Deadheading is an important part of caring for hummingbird plants. By removing spent flowers, you can encourage the plant to continue blooming throughout the growing season. This helps attract hummingbirds that are attracted to the nectar-rich tubular flowers of these plants.
What is deadheading?
Deadheading simply refers to the removal of faded or dead flowers from a plant. When you deadhead a plant like a hummingbird plant, you are removing the expired blooms. This triggers the plant to produce new buds and flowers in an effort to form seeds. Since the plant is putting energy into new growth rather than seed production, it will bloom continuously if properly deadheaded.
Why should you deadhead hummingbird plants?
There are a few key reasons to make deadheading part of your care routine for hummingbird plants:
- Promotes more blooms – Removing spent flowers encourages reblooming.
- Improves appearance – Getting rid of faded flowers keeps plants looking tidy and healthy.
- Prevents disease – Some expired blooms can harbor fungal diseases.
- Conserves energy – The plant puts energy into new growth, not seeds.
- Attracts hummingbirds – More flowers mean more nectar for visiting hummingbirds.
Deadheading is an easy way to keep your hummingbird plants beautful and encourage more blossoms that will attract those lovely hummingbirds to your garden.
When to deadhead hummingbird plants
You’ll want to deadhead once the blossoms begin to fade, wilt, or brown. Pay attention to when flowers start to look unattractive, which is the signal it’s time to remove them. The timing will vary by type of hummingbird plant:
| Hummingbird Plant | When to Deadhead |
|---|---|
| Trumpet vine | Deadhead in summer after blooms fade. |
| Honeysuckle | Pinch off faded flowers in spring and summer. |
| Cardinal flower | Deadhead in late summer after flowers brown. |
| Bee balm | Deadhead in summer after blooms fade. |
| Columbine | Deadhead in spring after flowers fade. |
| Coral bells | Remove faded blooms in spring and summer. |
Get to know when your different hummingbird plant varieties bloom and focus your deadheading efforts on those peak flowering times.
How to deadhead hummingbird plants
The method you use to deadhead will depend on the type of flower:
Pinching
Pinching off spent blooms with your fingertips is effective for small, delicate flowers. Simply grasp the faded bloom between your thumb and forefinger near the base of the stem. Pinch and twist gently to remove the dead flower.
Cutting
Using a pair of sharp floral scissors or pruning shears works well for larger, heavier blossoms. Cut the entire stem just above a set of healthy leaves or where the stem connects to another flower or bud.
Cutting back
You can also deadhead by cutting back the entire flower stalk to just above a lower leaf node. New growth will emerge and produce fresh blooms.
Be careful not to damage stems or leaves. Make clean cuts and avoid tearing.
Deadheading tips
Follow these tips when deadheading hummingbird plants:
- Remove dead flowers as soon as they fade, don’t let them form seeds.
- Make cuts just above a leaf node or healthy bud so it can continue growing.
- Pinching works well for small tubular blooms like trumpet vine.
- Cut back to a lower leaf node on stepped plants like bee balm.
- Disinfect shears occasionally by dipping in rubbing alcohol.
- Always deadhead in the morning before heat builds.
- Keep an eye out and continue deadheading all season long.
What to do with deadheaded flowers
Once you’ve removed the spent blooms, you’ll need to discard them properly. Here are some options:
- Compost – Add deadheaded flowers to your compost pile or bin if you have one.
- Leave as mulch – Scatter the removed blooms as mulch at the base of the plants to decompose.
- Discard – Throw the faded flowers away in your yard waste container.
Avoid letting the dead flowers accumulate around the base of the plants, as they can foster disease.
Encouraging reblooming after deadheading
To ensure your hummingbird plants rebloom profusely after deadheading, be sure to care for them properly:
- Water whenever the top few inches of soil become dry.
- Fertilize monthly with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer.
- Provide partial shade in hot climates.
- Keep 3-4″ of mulch around the plants to retain moisture.
- Prune for shaping after the main bloom period.
With consistent deadheading and proper care, your hummingbird plants will thrive and bloom repeatedly!
Conclusion
Deadheading is a straightforward task that keeps hummingbird plants looking their best and encourages more blossoms. Pay attention to when flowers fade and remove them promptly by pinching, cutting, or cutting back. Discard the spent blooms and keep caring for the plants to support repeated reblooming. With beautiful long-blooming flowers, you’ll provide a steady nectar source for visiting hummingbirds!
