extend flowering of plant groups or to create staggered or delayed
flowering.
w Deadhead, deadhead, deadhead—to extend bloom of a variety of
perennials and to reduce seeding of heavy seeders such as aquilegia and
Iris sibirica.
w Prune or thin plants to keep them in their desired space. Make certain
that any new perennials planted in an existing garden are not being
overtaken or shaded by established neighbors widening with the warm
weather.
w Deadleafing of spring-flowering perennials may be needed; the leaves of
some summer bloomers, like daylilies (Hemerocallis), also may be
starting to yellow.
w Shear down any declining foliage, if needed. Tall bearded iris may be a
particular culprit, and columbine foliage may start to deteriorate later in
the month.
w Cut back and shape amsonia and baptisia if desired toward the end of the
month.
w Near the end of the month, certain hardy geraniums will need to be
deadheaded or sheared back.
w Don’t forget to cut flowers for fresh arrangements and for drying.JULY
Early July is often the peak bloom time for traditional perennial borders. This can
be an ideal time to take some great photos. Enjoy!PlantinG
w Keep planting in July to a minimum, if possible.
w Transplant and divide with care.General Maintenance
w Continue to keep new plantings moist, with deeper but less frequent
waterings. For established plantings that have been dry for several
weeks, watering may be in order now.
w Perennials that have been heavily pruned back also need to be kept
moist.
w Weed.
w Heavy-feeding perennials or perennials that have been cut back for
rebloom may benefit from fertilizing in July.
w Aerating may be needed in compacted areas.
w Staking may be needed for certain autumn bloomers.
w Watch for mites and black blister beetles and other pests.
PruninG
w Perennials that bloom a second time, including delphinium and Digitalis
grandiflora ‘Temple Bells’, should be cut back to basal foliage.
w Older plants of tradescantia may need to be cut to the ground now.
w Most pinching or cutting back of autumn-blooming plants is completed
in mid- to late July.