If the blanket flower (lat. Gallardia) likes its location, with good care it develops into magnificent perennials whose flowers shine through the whole garden. As with all plants, the right cut is important for Gallardia in order to ensure a lasting abundance of flowers.
By cutting back faded flowers, the flowering period is extended and seed formation is prevented
cut during the summer
No pruning is necessary during the growing season. However, it is important to regularly clean out all faded flowers. Also, take this opportunity to remove yellowed or dried leaves. With this care measure, the plant puts all its energy into the formation of new flowers and not into the formation of seeds.
The fall cut
Here, different approaches have proven themselves for the not completely hardy plant.
- In autumn, cut back the blanket flower a hand's breadth above the ground and thereby remove most of the foliage and any blossoms that are still attached. Spread an airy winter protection made of brushwood or mulch (239.00€) over it.
- In very cold regions, you should hardly cut back in autumn, as the leaves are an effective winter protection for the parrot flower. Place twigs over the plant and only cut Gallardia down to the ground in March or April. Often you can already see the first green leaves, which announce the new growth.
- Gallardia can be pruned back vigorously in September to encourage strong foliage formation before the cold season. As a result, the perennial forms many leaves until the first frost, which remain on the blanket flower during the winter and act like a warm blanket.
tips
If you want to harvest seeds yourself in the fall for sowing in the spring, you should let a few flower heads mature on the plant. If they begin to dry up, cut them off and dry them on kitchen paper for a few days. You can then easily remove the seeds.