Geraniums, cut back now?

Discussion in 'General Gardening Discussion' started by Grays, Jun 15, 2025.

  1. Grays

    Grays Gardener

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    Hi all,
    After some Geranium advice, we have these small pink geraniums in a few places around the garden as I split some a few years ago.
    They are still in flower, but seem at this point to “go over” from the centre and look untidy, hopefully the photos show this.
    I’m reluctant to cut them back now as there are still a few flowers on them, would they give a second bloom though if I cut them back?
    Thanks.

    IMG_3644.jpeg IMG_3643.jpeg
     
  2. AnniD

    AnniD Super Gardener

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    I'm not sure which variety they are, but I would cut them back (I'd use shears and just chop them).
    Give them a really good drink and they will produce new growth in a couple of weeks (it always looks drastic at first).
     
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    • fairygirl

      fairygirl Total Gardener

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      I'd cut them back too. You can also remove some clumps - the weaker ones, which will rejuvenate the better, healthier clumps, but I appreciate that you may not want to do that.
      I'd agree with @AnniD too about the watering, because there's likely to be a drier growing medium there - due to the tree, grass and other planting. It's always a good idea to not overfeed some plants too, as that can create lots of softer, lusher growth which can then struggle if the conditions are, or become, drier.
      Whether they have a second flush or not depends on the variety, and also your location/climate. We don't always get a 2nd flush of many plants here due to them being later to start off with.
       
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      • Busy-Lizzie

        Busy-Lizzie Total Gardener

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        I cut back Wargrave Pink which grew back and looked much better.

        I would like to know if I can do the same to Geranium Sanguineum?
         
      • JennyJB

        JennyJB Total Gardener

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        I don't see why not, if you want to and they've already finished flowering. My sanguineums are only just getting going and although they sprawl and spread a bit, they don't flop open leaving bare middles like some of the bigger/taller ones do, so I don't cut them back until much later, if at all.
         
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