"Is it advisable to chop down lupins? We consulted horticultural experts, and their response could be unexpected"
In the heart of autumn, as the leaves begin to change and the weather turns cooler, garden enthusiasts turn their attention to planting lupins - a vibrant and attractive perennial bloom that can add a splash of colour to any flower bed. But, as the summer months approach, these beautiful plants require a bit of maintenance to keep them looking their best.
Deadheading lupins is an essential gardening practice that offers several benefits for both the plants and your garden as a whole. By removing spent blooms, you can extend the flowering period, prevent seed overproduction, reduce pests and diseases, and improve plant health and longevity.
When the flowers start to fade, lose their original colour, turn yellow and brown, wilt, and droop, it's time to deadhead. With a pair of essential secateurs featuring a carbon steel blade and lightweight, non-slip handles, the method is simple. The perfect place to cut is just above a healthy pair of leaves, making a diagonal cut.
Extending the flowering period is one of the most noticeable benefits of deadheading. By redirecting the lupin’s energy from producing seeds back into making more flowers, the blooming period can be prolonged, often allowing your lupins to decorate your garden borders for longer [1][5].
Deadheading also prevents seed overproduction, as lupins are prolific self-seeders. If you don't deadhead, seed pods develop, dry, and release seeds that can lead to many new plants growing uncontrollably in your garden. By deadheading early in the season, you can control this spread while still enjoying extended blooms; you can leave some later blooms to go to seed if desired [1].
Removing spent flowers helps keep plants healthier by reducing decaying matter that can attract pests and diseases [1]. Additionally, cutting back flower stems to the base after flowering prevents the plant from putting energy into massive seed production, which can weaken the plant and shorten its life [3].
Protective gloves are essential when deadheading and pruning plants for comfort and safety. Extendable loppers are useful for cutting tougher stems in larger lupin shrubs. In practice, deadhead by cutting the flower and its stem down to the base to encourage new growth and maintain a tidy appearance [3].
Lucie Bradley, a gardening expert with over 28 years of experience in the industry, believes that gardening is constantly evolving. She emphasizes the importance of deadheading lupins, stating that it is a valuable practice for maximizing the beauty, health, and manageability of your lupins.
Whether you choose to deadhead lupins or let them self-seed is a matter of personal preference. Leaving lupins to self-seed can attract birds into the garden, as the seed pods can provide a valuable food source. However, if you prefer a more controlled garden, deadheading is the way to go.
In conclusion, deadheading lupins offers numerous benefits for gardeners. By extending the flowering period, preventing seed overproduction, reducing pests and diseases, improving plant health and longevity, and controlling growth, deadheading is a valuable practice for maintaining a beautiful, healthy, and manageable lupin garden.
- Regular deadheading of lupins can enhance the aesthetics of your home-and-garden lifestyle by extending the flowering period, keeping the plants looking vibrant and attractive.
- By deadheading lupins, you can also prevent excessive self-seeding, maintaining a manageable garden and avoiding an uncontrolled growth of new plants.
- Besides, deadheading promotes wellness in your garden, as it reduces decaying matter that could potentially attract pests and diseases, improving the overall health of the plants.
- Incorporating deadheading into your gardening routine is an essential practice, not only for the beauty and health of your lupin garden but also to ensure a harmonious, well-maintained lifestyle.
