11 plants you should deadhead in March for more spring flowers
Spring is the perfect time to deadhead faded flowers
Sunshine-yellow daffodils spilling across pots, blossom unfurling on bare branches, birds gearing up for nesting season: March is a hive of activity in the garden.
While there's plenty to be getting on with, from pruning to planting and sowing summer seeds, the experts have shared their top tips for prolonged spring colour: deadheading faded flowers.
"March is the perfect moment to freshen up borders by deadheading and lightly pruning, so plants can put their energy into new growth and spring colour," says Julian Palphramand, head of plants at British Garden Centres.
Not sure where to start? Take a look at the plants to deadhead in March:
Winter bedding plants
"Snip away faded flowers on winter bedding plants such as pansies, violas, primroses and polyanthus to keep them blooming for as long as possible into early spring," says Julian.
Deadheading these pretty plants will keep colour and interest blooming in your borders for longer.
Hellebores
"Hellebores can also be tidied by cutting off old flower heads and any dead foliage, which helps prevent self-seeding and keeps the plants looking their best," continues Julian.
And, if you're snipping off Hellebore heads, make sure to read our guide on how to keep them fresh in a vase for weeks.
Hydrangeas
March is an excellent time to remove faded hydrangea heads to encourage new growth. With frosty weather behind us, the heads are no longer needed as a shield to protect the plant.
Julian explains: "If you grow mophead or lacecap hydrangeas, you can remove the old, papery flower heads now, taking them back just to the first pair of healthy buds."
Ornamental grasses and salvias
If you left your ornamental grasses to stand for winter interest, now is the time to cut them back. Deadhead the plant to around 3–6 inches from the ground, just before new green shoots emerge.
Hardy perennials like salvias can also have their old stems cut back in early spring to make way for fresh new shoots.
Camellias, hebes and forsythia
And finally, there are three more varieties to consider deadheading once the first flowers fade.
"For gardeners with early spring bloomers, deadhead spent flowers on camellias and hebes, promoting bushier growth and extended colour into summer, while early flowering shrubs like forsythia can have any remaining tatty branches tidied for a neater look."
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.
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