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Deadheading Geums

harmonyharmony Posts: 403
in Plants
Hi, when deadheading geums it is easy when there are 2 buds already forming below the spent bloom, but what do you do when there are tiny leaves just below and further down the stem are larger leaves. Does this mean I need to cut the stem right back. I have done both before but when there are no buds ( or very tiny buds ) the stalks don't look as attractive as leaving the seedheads. I'm interested to hear what you do. Thanks...

Posts

  • AnniDAnniD Posts: 12,585
    Once the flowering has run out of steam, l cut the stem right back to the base  :)
  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,147
    AnniD said:
    Once the flowering has run out of steam, l cut the stem right back to the base  :)
    I do the same 😊 

    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • padmeisterpadmeister Posts: 24
    Ditto

    I usually leave one or two to seed though. I’ve found geums don’t last more than a few seasons so it’s nice to have some self set replacements ready. Might be my soil type. Do you find the same?
  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,147
    Couldn’t kill Totally Tangerine and ended up having to give it to daughter @WonkyWomble. 

    Since then I’ve had ‘Flames of Passion’ for about 5 years and it’s still going strong. The only thing wrong with it is the name … must’ve been done for a dare. 

    I bought another Geum this year .., a gorgeous custardy apricot but I can’t remember the name at the moment … I’ll look in my notes tomorrow.  It’s a well grown plant and I have high hopes for its tenacity 😊 

    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • AnniDAnniD Posts: 12,585
    Must admit l love Totally Tangerine and it's still going strong, l also have Flames of Passion and a short growing one l called Banana Custard but it might be Banana Daiquiri which sounds more sophisticated.
    The last 2 must be at least 5 years old and have been moved several times, Totally Tangerine is around 3 or 4 years old.
  • GardenerSuzeGardenerSuze Posts: 5,692
    You can get more flowers from cutting back to just above the bud at the top of the stem but it can look straggly, especially now as the flowering starts to reduce. It will also reflower from the point further down the stem. Both seem to be a bit hit and miss though. Totally Tangerine flowers for such a long time, perhaps it now needs a rest.
    I have worked as a Gardener for 24 years. My latest garden is a new build garden on heavy clay.
  • MeomyeMeomye Posts: 949
    My Orange Geums flowered all through the winter and are still going, although now, they are now getting very tall (approx 1 metre) should I cut them down do you think? tia
  • GardenerSuzeGardenerSuze Posts: 5,692
    @Meomye As long as they have water you can do as you wish. I had a mildew problem one year sheared them to the ground and back they came lovely and green.I did get one or two flowers. Very easy to lift and split but perhaps save that for the Autumn. You may not want to be so drastic but you can be if necessary.
    I have worked as a Gardener for 24 years. My latest garden is a new build garden on heavy clay.
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