Growing perennials & annuals

I have a rhododendron and some geraniums that have some dead blooms on them. Am I supposed to cut the dead ones off? Will new blooms grow? is there anything I can do so they continue to bloom all summer (other than watering)?

I'm also about to plant virtually a truckload of begonias and petunias, and really want them to last all season.

Message edited 6/16/2007 5:39:22 AM.

Re: Growing perennials & annuals

Rhod's do not bloom all season - their season (depending on where you are) is over...and yes, they should be deadheaded and trimmed.

It wouldn't hurt to deadhead the geraniums either. Begonias should last you through the summer but I'm told petunias will not bloom all summer through (much to my disappointment)

Message edited 6/16/2007 8:26:42 AM.

Re: Growing perennials & annuals

Thanks for the info. But I have to say this gardening stuff really BITES!!!

Re: Growing perennials & annuals

I agree with Colleen, except with the petunias, if they are wave petunias they bloom all season & even re-seed themselves. I have them coming back in planters I had them in last year. Even after the planters were out all winter & the soil was thoroughly turned before I planted different annuals this year.
You'll get the hang of gardening, it takes practice.

Re: Growing perennials & annuals

my parents have owned a garden center for 20 years... rhodos have a short blooming season, so they are probably done flowering for this year.... BUT, geraniums, petunias and begonias will bloom all summer for ya the geranuims don't HAVE to be deadheaded, but it wouldn't hurt... same with petunias. begonias you can just let do their thing