Bleeding hearts - is t ok to prune them?

Discussion in 'General Gardening Discussion' started by Snorky85, Jul 8, 2018.

  1. Snorky85

    Snorky85 Total Gardener

    Joined:
    Jul 7, 2013
    Messages:
    3,117
    Gender:
    Female
    Occupation:
    Accountant
    Location:
    Lincolnshire
    Ratings:
    +11,178
    They're looking quite messy now-is it ok to prune them back a bit?
     
  2. Verdun

    Verdun Passionate gardener

    Joined:
    Oct 16, 2012
    Messages:
    7,475
    Gender:
    Male
    Location:
    West Cornwall
    Ratings:
    +17,487
    Yes, you can Snorky. Their foliage can get a little tatty now so a "tidy up" is fine. Not too much though...that foliage helps feed the plant during the summer.:)

    I grow a few dicentras and cutting back ...as above...has never hurt them.

    However, I grow plants around them that tend to grow over and disguise the dicentras like salvia love and wishes, wild swan anemone, persicarias and others thus avoiding cutting back too much.:)
     
    • Like Like x 2
    • Informative Informative x 1
    • Snorky85

      Snorky85 Total Gardener

      Joined:
      Jul 7, 2013
      Messages:
      3,117
      Gender:
      Female
      Occupation:
      Accountant
      Location:
      Lincolnshire
      Ratings:
      +11,178
      Thanks @Verdun Mine have grown huge so would take something big to disguise them - I think I've found an ideal spot for them - they really seem to grow well. My lupins on the other hand - I think I need to abandon them or move them for next year.
       
      • Like Like x 1
      • Verdun

        Verdun Passionate gardener

        Joined:
        Oct 16, 2012
        Messages:
        7,475
        Gender:
        Male
        Location:
        West Cornwall
        Ratings:
        +17,487
        That's ok snorky....
        Dicentra foliage isnt that bad and if "tidied" will still look good.:)

        Lupins? I dig up a few every year....they do look really tatty after flowering....and divide them. Pot them up, label (for colour) and put in the shade out of sight. Come September plants will have grown well :)
         
        • Like Like x 1
        • Snorky85

          Snorky85 Total Gardener

          Joined:
          Jul 7, 2013
          Messages:
          3,117
          Gender:
          Female
          Occupation:
          Accountant
          Location:
          Lincolnshire
          Ratings:
          +11,178
          Yeah - I did that with the lupins last year but this time I will replant them elsewhere. The spot is just far too hot for them.
           
        Loading...

        Share This Page

        1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
          By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
          Dismiss Notice