What to do with geraniums after flowering for a second flush of beautiful blooms
Keen to make your geraniums work hard for your garden? Be sure to follow these expert tips


Have you ever wondered what to do with geraniums after flowering? That's right, everyone; it's not enough to just know how to grow geraniums – especially if you're hoping for a second flush of blooms before summer is over.
We jest, of course; hardy geraniums remain one of those flowers that will suit everyone, from green-fingered geniuses to the very greenest of beginners.
Still, if the art of pelargonsjuka has cemented a place for itself on your list of must-try garden ideas, you'll be pleased to learn that there's plenty more you could be doing, and especially in July. In fact, the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) says showing your hardy geraniums some TLC is one of the 'top gardening jobs [to tackle] this month'...
What to do with geraniums after flowering
Perfect for container gardens or garden borders, geraniums are one of those plants that look at home in most outdoor spaces – so why not make them work even harder once they've finished flowering?
'After geraniums have flowered, it's important to care for them properly to encourage further blooming and maintain their health,' agrees Christopher O'Donoghue, one of the co-directors at Gardens Revived.

A gardener with over a decade of experience under his belt, Christopher set up Gardens Revived with his brother, Andrew, in 2018 to create a thriving family business. Together, they have worked on residential gardens, listed buildings and gardens, flower shows and large estates with some exceeding 70 acres – many with historical significance.
One of the most important things you can do? Well, after your geraniums have finished flowering (usually in July, but likely June if it's an early season), you'll want to make like the gardening pros and cut yours back close to ground level after flowering.
'This won't just encourage a second flush of early blooms in late summer or early autumn,' promises Christopher.
Get the Ideal Home Newsletter
Sign up to our newsletter for style and decor inspiration, house makeovers, project advice and more.
'It will also extend the life of your plants and keep your borders looking attractive, too.'
What you will need
Unlike many gardening jobs, you won't need a lot of tools for this job: think a pair of sharp, clean secateurs and a bag for your clippings (which can be chucked into your compost bin – waste not, want not!).
We love our Gardena snips and this set includes both bits of kit you'll need for deadheading and pruning.
Contrary to popular belief, you don't have to douse your geraniums with a multi-purpose fertiliser after you've cut them back. In fact, a good soaking might prove a better option for many gardeners.
'You will likely need to give them a water and a mulch to help rejuvenate them,' adds Christopher, 'and especially so if there's been lots of hot weather.'
Yet another reason to start rain harvesting, we suppose.
FAQs
What month do you cut back geraniums?
Just as you'll want to deadhead geraniums to extend their blooming period this summer, you'll also want to cut yours back to ground level after they've finished flowering – usually between June and July.
Should you cut back hardy geraniums after flowering?
There are a number of reasons why you should cut back hardy geraniums after flowering: it keeps your garden borders looking attractive, it encourages a second flush of flowers, and it boosts the health of your plants (which will, in turn, extend their lives).
What to do with geraniums after they've finished flowering?
As mentioned already, you can encourage your geraniums to bloom again after they've finished flowering. All you need to do is, using a sharp and clean pair of secateurs, cut them back to ground level (or one inch above the main stem).
Be sure to cut the plants at nodes or new growth points wherever possible, and 'take care to remove any yellow or brown leaves, too,' adds Christopher.
Now that you know what to do with geraniums after flowering, you can extend their blooming period and keep your garden looking better for longer.
Better still? This trick will work on most herbaceous perennials that flower in early summer, so you can try it out on your lupins and delphiniums, too.
Next on the list – make sure you know how to overwinter them when the seasons are getting ready to change...

Kayleigh Dray became Ideal Home’s Acting Content Editor in the spring of 2023, and is very excited to get to work. She joins the team after a decade-long career working as a journalist and editor across a number of leading lifestyle brands, both in-house and as a freelancer.
-
A strict colour palette and vintage finds have turned this semi-detached Edwardian house into an elegant family home
Sticking to a three-colour palette of green, pink and yellow and mixing in plenty of vintage furniture and art has created an authentic period feel
By Stephanie Smith
-
A top-to-bottom renovation has turned this Edwardian house into a lovely family home
With a few considered structural changes, this period house has been turned into a family home and has created a sanctuary for years to come
By Maxine Brady
-
How to heat a conservatory
7 practical options to consider for year-round comfort
By Amy Reeves
-
Shoppers can’t get enough of The Range’s lemon tree, but I’ve found an even cheaper bestseller at B&Q - it’s perfect for a Mediterranean look
Welcome the summer with this glorious fruit tree
By Kezia Reynolds
-
I'm a stylist with an eye for expensive-looking high street finds – these 6 garden furniture pieces at Dunelm are on my radar
These pieces all look more than their price tag
By Laurie Davidson
-
The 6 outdoor lights from Habitat that I'm choosing between to make my outdoor space look more expensive this summer
I couldn’t believe some of the prices
By Ellis Cochrane
-
Aldi is launching a £200 day bed with four different features - its sleek design is suited to the whole family
You don't want to miss out on this Specialbuy
By Kezia Reynolds
-
I’m seeing pastel garden furniture at all my favourite brands this spring, but QVC’s sorbet collection impressed me the most
Fresh pastel shades are a great way to liven up your outdoor space
By Kezia Reynolds
-
I spent the afternoon looking through Wayfair's garden sale – these are the 6 pieces I'm buying immediately for summer
These are my must-have garden buys from the sale
By Holly Reaney
-
I’ve found the perfect alternative to John Lewis’ sold-out striped garden chair – and you won’t believe where it's from
John Lewis' Sling Garden Chair is one of the most stylish pieces of garden furniture I'd seen – until I tracked down this QVC lounge chair...
By Kezia Reynolds
-
Lidl is selling a smart tiered planter that will unlock extra planting space in a tiny garden or balcony
Why I've been eyeing this planter up for my tiny garden
By Kezia Reynolds