Bowles Mauve - what to do.

Sheps

Afternoon everyone...unlike all my other Bowles Mauves of previous years, there is no way this one, and its twin on the other side of the garden are going to flower like the others have.

So, if I cut back the flowering stems to the base, is there any chance this will promote further flowering?

Thanks

Uff

That's what I've done with mine Sheps in the hope that it will encourage more flowers. I have a suspicion that it won't though until next year. I know they aren't long lived plants so I've taken cuttings just in case.

Sheps

Thanks @Uff will give it a go.

GardenerSuze

 I would cut all those stems back this will help the plant. As for more flowers you may get the odd one or two but nothing like the flowers you get spring early summer.
As @Uff has said they are short lived. I think they produce so many flowers they run out of steam.

Sheps

Cheers @GardenerSuze snips at the ready.

WAMS

Hope you can salvage/renovate yours, but I binned mine. It drove me up the wall in the end with its scragginess

Sheps

I know what you mean @WhereAreMySecateurs ones from previous years have been considerably better.

GardenerSuze

@WhereAreMySecateurs Yes I think that is the down side of a plant that gives so much a mess afterwards!
@Sheps Love the colour como, the dark blue works really well with the mauve.

Lyn

Cutting the flowers off will certainly make it look better but as it’s a sterile plant,  the stems are not sapping the strength from the plant. 
You could take some cuttings ready for next year and plant new,  they are a short lived plant. 

Sheps

Thanks @Lyn never tried cuttings before, but have read that these are easy so will give them a go.

Uff

Good idea sheps and if you don't need them then friends would appreciate them. I love the blue and purple together too, quite dramatic.