Should I deadhead and cut back my cranesbill geranium once it is done blooming. The leaves often look spotted and unsightly?
Deadheading won't improve flowering but it will improve the plant's appearance. Many gardeners pass on the tedious job of deadheading and wait until later to prune back the whole plant. Remove seedheads and old leaves when the plant becomes unsightly. Prune back old leaves to expose the flush of new growth at the base of the plant. Leave the leaves intact for winter. Remove old leaves in spring or allow the new growth to grow through and cover the old foliage.