Is it advisable to cut back verbena? Garden professionals discuss the advantages and disadvantages of deadheading this plant.
In the world of gardening, deadheading verbena is a common practice that can significantly enhance the plant's appearance and prolong its flowering period. Here's a comprehensive guide on deadheading verbena, its benefits, and exceptions.
Deadheading verbena is a simple yet effective technique that involves removing spent flowers to stimulate the plant to produce new blooms. This practice is generally recommended for most annual and trailing varieties of verbena as it prevents the plant from becoming leggy or straggly. By deadheading, you can encourage bushier, neater growth and keep your verbena neat, preserving its impact in borders.
However, there are self-cleaning varieties of verbena, such as Superbena verbena and Lanai verbena, that do not require deadheading. These varieties naturally drop old flowers, allowing new flowers to emerge without pruning. Leaving these self-cleaning types without deadheading can also support natural spreading or attract birds that eat the seeds, which might appeal to gardeners interested in rewilding or sustainable gardening.
When deadheading verbena, it's essential to use clean, sharp cutters or scissors to avoid causing stress to the plant. Don't trim too much at once; take a little off each week or when the bush is starting to look untidy or tired. It's also advisable to avoid cutting back verbena when cold weather approaches; leave old stalks until spring and then prune back when new growth emerges.
Deadheading verbena can prevent self-seeding, providing control over where plants grow. However, not deadheading the plant can help attract birds to your garden, as many wild birds such as blackbirds, finches, and sparrows will eat the verbena seeds.
Lucie Bradley, a gardening expert at Easy Garden Irrigation, has been working in the garden industry for over 28 years. She encourages gardening and believes that you can never know everything about gardening, as it is constantly evolving. Secateurs are essential tools for every gardener, including for tasks like deadheading. There are deadheading essentials available for purchase to make the process even easier.
In summary, if your verbena variety is not self-cleaning, deadheading is advisable for prolonged flowering and better shape. If you have a Superbena or Lanai verbena, deadheading is optional. Verbena attracts butterflies when full of flowers, making it a beautiful addition to any garden.
- To stimulate new growth and maintain a bushier appearance, deadheading verbena to remove spent flowers is recommended for most annual and trailing varieties.
- Self-cleaning verbena varieties, such as Superbena and Lanai, naturally drop old flowers without the need for pruning, which can support natural spreading or attract birds.
- When deadheading verbena, using clean, sharp cutters or scissors is crucial to avoid causing stress to the plant, and only a little should be trimmed off at a time.
- Deadheading verbena can deter self-seeding, giving gardeners control over where plants grow, or attract birds to the garden, as many wild birds enjoy the seeds.
