Not all plants require pruning, but it is generally good practice to remove faded flowers if you want a beautiful and well-kept garden all year round. Removing the inflorescences gives many species the chance to continue flowering throughout the summer and even repeat blooms in the fall. But these are not the only reasons why it is worth extending the scope of care work to remove wilted, dead flowers.
Contents:
- Weak flowering
- Unwanted self-seeding
- Development of the disease
- How to remove dried flower heads?
Weak flowering
A characteristic feature of living organisms is reproduction. When a plant forms seeds, they are the ones that absorb most of the plant's energy. By cutting wilting flowers and preventing seeds from forming, we stimulate the plant to produce new flower buds and thus extend the flowering season.
Some plants (e.g. delphiniums, larkspurts or evergreen garments) can bloom again in autumn if we trim the dying inflorescences in time. If you take the time to remove wilted petunia or peony flowers, your plants will branch better and bloom more profusely. In the case of dahlias, cosmos, marigolds and geraniums, this treatment extends the flowering time.
After cutting the withered new flowers usually last longer. This is because removing the inflorescences encourages the plant to strengthen itself, not seed production.
Unwanted self-seeding
If we do not remove withered inflorescences, or if we do it too late, some plants may spread themselves. The seeds of daisies, ornamental chives, bluebells, turkish carnation or marigold are actively and abundantly spread. If the plants are allowed to self-seed, they quickly take up more and more space in the bed.
Development of the disease
In sunny and dry weather, the inflorescences dry quickly and simply do not look aesthetically pleasing. However, in conditions of high humidity and heavy rainfall, they can soak up water and rot, becoming a breeding ground for many pathogens.
How to remove dried flower heads?
In the case of species with large inflorescences located on the tops of the stems, it is best to remove them with a secateurs. Soft, delicate plants with small flowers are enough to remove with your fingers. On the other hand, species with small, abundant flowers are best cut by about a third at a time.This way, we will stimulate the plant to grow and flower again.
See also:
Chrysanthemum chrysanthemum - characteristics and care
