Don't let your garden fade too soon. If you want your beds and borders to keep blooming well into the summer, now is the time to deadhead these plants before the end of July.
"Deadheading is one of the most rewarding gardening jobs you can do in July. By simply snipping off spent blooms, you redirect the plant's energy away from seed production and back into creating more flowers," says Victoria Parkinson, Garden Expert at Arctic Cabins.
"Not only does this prolong the flowering well into autumn, but it also keeps your borders, containers, and hanging baskets looking tidy and vibrant. Here are six key plants to focus on this month for an explosion of summer colour."
On that note, take a look at the plants to deadhead in July before it's too late:
1. Cosmos
"Cosmos are cottage garden favourites that can flower from early summer right through to October if you stay on top of deadheading," explains Victoria.
"As the first flush of flowers begins to fade, simply snip the spent flower stalk back to where it meets the main stem or a branching point.
What to Read Next
"This encourages the plant to produce more and more of its delicate, airy blooms. The job is so easy you can even nip off individual flowers between your finger and thumb, making it a quick and satisfying task."
2. Roses
A staple of every summer garden, roses are among the top plants that need regular deadheading.
"By cutting fading blooms back to a strong, outward-facing leaf with five leaflets, you encourage a second or even third flush of flowers that can last well into late summer," says Victoria.
"The simple task keeps your rose bushes looking elegant and prevents them from wasting energy on producing unwanted rose hips. For the best results, always use sharp, clean secateurs and avoid deadheading in the hottest part of the day to reduce plant stress."
3. Delphiniums
Once the spikes of your delphiniums start to turn brown, it's time to snip them off to encourage new flowering shoots.
"The magnificent flowering spikes of delphiniums are a highlight of early summer, and with the right care, you can enjoy a second flush in late summer," says Victoria. "Cut the spent flower spike right down to the base of the stem, as close to where it meets the plant as possible. This technique diverts the plant's energy from seed production into creating that welcome second display of colour."
4. Lupins
"The bright, colourful spikes of lupines can be encouraged to produce a second set of blooms with a simple deadheading routine," explains Victoria.
"Wait until the flowers at the bottom of the spike start ot turn brown, as this is a sign the rest will soon fade. At this point, cut the entire flower stalk back to a set of healthy leaves, which will redirect energy into new growth and another round of flowers in late summer or early autumn. It's a small effort for a rewarding second performance."
5. Dahlias
Showstopping dahlias rely on deadheading to produce a continuous supply of spectacular blooms right until the first frosts.
"The trick is to distinguish between a new flower bud and an old one, as new buds are round and flat-topped like a satsuma, while old ones are cone-shaped and pointed," says Victoria.
"Once you've identified the finished blooms, cut the stem back to just above a leaf or where it joins the main stem to encourage new growth from the nodes. Regular deadheading, ideally every few days, will ensure a continuous and vibrant display."
You'll have a thriving garden all summer long in no time...
Garden decor
Everlight Blooms The Riverlight Kingfisher – Glass‑Winged Bird Resting on a Leafed Stem
Haywards Garden Butterfly Puddler Set
Lily Faith Fox Small Wreath
Staycation Vintage Parasols Powder Parlour-Celadon Veil 1.85m Parasol
Handmade Sussex Large Summer Handmade Dried Flower Wreath - 70cm
A Blackbird Sang Pot Stems - Blackbird feeding family
Lisa Joyner is the Deputy Daily Editor at House Beautiful UK and Country Living UK, where she's busy writing about home and interiors, gardening, dog breeds, pets, health and wellbeing, countryside news, small space inspiration, and the hottest properties on the market. Previously, she has written for Conde Nast Traveller, House & Garden and Marie Claire magazine. Lisa studied at University For The Creative Arts, where she completed a BA in Fashion Journalism.
