Deadheading guide
How to deadhead penstemon heterophyllus 'electric blue'
How to deadhead penstemon heterophyllus 'electric blue'
Follow the spent bloom down to the first set of healthy leaves or a visible side bud, and cut just above it. Cutting only the petals off leaves the developing seedpod behind, which defeats the point.
The mistake to avoid
Snipping just the faded petals and leaving the swollen green seedpod below. The plant still thinks it has set seed, so penstemon heterophyllus 'electric blue' slows down anyway.
More penstemon heterophyllus 'electric blue' care
- Deadheading foothill penstemon 'margarita bop' — the species this cultivar belongs to
- Full penstemon heterophyllus 'electric blue' care guide
- How to prune penstemon heterophyllus 'electric blue'
- How to propagate penstemon heterophyllus 'electric blue'
- Growing penstemon heterophyllus 'electric blue' in a pot
- How to overwinter penstemon heterophyllus 'electric blue'
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Deadheading penstemon heterophyllus 'electric blue' — FAQ
Should I deadhead penstemon heterophyllus 'electric blue'?
Deadheading penstemon heterophyllus 'electric blue' genuinely pays off. Once a flower fades the plant starts pouring energy into setting seed, and removing it redirects that energy straight back into producing more buds. Keep on top of it through the season and you get a noticeably longer, heavier display; stop, and flowering tails off as the plant decides its job is done.
How do you deadhead penstemon heterophyllus 'electric blue'?
Follow the spent bloom down to the first set of healthy leaves or a visible side bud, and cut just above it. Cutting only the petals off leaves the developing seedpod behind, which defeats the point.
How often should I deadhead penstemon heterophyllus 'electric blue'?
Every few days to weekly through the flowering season — the more regularly, the better the repeat.
What is the most common deadheading mistake with penstemon heterophyllus 'electric blue'?
Snipping just the faded petals and leaving the swollen green seedpod below. The plant still thinks it has set seed, so penstemon heterophyllus 'electric blue' slows down anyway.