Prune these 7 perennials in June, according to experts, to stimulate another bloom: the Chelsea chop technique is recommended.
Gardening Hacks: Perennials to Prune in June* Geraniums (hardy cranesbill)* Alchemilla mollis (lady's mantle)* Lupins* Nepeta (catmint)* Aquilegia (granny's bonnet)* Echinacea (coneflowers)* Achillea (yarrow)
Vibrant gardens in mid-summer beckon us to admire their spectacle. Yet, trimming our beloved perennials may seem counterintuitive to the season's bloom, but a light June prune has some excellent benefits. Elise Harlock, Mastermind at Prestige Flowers, shares her expert insights:
"June is an excellent time to tidy up your garden! Pruning your perennials now encourages fresh foliage, a second flush of flowers, and maintains a neat appearance throughout the season. By giving plants a light clip, you enable them to focus energy on producing new healthy growth, instead of going to seed or getting too leggy."
Elise Harlock gains her expertise from her profound background in horticulture and years of experience within the floral industry. A trusted voice in the gardening world, her knowledge and words of wisdom have graced numerous publications, and she regularly dispenses advice regarding diverse aspects of horticulture.
Learn which perennials deserve a preview for June and how much to cut back:
Best Perennials to Cut Back in June
- Geraniums (Cranesbill) Remove last year's blooms and trim stalks by a third. Remember, the goal is to encourage a tidy, healthy-looking plant, without being overly drastic.
- Alchemilla mollis (Lady's Mantle) Snip off spent flowerheads and neaten the leaves to curb excessive self-seeding while promoting healthy growth and air circulation.
- Lupins Trim back faded flower spikes to ground level or just above a new bud, patio, freshening up these dramatic plants and encouraging another round of blooms.
- Nepeta (Catmint) Encourage a bushier plant by trimming it back a third. Catmint, beloved by bees and other pollinators, will appreciate this mid-season trim and reward you with a healthier, neater appearance.
- Aquilegia (Granny's Bonnet) Snip back after flowering to keep your Aquilegia tidy and prevent widespread self-seeding.
Additional Tips for Pruning Perennials
- Always opt for sharp, clean secateurs or shears to ensure clean cuts, preventing disease spread.
- Keep wildlife in mind before tackling your plants, checking for nesting birds or other creatures residing within.
- Invest in a pair of reliable, long-lasting secateurs, such as these Amazon Secateurs, £12.95.
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[Footnotes]1. Thompson & Morgan. (2020). Top 10 Perennials to Cut Back in June.2. The Spruce. (2019). Chelsea Chop: What It Is, Why It Works, and Which Plants to Try.3. HGTV. (2013). A Salvia Guide for Beginners.4. HGTV. (2013). Echinacea: Planting and Care Guide for Coneflowers.
In June, pruning your beloved garden perennials such as Geraniums (Cranesbill) and Alchemilla mollis (Lady's Mantle) can result in fresh foliage, a second flush of flowers, and a neat appearance. For example, Geraniums should be trimmed by a third, while Alchemilla mollis leaves should be neatened to prevent excessive self-seeding. Furthermore, home and garden enthusiasts might find it beneficial to prune Lupins, Nepeta (Catmint), Aquilegia (Granny's Bonnet) for a healthier, neater look and to encourage another round of blooms.
