Herbaceous perennials feature green, tender stems instead of woody growth. Most begin actively growing during the spring or early summer, but they may become leggy and unkempt as the season progresses. Pinching the plants when they are young results in bushier growth since the stems form lateral branches at each pinched section. Most plants benefit from pinching when they are 6 to 8 inches tall, before they begin to produce flower buds. Later in the season, the perennials require pinching or light shearing to remove spent flowers and leggy stems.
Locate the bud or leaf on each stem that is closest to the tip of the stem. Unless a stem is badly overgrown, pinch back to this bud. For overgrown stems, select a bud located near the desired height of the stem.
Grasp the stem between your thumb and forefinger, 1/4-inch above the bud. Pinch firmly to sever the tip of the stem. Repeat for each stem on the plant.
Pinch off spent flowers from perennials once weekly during the bloom cycle. Pinch the blossom beneath the flower head or just above the topmost bud on the flower stem, if applicable. Pinching off dead blossoms may encourage more flowering.
Cut back the entire plant at midseason if it becomes leggy or stops flowering prematurely. Trim the plant back to about half its height using clean shears. Severe pruning may force a flush of new growth and further blooming.
Things You Will Need
- Combine pinching with the proper watering and fertilization schedule for the specific plant variety to encourage the best and healthiest growth.
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