With their large flower buds they delight the eye of the hobby gardener in summer. However, when the first flowering period slowly comes to an end, the question arises: “What should you do with what has faded?” We explain why you should cut the lupins after flowering and which care measures can promote a second flowering in August.
Cutting lupins: in what cases is it necessary?
Lupins are among the most beautiful flowers in the ornamental garden and are very popular among hobby gardeners. But when their flowers wither, you ask yourself – should I remove what has faded or leave it alone?
Prune lupins to prevent them from spreading in the garden
Lupins do not necessarily need pruning after the flowering period has ended. Even if you leave what has faded, the flower will thrive and remain lush again next year.After floweringHowever, the propagation phase begins for the perennial. Now lupins produce a lot of seeds and can spread uncontrollably throughout the garden. To prevent this, you must regularly remove the wilted material before the plant begins to produce seeds.
Cut off spent flowers to encourage a second bloom
If this propagation phase does not start, the flower puts its energy into flowering instead. Cutting off the flower buds often promotes a second bloom at the end of summer.
For cut flowers: Remove any wilted flowers so that the flower stays fresh longer
Lupins are ideal as cut plants. However, so that they last longer and all the flowers open, you should remove any wilted ones regularly. It's best to check the flower buds once a day and cut off any faded flowers.
Only cut back lupins in summer as an exception
The lupins are shortened to around 20 cm above the ground in autumn. However, this pruning is only recommended after the end of the second flowering. In summer you should only prune the plant if it is sick. Lupins, for example, are often affected by powdery mildew - and can be cut back immediately after flowering.
In the case of sweet lupine, leave what has bloomed and harvest the seeds
The seeds of sweet lupins are an exception because they are easy to use. So if you leave the sweet lupins that have bloomed, you can harvest the seeds around the end of August. To do this, cut off the pods and open them to get to the seeds. They are then left to dry for a few days and then processed into flour.
Withered lupins: This is how to properly cut off the flower clusters
Below we will explain to you how to properly cut off faded lupins. The right time to do this is in June, shortly after the end of the flowering period. This is not a severe pruning - only the flower clusters or the withered part of the flower clusters are removed.
What do faded lupins look like?
Things that have faded can be quickly identified. In a flower cluster, the lower flowers begin to wilt first, lose their color and dry up. Meanwhile, new flower buds open above.
How do you cut off the flowers?
Use clean pruning shears for grooming pruning. Proceed as follows:
- At the end of the flowering period, you can cut off the individual withered flowers to encourage the opening of the upper flower buds. You can also use a sharp knife for this task.
- When the entire flower cluster has wilted, cut it off just below the last flower bud. The
- If you need a cut flower, cut off the flower cluster including the stem down to the next side shoot.
Propagate lupins: Leave a few flowers on the stem
If you want to propagate the lupins but at the same time avoid uncontrolled spread in the garden, then gradually only cut the withered flowers and ultimately leave a few flower buds at the top of the flower cluster. Then you can harvest the seeds later and propagate the flowers.
Although most lupine varieties are perennial plants, they are not long-lived. It is therefore worth collecting and sowing seeds after two or three years.
Where to put what has faded?
You can compost the dead flowers or incorporate them into the soil of the flower bed. You can also dispose of the spent lupins with organic waste.
Prune and care for lupins after flowering
Like all plants, lupins do not need any fertilizer after the flowering period has ended. Fertilizers high in nitrogen can promote growth and leaf formation, but will not extend flowering time. Once you have removed the dead flowers and are hoping for a second bloom, you can work some compost into the soil to provide the plant with everything it needs.
