How to prune the governor lupine

Deadhead immediately after first flowers fade (early summer); cut back in autumn. Using clean secateurs, cut spent spikes back to a healthy side-shoot lower on the stem to promote a second flush. Avoid leaving stubs. In late autumn, cut all stems to the ground to discourage crown rot over winter.

Deadhead after each flowering flush; cut to ground once annually in autumn. The Governor lupine benefits from prompt deadheading of spent flower spikes to encourage a second flush and prevent excessive self-seeding. Cut the main spike back to a side shoot after the first bloom. In autumn, cut the whole plant down to ground level once foliage has died back.

Using clean secateurs, cut spent spikes back to a healthy side-shoot lower on the stem to promote a second flush. Avoid leaving stubs. In late autumn, cut all stems to the ground to discourage crown rot over winter.