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Pruning guide

How to prune monkey flower

Best time
Throughout flowering season; hard cut-back after the main summer flush
How often
Deadhead weekly; cut back once after main flush
Technique
Remove spent flower stems just above the next healthy leaf pair. After the main flush fades, cut all stems back by roughly half with clean scissors, watering well afterwards to encourage fresh growth.

More monkey flower care

Pruning monkey flower — FAQ

When should I prune monkey flower?

Throughout flowering season; hard cut-back after the main summer flush. Remove spent flower stems just above the next healthy leaf pair. After the main flush fades, cut all stems back by roughly half with clean scissors, watering well afterwards to encourage fresh growth.

How often does monkey flower need pruning?

Deadhead weekly; cut back once after main flush. Monkey flower (Mimulus) performs best with regular deadheading to prevent seed set and extend the season. After the main flush in summer, cutting plants back by half encourages a second wave of bloom. In hot climates plants may go dormant — hard cutting at that point can prompt autumn regrowth.

How do you prune monkey flower?

Remove spent flower stems just above the next healthy leaf pair. After the main flush fades, cut all stems back by roughly half with clean scissors, watering well afterwards to encourage fresh growth.