How, Why and When to Trim Your Plants

Yellow flowers, an example of how to trim flowers.
How to keep plants healthy in the summer heat.

Life gets busy, and summertime is packed with family activities, making regular plant maintenance a low priority. But when the summer heat and lack of water start to take a toll on plant health, especially this late in the season, what does one do? Give your plant a haircut.

HOW DOES THIS WORK?
When you notice plants starting to look a bit leggy or turning brown, don’t be afraid to whip out the scissors and give them a trim. This can help liven up your plants and jump start new growth.


Photo by istock.com/garysfrp

WON'T THIS HURT THE PLANT?
Trimming them back will help redirect their focus from dead, exhausted foliage and flowers, to new growth and healthier blooms. Plants are very forgiving and will surprise you. (Keep in mind there will be a short period of time with no color.)

WHAT PLANTS BENEFIT THE MOST FROM A HAIRCUT?
Trailing plants (petunias, calibrachoas and verbena) benefit the most from a haircut. For all other upright plants, be sure to cut off anything browning and all old blooms.


Photo by istock.com/kishoredharuman