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Cutting back after division?

josine2302josine2302 Posts: 68
in Plants
Hello,

I wonder, I just, for the first time of my life, divided my nepeta. The four replanted plants look very messy and floppy now. Should I leave them be or cut them back a bit? 

Posts

  • tessagardenbarmytessagardenbarmy Posts: 346
    I cut back before dividing many plants helps them establish before putting on top growth. Usually the bigger and floppier they are.Some smaller ones are ok just split and potted up though.
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    Yes - it's usually beneficial to cut back about half the top growth. The plant is trying to establish it's roots, and too much greenery prevents it doing that, as the plant spends all it's energy trying to support the foliage.
    Some plants cope better than others though.  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • josine2302josine2302 Posts: 68
    tessagardenbarmy said:
    I cut back before dividing many plants helps them establish before putting on top growth. Usually the bigger and floppier they are.Some smaller ones are ok just split and potted up though.
    Oo so now I’m to late to do that. Never mind maybe they’ll survive. Thank you!
  • tessagardenbarmytessagardenbarmy Posts: 346
    JosIne plants are tough and many die back naturally in autumn anyway.  I'm sure  they'll  be fine x
  • josine2302josine2302 Posts: 68
    tessagardenbarmy said:
    JosIne plants are tough and many die back naturally in autumn anyway.  I'm sure  they'll  be fine x
    ☺️
  • Mary370Mary370 Posts: 2,003
    It's not too late to cut back the foliage
  • josine2302josine2302 Posts: 68
    Thank you, 2 out 3 vote for cutting back so that’s what I shall do..
  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 30,090
    I potted up divisions of a geranium phaeum on Tuesday and cut off all the foliage.  They're already showing new leaves so yes, cut yours back to give the roots a chance to settle and they should thrive.
    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
  • josine2302josine2302 Posts: 68
    Thank you everyone, the four new plants look happy and seem to thrive!
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