Can you still do a ‘Late Chelsea Chop’ on your cranesbills now?
I came across this question today.
Yes, you can still do a “late Chelsea chop” on your cranesbills (hardy geraniums)
Here’s some background information:
- Traditional Chelsea Chop Timing: The “Chelsea Chop” is typically performed around late May or early June (coinciding with the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, hence the name). The idea is to cut back about one-third to one-half of the plant’s current height when it’s actively growing but before it has fully flowered. This promotes bushier growth and delays flowering.
- Late Chelsea Chop (or Post-Flowering Cut): For cranesbills, even if you miss the traditional Chelsea chop window, a later cut is still highly recommended. Many cranesbill varieties (especially those that flower in early summer) can become leggy or look a bit scraggly after their first flush of blooms.
Purpose of a Late Chop:
Cutting them back after their main flowering period (often in June or early July, depending on the variety and your location) serves several purposes:
- Encourages a Second Flush of Flowers: Many varieties will produce a second, albeit sometimes smaller, flush of blooms.
- Refreshes Foliage: It promotes new, fresh foliage growth, making the plant look tidier and more attractive for the rest of the season.
- Prevents Self-Seeding: If you don’t want your cranesbills to self-seed everywhere, cutting them back before they produce seeds is crucial.
How do you do a Late Chelsea Chop on Cranesbills?
- Shear Back: For mounding cranesbills that have finished blooming and are looking tired, you can shear off most of the old foliage. You can cut them back quite hard, even to about 5-7.5 cm (2-3 inches) above ground level.
- Remove Spent Flower Stalks: At a minimum, remove spent flower stalks close to the base of the plant, leaving the healthy foliage intact.
- Don’t be afraid to be drastic: Cranesbills are generally very resilient and will bounce back quickly.
- Follow Up: After a late chop, it’s a good idea to give your cranesbills a little boost. A splash of liquid fertilizer can help encourage new growth and a fresh flush of blooms.
The general takeaway is, while the traditional Chelsea chop aims to delay the first bloom, a “late chop” or post-flowering cut on cranesbills is an excellent way to rejuvenate the plant, get a second round of flowers, and maintain a neat appearance throughout the summer and into autumn.