Remove faded bloomsSome perennials stay more attractive and bloom for a longer time if you deadhead them, removing faded flowers before they go to seed. Others produce very attractive seed heads that are worth leaving on the plant all season long. As well, some perennials and biennials self-seed readily. If you like the natural look this will create, go ahead and let them do so!
Tip for perennials: Remove flowers and flower stalks back to the first healthy-looking leaf.
Some plants that bloom longer or more prolifically if deadheaded:
Achillea, Alcea rosea, Anthemis tinctoria, Asclepias tuberosa, Astrantia major, Campanula, Chrysanthemum, Coreopsis, Dianthus allwoodii, Dianthus gratianopolitanus, Hemerocallis, Lupinus, Malva alcea, Mimulus, Monarda didyma, Penstemon, Phlox paniculata, Salvia nemerosa, Scabiosa.
Some plants with attractive seed heads:
Allium, Asclepias tuberosa, Astilbe X arendsii, Echinacea purpurea, Iris siberica, Liatris spicata, Papaver orientale, Rudbeckia fulgida.
Some plants that self-seed:
Achillea millefolium, Coreopsis verticillata, Digitalis purpurea, Digitalis grandiflora, Echinacea purpurea, Euphorbia polychroma, Lupinus, Malva alcea, Solidago.
Tulips, paperwhites, daffodils and various other bulbs will be more attractive and will store up more nutrients if you deadhead them before they go to seed. On the other hand, the seed heads of some bulbs, like decorative alliums, are very attractive and worth keeping.
Tip for bulbs: As soon as they are done blooming, cut the flowers off at the base. Do not remove the leaves until they have dried out and died back naturally. The leaves play an essential role in the photosynthesis process that these plants use to produce the nutrients they need to bloom again the following spring.
