Knowledgebase

Red hot poker plant pruning #742459

Asked April 04, 2021, 10:24 PM EDT

Hi! I recently moved in to a new place and found a red hot poker plant that looks like it hasn't been cared for in a while. It's early April in Lane County. Is it too late to give it a good trim down to the crown and still get some blooms this year? Please let me know if you need any further info or pictures or anything. Thank you! Happy Spring! Eugena M.

Lane County Oregon

Expert Response

Once you're sure the threat of freezing weather is past, you can trim back any dead foliage.  It looks like it could be slightly below freezing a few days this week in Eugene so wait a little while.  The old foliage helps protect the crown from the cold weather.

You can (and should) deadhead any flower by snipping the stem just below the faded blossom. This helps keep it blooming.

Bill Hutmacher Replied April 06, 2021, 3:49 PM EDT

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