Just about this time of year, many of your perennials start to look a little floppy or leggy.
We had a nice cool spring, and they probably had some growth spurts along the way. The Chelsea Chop is actually named after the Chelsea garden show in London. It’s a tried-and-true method of cutting back your perennials and annuals by 1/3 to ½, so they will develop new branches and a lot more blooms.
It often seems extreme at this time of year, but you will be happy in about 3 to 4 weeks—with a completely new looking plant. No need to chop them if you’re having company in the next week or two but if you and your plants have the time for this technique (also called the Freedom Chop since it happens Juneteenth until July 4 in US!) it is well worth it.
Some plants that really benefit from this are the later blooming perennials — Chrysanthemum, Asters, Yarrow, Black Eye Susan—that bloom in August and September. Phlox and Salvia can also do better with a mid-summer chop and get a second blook later.
The best way to do it is with a pair of scissors. Grab the plant with one hand —as much as you can — and cut approximately 1/3 off. You can make the sides a little shorter for shaping. Give it a little organic fertilizer and plenty of water during these hot times, and for every branch you cut, you will get at least two more, to make a very bushy new plant. If you do it in late June, you will enjoy it much more in July, August and September.
Happy Chopping!
