If you look closely at the early bloomers that have started to droop, you will probably see new growth at the base of the plant. This is called basal growth and it's a signal that the plant is ready to rejuvenate itself. The example here is a hardy Geranium. Other plants that will do this are fern leaf Dicentra and mallow.
Garden Maintenance - Pinching, Deadheading and Cutting Back
By Marie Iannotti, About.com Guide
Prev
- Garden Maintenance: Deadheading - Buds
- Garden Maintenance: Deadheading - Flowering Stem
- Garden Maintenance: Pinching
- Garden Maintenance: Pinching versus Shearing
- Garden Maintenance: Shearing
- Garden Maintenance: Foliage Dieback
- Garden Maintenance: Basal Growth
- Garden Maintenance: Pruning to Rejuvenate
- Garden Maintenance: Cutting Back to Shape Plants
Perennial Plant Care
Explore Gardening
Must Reads
About.com Special Features
Holiday Central
What to eat, where to go, fun things to do and how to save money on the perfect gifts. More >
Make Your Own Scented Pine Cones
Bring a little of the fall season in your home with this easy-to-make craft. More >
©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.
All rights reserved.