Forum home› Plants

Gladioli and Geraniums

FlowerslaneFlowerslane Posts: 15
in Plants

I am looking for some advice on how and when I should cut back gladioli and geraniums once they have finished flowering?

Posts

  • Jean GenieJean Genie Posts: 1,724

    If they are hardy geraniums, I would cut them down now - I've already done this in the hope of getting a second flush of flowers . In the case of gladioli , I think you need to leave the leaves to die down .

  • fotofitfotofit Posts: 73

    Hi there - I agree that I would cut down perennial geraniums now and I usually cut off the spent flower heads of gladioli as they fade leaving the leaves to nourish/feed the bulbs/rhizomes for next year. image

  • Ricey'sraisedbedsRicey'sraisedbeds Posts: 7
    Glad to see this discussion as the question was on the tip of my tongue too. But, a quick point for clarification please. Should I cut off the spent flower heads only or both the flower heads and the stems? My question also applies to my lilies (which were beautiful when they were in full bloom). Thanks
  • kate1123kate1123 Posts: 2,815

    Lilies I just cut off the flowers when they finish and gladioli the flower stem, I was always told that the leaves sent their energy back to the bulbs when they finish.

    http://www.gardenersworld.com/how-to/projects/basics/how-to-deadhead-lilies/196.html

     

  • Ricey'sraisedbedsRicey'sraisedbeds Posts: 7
    Great! Thanks
  • FlowerslaneFlowerslane Posts: 15

    Many thanks everyone, that's really useful.

  • flowering roseflowering rose Posts: 1,632

    the small pink geraniums you can cut back now and they will flower again.

Sign In or Register to comment.