Penstemons are awesome plants that bring lots of color and charm to any garden. They’re pretty easy to take care of, but to keep them looking their best, you need to know how and when to prune them. Pruning helps the plants stay healthy, encourages new blooms, and keeps your garden looking neat. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about pruning penstemons, from the best time to prune to the tools you’ll need and step-by-step instructions. Let’s get started and make your penstemons thrive!
When to Prune Penstemon
Pruning your penstemon plants at the right time is key to keeping them healthy and beautiful. The best time to do general pruning on your penstemon plants is in early spring, typically around March or April. This is when you’ll start to see new growth beginning to emerge.
However, different pruning techniques should be done at different times. Cut back your penstemons in late autumn or early spring. Deadhead them from mid-spring to keep them blooming. Hard prune them after flowering in the summer.
The Tools You’ll Need
Before you start pruning, make sure you have the right tools. You’ll need a good pair of pruning shears, preferably bypass pruners, to make clean cuts. Don’t forget to wear gardening gloves to protect your hands. Keep your tools clean and sharp so they don’t harm the plants. Having a small bottle of disinfectant handy helps prevent spreading diseases between plants.
Penstemon Pruning Step-by-Step
Hard Pruning
When to Hard Prune: Late June, after the summer flowering season.
How to Hard Prune:
- Look for flower stems that are spent or fading.
- Cut these stems down to the base, but leave all the green foliage intact.
- This encourages new growth and can lead to another round of blooms in early autumn.
- If your plant is still blooming well in late June, skip the hard pruning and enjoy the flowers!
Cutting Back
When to Cut Back:
- Autumn: If you live in the southern parts of the UK and your penstemons are very hardy.
- Spring: If you live in the Midlands or further north, or if your penstemons are less hardy.
How to Cut Back:
- Wait until late autumn or early spring.
- Cut back the dead flower stalks and any faded or withered foliage to the base.
- Make sure not to remove any green foliage, as it helps protect the plant during winter.
Deadheading
- As flowers start to fade from mid-spring onwards, pinch off the faded blooms to tidy up the plant.
- Alternatively, wait until most of the blooms on a stalk have withered.
- Cut back the stalk by half or just above the top leaves or side stems.
Aftercare
After pruning, take good care of your penstemons to help them bounce back and grow strong. Water them thoroughly to help them adjust to their new growth phase. Use a balanced fertilizer to give them the nutrients they need for healthy leaves and lots of flowers. Keep an eye on your plants for any signs of pests or diseases, especially when they start growing again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should penstemon be cut back after flowering?
Yes, cutting back penstemons after flowering helps them grow new shoots from the base and can extend their blooming season, especially with hybrids and certain species that bloom again later in the year.
When is the best time to prune penstemon plants?
Cut back your penstemons in late autumn or early spring. Deadhead them from mid-spring to keep them blooming. Hard prune them after flowering in the summer.
Should I deadhead penstemon flowers?
Deadheading penstemon flowers helps them bloom continuously from late summer through autumn, keeping your garden vibrant with colorful flowers.
How do I prevent diseases while pruning penstemon?
To prevent spreading diseases to your penstemon (or any) plants, make sure you clean your pruning shears before the first cut.
