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Cutting back geraniums

pugslovesunpugslovesun Posts: 300
in Plants
Hi all, I’ve always cut back my geraniums right down to  just above ground after they’ve finished flowering. 
A friend has just told me that certain ones you don’t do this to & just cut off quite a bit of top but leave a good foot of growth.
Does anyone else do this & which ones does it apply to??🤔

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Posts

  • PosyPosy Posts: 3,601
    I cut all mine down. Wouldn't if they were very delicate and small but mine are thugs.
  • BorderlineBorderline Posts: 4,700
    There is no wrong or right, because some geraniums flower early and others later, then you have to factor in your local conditions like the type of soil and the amount of sun.

    Generally, with less sun, and in cooler areas, the plants tend to flower less profusely but can flower over a longer period. With these conditions, a harsh cut back is not always necessary. But for many geraniums in full sun, flowers tend to flop and run out of steam due to the excessive heat. The plants benefit from a hard cut back and they will re-grow within 2-3 weeks into a nice neat and fresh mound. And for many, that means a second flush if done around this time.
  • pugslovesunpugslovesun Posts: 300
    Ah thanks for replies, yes because the new flowers come from new growth don't they?, not re-flowering from the old like other perennials you cut back to set of leaves??

  • PageZPageZ Posts: 87
    I once asked a plantwoman who specialized in hardy geranium this question and got the answer is they respond to cut back variously and usually you do it to well established plants (3 years plus).
    I cut back Johnson's blue and phaeum Album a week ago just curious to see how they react.
  • Dirty HarryDirty Harry Posts: 1,048
    Does this apply for all hardy geraniums?

    I have Ingwersen's Variety (https://www.gardenersworld.com/plants/plant-finder/geranium-macrorrhizum-ingwersens-variety/)

    Noticed the flowers have massively reduced now and thinking about cutting it right back as deadheading hasn't done much.
  • DyersEndDyersEnd Posts: 730
    I cut back my Rozannes last night. Later than usual as they were slow to get going this year, Hampton Court chop rather than Chelsea. Should I give them a feed or just water?
  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 30,090
    This one does only flower early on but it has lovely scented foliage which colours up in winter.   I would suggest tidying, rather than scalping.  Just pull off spent flower stems and tattier leaves from round the edges as you see them.
    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
    Plato
  • pugslovesunpugslovesun Posts: 300
    Are you referring to the Rozanne Obelixx ?
  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 30,090
    No, the macrorhizum.   Dyer's End snuck in there.
    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
    Plato
  • Valley GardenerValley Gardener Posts: 2,851
    I've cut my Mrs Kendall Clarke back to 8/10 inches! I'm hoping if it flowers again,it won't be so leggy and wild looking.One of the most disappointing plants I've ever bought,it looks like I dug it up from the roadside! Totally non descript.
    The whole truth is an instrument that can only be played by an expert.
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