When flowers have bloomed, the blooms die and turn into what is known as “deadheads.”  If deadheads are left on, the plants will not re-bloom.  However, when the blooms are removed, new flowers develop.

Deadheading actually helps flower species survive so they can reproduce.  Although there are some flowers that multiply underneath the ground, most go through this process by producing seeds.  They find fertile ground, produce new blooms, and then the cycle is repeated.

The process of removing these dead heads, or dead blooms is called what else, deadheading.  In addition to making the plant bloom longer, deadheading also makes the plants appear nicer and cleaner.  One other important reason for deadheading is that when you remove the old blooms, the plants actually have more energy that can be spent in developing a stronger root system and better foliage.

With some plants such as Chrysanthemums and Dahlias, when you deadhead on a regular basis, you are assured of having blooms all summer long.  This means instead of a bland and boring plant, you can enjoy magnificent color, simply by cutting off the old blooms.  Now keep in mind that some plants will not re-bloom, even if you deadhead them.  This is because of the genetic makeup of the plant and nothing you do will change that.  Some of these include Astilbe, Eupatorium, Peonies, and Poppies.

When it comes to roses and most fruit-producing plants, deadheading is not beneficial.  However, for others that are repeat bloomers, then deadheading will help them to bloom time after time.  If you want roses that will last throughout the blooming season, choose species that are repeat bloomers.

Fruit trees are the same in that most will flower one time, set the seed, and then the fruit such as pears, cherries, or apples grow.  By deadheading, you will not produce more fruit.  However, some fruit trees have wonderful blooms and in this case, if they are repeat bloomers, then you could deadhead them.

Finally, certain shrubs would also beneficial from deadheading, especially those that have the same characteristics of a perennial.  In this case, you can deadhead and enjoy beautiful flowers up until the first spring.  Just remember that you can only do your best.  You might not save every plant but that is to be expected.