Keep Your Garden Blooming: 5 Flowers to Deadhead in July for Non-Stop Colour
Want a garden bursting with colour all summer long? Deadheading – the simple act of removing spent flowers – is your secret weapon. It encourages plants to produce more blooms instead of focusing on seed production. But which flowers should you prioritise in July? We spoke to expert gardeners to uncover the top five flowers to deadhead this month, ensuring a vibrant display until the cooler months arrive.
Why Deadheading Matters
Before we dive into the list, let's quickly recap why deadheading is so beneficial. When a flower finishes blooming, it naturally starts to form seeds. This process diverts energy away from producing more flowers. By removing the spent blooms, you redirect that energy back into the plant, promoting new growth and a continuous show of blossoms. It's a small effort with a huge impact on your garden’s beauty.
The Top 5 Flowers to Deadhead in July
- Shasta Daisies: The Classic Choice
Shastas are the quintessential daisy – cheerful, bright, and a garden staple. Like Tammy Sons, horticulturist and founder/CEO of TN Nursery, points out, regular deadheading is key to keeping Shastas blooming profusely. Simply snip off the faded flowers just below the flower head, above the next set of leaves. This encourages new stems to emerge with fresh blooms.
- Roses: A Deadheading Must
Roses are a beloved garden favourite, and deadheading them is absolutely essential for ongoing flowering. Remove spent rose blooms by cutting back to the first five-leaflet leaf below the flower. This encourages new growth and prevents the plant from wasting energy on rose hips (the seed pods).
- Petunias: Continuous Colour with a Snip
Petunias are known for their prolific blooms, but they benefit greatly from regular deadheading. Pinch off any faded or brown flowers to maintain a tidy appearance and encourage further blooming. Deadheading promotes bushier growth and a more abundant display of colour.
- Geraniums (Pelargoniums): Keep Them Blooming Brightly
Geraniums, especially zonal geraniums, are incredibly rewarding when it comes to deadheading. Remove spent flowers just above a leaf node to stimulate new growth and a wave of fresh blooms. Regular deadheading will keep your geraniums looking their best and producing a vibrant display.
- Marigolds: Bright Blooms, Less Seed Production
Marigolds are known for their bright, sunny blooms and their ability to deter pests. Deadheading spent marigold flowers prevents them from going to seed and encourages the plant to produce even more vibrant flowers. Simply snap off the faded flower heads, ensuring you cut just above a leaf node.
Tips for Successful Deadheading
- Use Sharp Tools: Sharp secateurs or pruning shears will make clean cuts and minimise the risk of disease.
- Deadhead Regularly: The more often you deadhead, the more blooms you’ll enjoy. A quick once-over once or twice a week is usually sufficient.
- Observe Your Plants: Pay attention to your plants and learn when they’re finished blooming. This will help you determine when to start deadheading.
By incorporating these simple deadheading techniques into your July gardening routine, you’ll be rewarded with a garden overflowing with colour and beauty throughout the rest of summer.
