What Is Deadheading? Why and How to Remove Spent Flowers

Deadheading—removing faded flowers—encourages annuals, roses, and most perennials to rebloom. For spring-blooming shrubs like azaleas, it won't produce more flowers but keeps plants tidy.

Flowers exist to attract pollinators for seed production. Once pollinated, they wilt, signaling the plant to shift energy to seeds. Removing spent blooms interrupts this signal, prompting the plant to flower again.

How to deadhead: Cut the whole flower stem near the base when blooming finishes. The stem won't rebloom, but the plant may send new stalks. Modern annuals bloom longer, but all benefit from deadheading. Pinch or cut as flowers fade—no need to wait until completely brown.