Pruning Achillea coronation gold is a simple and effective way to promote additional bloom and maintain a tidy and attractive planting. Deadheading, or removing spent flower heads, is a key practice to encourage the plant to produce more flowers. By cutting back the faded flowers to lateral buds, you are stimulating the plant to redirect its energy towards new growth and bloom.
To deadhead Achillea coronation gold, begin by inspecting the plant for flowers that have finished blooming. Look for flower heads that have faded in color and started to dry out. Using a pair of sharp garden scissors or pruning shears, cut these flower heads off just above a set of healthy lateral buds. This will prompt the plant to send out new shoots from these buds, resulting in more flowers.
It is important to note that Achillea coronation gold is a perennial plant, meaning it will continue to bloom year after year. However, after the initial flush of flowers, the plant may start to look untidy with faded blooms and foliage. To maintain a neat appearance and encourage new foliage growth, it is recommended to cut the plant back to its basal leaves after flowering. This means cutting the stems down to just above the plant’s lower leaves, near the base of the plant.
By cutting back the stems, you are removing the spent flower heads and encouraging the plant to focus its energy on producing new leaves. This can help rejuvenate the plant and promote a possible additional bloom in the fall. Additionally, removing the faded foliage can help prevent diseases and pests from taking hold, as well as improve the overall appearance of the planting.
If your Achillea coronation gold has been growing in the same spot for several years, it may benefit from division. Dividing clumps every 3-4 years helps to reinvigorate the plantings and prevent overcrowding. To divide the plant, dig up the clump using a garden fork or spade. Gently separate the clump into smaller sections, ensuring that each section has a healthy root system and foliage. Replant the divided sections in well-prepared soil, spacing them apart to allow for future growth.
Pruning Achillea coronation gold involves deadheading spent flower heads to lateral buds, cutting back the plant to its basal leaves after flowering, and dividing clumps as needed. These practices promote additional bloom, encourage new foliage growth, and maintain a tidy and attractive planting. By incorporating these pruning techniques, you can enjoy a beautiful and thriving Achillea coronation gold in your garden.
