Best way to deadhead?

[seaellare]

Hello - another question (or 2) here!

I have some flowers that I need to deadhead, and some that I think (haha) that I already did.

First, I have cheddar pinks planted, and I read somewhere that if you deadhead them, they will bloom again. I used scissors on some, and my fingers on some. I don't remember which method I used on which plants, but only some of them are reblooming. I also don't know if it is a little early to expect anything, it's been about 6 weeks since I got the dead blooms off, and it said that in August they would rebloom...

I have some plumbago that I will need to remove the spent blooms soon, and I want to do it the right way, so they grow back bushy with lots of blooms. Which method is better, or does it make a difference - pinching them off or cutting them?

Thanks so much for any advice at all!
Christine

[Grey]

Well, I can answer the plumbago question. Cut it back as far as you wish for it to bush out. Plumbago likes to go all sprawly and everywhichway if you do not trim it. It's a happy bloomer, so long as it is fed, it blooms. I have seen plumbago bushes 10 feet wide before at an abandoned property in Florida.

[seaellare]

Oh my goodness - 10 feet, wow!! Thanks for the advice - I'll be sure to keep it in check

When I deadhead my flowers, is it better to use pruners/cut them or to pinch/pop them off with my fingers? I have read to do both, and I'm confused

Thanks!!
Christine

[Newt]

Hi Christine,

For your cheddar pinks your second flush of bloom probably won't be as grand as the first one. Just the nature of the plant.

As far as which to use for pinching, your fingers or pruners, it all depends on the plant. If the plumbago you have is the Cape plumbago - Plumbago auriculata, you will need pruners or scissors as the stems get woody. Not sure it will be hardy in your zone as it doesn't survive outdoors for me.
https://www.hear.org/starr/hiplants/images/thumbnails/html/plumbago_auriculata.htm
https://www.floridata.com/ref/P/plumbago.cfm

If a plant has a soft stem then you can easily pinch with your fingers. This should be helpful.
https://www.begonias.org/begonian/begonianItem.asp?ArticleID=4
https://www.gardengatemagazine.com/extras/pdf/58deadheading.pdf

Newt

[seaellare]

Wow - great info on those sites - thanks a bunch!!

My plumbago is a smaller variety, the tag said that it would grow about 18" tall. It is the peacock variety (I believe) Plumbago larpentac. Hopefully it will last here for me! It is behind my asiatic lillies and I'm hoping for it to spread - trying to time things right so when the lillies lose their blooms, the plumbago will pick right up! We'll see next year how well I'm doing...

Thanks again!
Christine

[Newt]

You are very welcome! I couldn't find much info on your plant though. Hope it grows well for you.

Newt