 inches in the spring for bushy growth and more flowers. Regular deadheading boosts blooming throughout the season.
7. Phlox
Phlox varieties can tower over your garden with their vibrant colors. To keep them blooming beautifully, trim the stems by a few inches in early spring. This simple pinching back technique helps prevent mildew, encourages bushier growth, and leads to more abundant blooms.
8. Daylilies
Daylilies bloom beautifully, even if each flower only lasts for a single day. To keep your garden looking neat and to encourage more blooms, regularly remove spent flowers and stalks. Each spring, divide clumps of daylilies to rejuvenate the plants and boost flowering.
9. Sedum ‘Autumn Joy’
Spring is an important time for your Sedum ‘Autumn Joy’. Make sure to trim it back early when you spot new growth at the base. This will help the plant grow sturdier and more upright, preventing it from splaying out during the summer months.
10. Shasta Daisies
Shasta daisies are perfect for adding a cheerful touch to your garden. To keep them thriving, grab your pruning shears. In early spring, trim away any dead or weak stems at the base. This encourages robust new growth.
Once the first set of blooms has faded, deadhead the spent flowers. This simple step can lead to a second wave of beautiful blooms.
Regular pruning not only tidies up the plants but also invigorates them. Your efforts will be rewarded with an abundance of blooms, making your garden a summer delight.