Beard flowers bloom on annual wood
The flowers of the beard flower develop in the leaf axils of new shoots. No flowers at all will grow on older branches. It therefore makes no sense to leave older shoots standing.
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- Beard flower - non-poisonous ornamental shrubs for the autumn garden
- Proper care for the beard flower
- How to multiply your beard flower
Cutting back the beard flowers is also useful because it encourages the shoots of the shrub. By cutting, the beard flower grows more compact and develops considerably more flowers.
In addition, the pruning ensures that the plant stays in shape.
Cut back in spring
The best time to prune beard flowers is in early spring. As soon as the temperatures no longer drop below freezing point, you can use a knife or scissors.
In the case of beard flowers that you maintain in the tub, the pruning takes place when you take the bushes out of their winter quarters.
You can't go wrong with pruning the beard flower. The plant doesn't mind if you cut into the old wood. They should:
- cut down all the old shoots
- Remove dead shoots completely
- Thinning out the plant
How to cut the beard flower
Shorten the shrub to a third of its height. The beard flower will also sprout if you cut it down to within ten centimeters. Some gardening experts even recommend cutting them back to the ground.
In any case, you should completely cut back any dead or frozen shoots.
If the shrub has grown very densely, it is advisable to provide light and cut out some of the weaker shoots.
Fertilize a little after pruning
Bearded flowers need only a few nutrients outdoors. If you fertilize them immediately after cutting, that will do just fine.
Rose fertilizer (€ 11.41 at Amazon *) is very suitable as fertilizer.
Cut cuttings for propagation
Beard flowers can be propagated by sowing or cuttings. In order to obtain single-variety breeding, you should better grow new beard flowers from leaf or axillary cuttings.
Cut cuttings at a slight angle with a sharp knife in June or July. Remove the lower leaves and place them in slightly moist potting soil.
Cut back beard flowers in autumn
If you are very disturbed by the faded shoots of the beard flower, you can also cut back the shrub completely in autumn before the first frost.
However, you should then definitely spread a mulch cover made of leaves or straw over the planting site. Beard flowers are only partially hardy and need suitable winter protection outdoors.
Tips
Use sharp knives or secateurs to prune beard flowers. (€ 19.03 at Amazon *) This prevents the interfaces from fraying and allowing bacteria to penetrate. Clean all cutters beforehand so that they do not transmit diseases.
