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When shall I cut back my penstemons?

EmerionEmerion Posts: 599
edited March 2021 in Plants
See photo of a bit of new growth on penstemons. Our last frost is mid-late May. It was -5° here a couple of nights ago.  There are signs of growth as you can see. Is it time to wield the secateurs?
Carmarthenshire (mild, wet, windy). Loam over shale, very slightly sloping, so free draining. Mildly acidic or neutral.


Posts

  • AnniDAnniD Posts: 12,585
    edited March 2021
    I would hang fire for a bit. It's very tempting but l would wait until at least early/mid April depending on whereabouts you are. 
  • EmerionEmerion Posts: 599
    Ok, thank you. 
    Carmarthenshire (mild, wet, windy). Loam over shale, very slightly sloping, so free draining. Mildly acidic or neutral.


  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 30,090
    The dead stems will offer some frost protection to those new shoots so yes, wait till April and watch the forecast for more frosts before you decide it's safe to cut them back.
    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
  • Arthur1Arthur1 Posts: 542
    Its a balance. Later is probably better but then wind rock is a problem. I cut fairly early. Replace any that fail because they are so easy from cuttings.
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