Globeflower in August: monthly care

Trollius europaeus does not require traditional pruning in the way shrubs do, but it does benefit from deadheading and an annual tidy-up to maintain vigour and appearance. The main task is removing spent flower stems in July or August, once the globular yellow blooms have faded. Use secateurs or sharp scissors to cut the flowering stems back to the base of the plant, just above the basal foliage. This prevents the plant from putting energy into seed production and often encourages a modest second flush of flowers later in the season, though this is not guaranteed. After deadheading, take the opportunity to remove any damaged, yellowing, or tatty leaves to keep the clump looking tidy. Cut these back to ground level. The fresh basal foliage that remains will continue to photosynthesize and feed the roots through late summer and autumn. Avoid cutting back all the foliage hard in summer, as the plant needs its leaves to build up reserves for the following year. In late autumn or early spring, you can cut back any remaining dead or frost-damaged foliage to make way for new growth, though many gardeners prefer to leave this job until March when new shoots begin to emerge. Trollius is a clump-forming perennial that slowly increases in size, and old clumps can be lifted and divided in early spring if they become congested or flowering diminishes. This isn't pruning as such, but it rejuvenates tired plants and gives you extras to plant elsewhere in damp spots around the garden.