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Cut down Perennial Poppy?

Dave MorganDave Morgan Posts: 3,123
in Talkback

I don't grow poppies other then self seeded opium poppies, but one of my clients has a range of perennial poppies which are now going over and they look dreadful. So what do others do? Cut down for new foliage and maybe a second flush or leave?

Posts

  • BobTheGardenerBobTheGardener Posts: 11,384

    I cut mine down to the ground Dave and agree that they do look terrible after they go over.  I can't remember getting a 2nd fllush of flowers but they do grow back foliage which stays relatively low and often survives the winter so provides a bit of greenery.

    A trowel in the hand is worth a thousand lost under a bush.
  • Dave MorganDave Morgan Posts: 3,123

    Thanks Bob.

  • PoppyLawlerPoppyLawler Posts: 31

    I cut mine down too, they never seem to suffer and give fresh growth in a few weeks followed by flowers next year 

  • DorcasDorcas Posts: 159

    I cut mine down too and am often rewarded with a 2nd flush of colour

  • GardenmaidenGardenmaiden Posts: 1,126

    You could try both, cut some down and leave some so you can save the seed and grow plants yourself for the clients garden or for you.

  • chickychicky Posts: 10,409

    I cut mine down too - get foliage, but no flowers later in the year, but thats much better than tatty leaves. Will be getting in there with the secateurs tomorrow.

  • LoganLogan Posts: 2,532
    Dave Morgan there are some new varieties that will flower again. I got rid of mine because they were growing in between the roses and if I didn't cut them down

    straight away they knock the roses down.Letting them seed will drain the plants.
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