Gardeners can expect flushes of colour in July, but as temperatures climb, some species will start to wane.
This makes July the perfect month to prepare the flowers for regrowth, according to Monty Don.
Because flowering starts to slow towards the end of June, plants benefit hugely from a good trim, the horticulturist explained.
This will help the wave of warmth in July to trigger a flush of growth in plants that have completed their first flowering phase.
Oriental poppies will benefit from a trim in July
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Cutting back three species of flowers after their first display will encourage a second flowering period.
Pruning is an essential task to further the flowering of plants as it redirects waning energy into new growth.
Monty Don has outlined key tasks to ensure gardeners get the most from their flowers over the next few weeks.
He said: “Early flowering perennials such as oriental poppies, delphiniums and hardy geraniums such as G. phaeum, should all be cut back to the ground to encourage fresh regrowth and repeat flowering in a couple of month’s time.
“This also creates space for tender annuals and perennials in the border.
“Remove all cut material to the compost heap, weed around the base of the plants, water if necessary and do not plant too close to them so that they have light and space to regrow and flower against at the end of summer.”
The Royal Horticultural Society points out that feeding flowers after they’ve been pruned will also enhance new growth.
“Feed after cutting them back,” Monty urged. “Deadhead flower borders regularly to prolong flowering.”
The horticulturalist noted that it is “very important to keep dead-heading roses as the petals fade,” as this will also encourage repeat flowering.
“Most ramblers fall into this category, especially in the south of the country,” the gardener added, referring to Wedding Day, Paul’s Himalayan Musk, or Felicite Perpetue.
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Roses should be deadheaded in Autumn
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These species of flowers should be cut as soon as flowering has finished.
“If you are in doubt as to whether your rose is a climber or a rambler, ramblers tend to be much more vigorous and always have a mass of small that never repeat once they have finished,” noted Monty.
Deadheading roses can be broken down into two main stages, according to British Rose Breeder David Austin. The first is mainly aesthetic.
“The second stage encourages new blooms and helps to maintain a compact shape,” explained Austin.
