Forum home› Plants
This Forum will close on Wednesday 27 March, 2024. Please refer to the announcement on the Discussions page for further detail.

To cut back, or not to cut back?

xamyvaloxxamyvalox Posts: 31
in Plants
Hello, I wonder if someone might be able to help me. I have uploaded a pic of a plant in my garden which I think is a penstemon? They're looking a bit straggly on the bottom and I was wondering if I should cut them right back to the new growth I can see at the bottom, or if that might mean I get no flowers in summer?

Thanks in advance. 


Posts

  • B3B3 Posts: 27,505
    If you can see new growth at the base, I would cut it back. You should still get flowers
    In London. Keen but lazy.
  • AnniDAnniD Posts: 12,585
    edited April 2020
    Yes, cut them back to the new growth,  they will shoot again. If you've any general purpose fertilizer such as Growmore,  give them a bit of a feed (follow the instructions on the packet), and if you've any compost you can use it as a mulch.
    Some more information here 
    https://www.gardenersworld.com/how-to/grow-plants/how-to-grow-penstemons/
     :) 
  • xamyvaloxxamyvalox Posts: 31
    Thanks so much! I will cut them back tomorrow and feed with fertiliser  :) need to try and get my hands on some compost but it is proving difficult at the moment! 
  • joannekentsmithjoannekentsmith Posts: 42
    Depending where you live Wilco stores are still open and I understand they are still carrying a full range of garden products and compost.  
  • xamyvaloxxamyvalox Posts: 31
    joannekentsmith said:
    Depending where you live Wilco stores are still open and I understand they are still carrying a full range of garden products and compost.  
    Ooh perfect! I might have a look on the website and see if I can click and collect. Thank you 
Sign In or Register to comment.