11 Plants You Should Deadhead In March For More Flowers

Winter bedding plants pansy flowers growing in the spring garden Anna Blazhuk//Getty Images

“Snip away faded flowers on winter bedding plants such as pansies, violas, primroses and polyanthus to keep them blooming for as long as possible into early spring,” says Julian.

Deadheading these pretty plants will keep colour and interest blooming in your borders for longer.

Hellebores a beautiful pink helleborus sandra standbridge//Getty Images

“Hellebores can also be tidied by cutting off old flower heads and any dead foliage, which helps prevent self-seeding and keeps the plants looking their best,” continues Julian.

And, if you’re snipping off Hellebore heads, make sure to read our guide on how to keep them fresh in a vase for weeks.

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Hydrangeas lacecap hydrangeas Irina274//Getty Images

March is an excellent time to remove faded hydrangea heads to encourage new growth. With frosty weather behind us, the heads are no longer needed as a shield to protect the plant.

Julian explains: “If you grow mophead or lacecap hydrangeas, you can remove the old, papery flower heads now, taking them back just to the first pair of healthy buds.”

Ornamental grasses and salvias a lush garden filled with various plants and flowers TorriPhoto//Getty Images

If you left your ornamental grasses to stand for winter interest, now is the time to cut them back. Deadhead the plant to around 3–6 inches from the ground, just before new green shoots emerge.

Hardy perennials like salvias can also have their old stems cut back in early spring to make way for fresh new shoots.

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Camellias, hebes and forsythia camellia pink flower Jackie Bale//Getty Images

And finally, there are three more varieties to consider deadheading once the first flowers fade.

“For gardeners with early spring bloomers, deadhead spent flowers on camellias and hebes, promoting bushier growth and extended colour into summer, while early flowering shrubs like forsythia can have any remaining tatty branches tidied for a neater look.”

Headshot of Lisa Joyner Lisa Joyner

Deputy Daily Editor, Country Living and House Beautiful

Lisa Joyner is the Deputy Daily Editor at House Beautiful UK and Country Living UK, where she’s busy writing about home and interiors, gardening, dog breeds, pets, health and wellbeing, countryside news, small space inspiration, and the hottest properties on the market. Previously, she has written for Conde Nast Traveller, House & Garden and Marie Claire magazine. Lisa studied at University For The Creative Arts, where she completed a BA in Fashion Journalism.

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