From pruning to planting, there are plenty of February gardening jobs to be getting on with as winter begins to loosen its grip. But, according to the experts, several plants also benefit from deadheading for healthier growth and more spring flowers.
“February may seem quiet in the garden, but it’s an ideal time to start deadheading with winter plants,” says Julian Palphramand, Head of Plants at British Garden Centres.
Amber Tunney, Horticultural specialist at Cherry Lane Garden Centres, explains about the importance of deadheading: “Removing spent blooms stops the plant from putting energy into seed production and instead encourages it to produce more flowers, extending the flowering period well into spring. Regular deadheading keeps plants compact, healthy and full of colour for longer.”
Reaching for the gardening gloves? Take a look at the plants to focus on below for a beautiful spring garden:
Primroses
Pretty primroses bloom as early as February, brightening up still-dormant gardens with their colourful petals.
According to Julian, primroses should be deadheaded now to ensure a fresh flush of flowers in spring. Pinch or snip off spent flowers at the base of their stems, rather than simply removing petals.
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Heather
These evergreen groundcovers provide colour from December to April, brightening up pots and borders when little else is blooming.
“Winter flowering heathers require careful trimming of spent heads just below the flowers, taking care to avoid cutting into old wood to ensure next season’s blooms,” says Julian.
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Hellebore
Hellebores are wonderful groundcover plants that bloom in winter, but also need attention this month.
“Make sure you snip off leathery seedheads and tired flowers to reveal the fresh buds developing beneath,” says Julian.
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Winter pansies and violas
If you’re growing winter pansies and violas, be sure to give them a weekly snip: “Pinch off faded flowers to extend their display well into the coming weeks,” says Julian.
Pansies and violas are brilliant for beds, borders, hanging baskets, and more, offering a beautiful array of colour. The best time to plant yours is in September, giving roots the chance to establish before winter’s grip.
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Cyclamen and mahonia
Elsewhere, cyclamen and mahonia also benefit from a good deadhead in February.
“With cyclamen, gently tug yellow leaves and spent blooms away at the base rather than cutting them,” says Julian. “Mahonia benefits from trimming finished yellow flower clusters, which encourages attractive fresh growth.”
Clive Nichols – Getty Images
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