Showy geranium in July: monthly care

Geranium × magnificum flowers in late spring and early summer, producing a spectacular display of blue to purple blooms. Once flowering finishes, prune in July or August to tidy the plant and encourage fresh foliage. This hybrid geranium does not reliably rebloom after deadheading, so pruning is primarily about maintaining a neat appearance and promoting healthy basal growth for the following year. Use a pair of sharp garden shears or secateurs. Cut back all the flowering stems and old foliage to within a few centimetres of the ground, just above the crown where you will see new shoots beginning to emerge. This may feel drastic, but hardy geraniums respond vigorously. Within a few weeks, a fresh mound of green leaves will appear, remaining attractive through autumn and often taking on red or bronze tints as temperatures drop. If you prefer a less severe approach, you can simply shear off the spent flower stems immediately after blooming and leave the foliage intact, then cut back tired leaves in late summer if they look tattered. However, a single hard cut in July or August is quicker and results in tidier regrowth. Do not prune in autumn or winter. The semi-evergreen foliage provides some winter interest and protects the crown from frost. Clear away any dead or damaged leaves in early spring before new growth begins, but avoid cutting into live tissue at that stage. This light spring tidy-up takes only a few minutes.