6 plants to cut back in August for extra boost of flowers

A few varieties of greenery respond really well to a trim back at this time of year to help promote growth for the future and avoid a garden looking a bit tired.

Here are six examples of plants to cut back in August for an extra flush of flowers.

6 plants you need to cut back in August for an extra boost of flowers

Hardy Geraniums

Hardy Geraniums, known for their resilience and long-lasting blooms, can start to look messy late in the season.

Speaking to Ideal Home, Jane Westoby, creative director at The Hampshire Seed Company, said: "Hardy Geraniums can become sprawling and untidy after their first flowering.

"Cut the stems and tired foliage back close to the base, water them thoroughly, and they will usually produce fresh leaves followed by another flush of flowers."

Lady's mantle

Lady’s mantle, or Alchemilla mollis, is another perennial that benefits from late-summer pruning.

Julian Palphramand, head of plants at British Garden Centres, said: "In August, the perennials worth cutting back are the ones that have finished their first flower flush and are willing to repeat.

"Lady’s mantle will often respond well to a trim, especially if you remove spent flower stems and any tired growth."

Penstemons

Penstemons are another example of a plant that will get an extra boost with careful cutting back (Image: Getty Images)

Penstemons also benefit from an August trim, but gentle pruning is recommended to protect the plant through winter.

Jane said: "Keep removing faded flower stems, cutting back to a healthy sideshoot rather than trimming the whole plant indiscriminately.

"This encourages more flowers while leaving enough protective growth on the plant for winter."

Penstemons are one of the best plants you can propagate in September.

Delphiniums

Delphiniums need plenty of aftercare after cutting back (Image: Getty Images)

Delphiniums, known for their tall, eye-catching flower spikes, can also be tidied up for a potential second bloom.

Julian said: "A light cut-back now can tidy the plant and encourage fresh growth that may carry a second round of flowers later in the season."

Proper aftercare is crucial to ensure healthy regrowth.

Jane said: "One important caveat is that plants need water to regrow.

"Cutting them back during very hot or dry weather without watering them afterwards can place them under even more stress.

"A thorough soak is often more useful than immediately adding fertiliser."

Catmint

Catmint is a beautiful perennial, and it's also a low-maintenance flowering plant that can keep mosquitoes at bay.

Jane said: "Once catmint begins to flop and fade, shear the whole plant back rather than deadheading individual stems.

"Give it a good drink afterwards and it should quickly form a neat mound of fresh growth and more flowers."

Perennial salvias

Perennial salvias also benefit from pruning in August, helping them continue blooming into the autumn months.

Jane said: "Remove faded flower stems by cutting them back to a healthy pair of leaves or a sideshoot lower down the stem.

"Regular cutting prevents the plants putting energy into seed production and can keep many salvias flowering well into autumn."

Are you planning to cut back any plants in your garden this August? Let us know in the comments.