What a great idea. I, too, have become disenchanted with balloon flowers. Tall and the blossoms are all at the same height and don't look very nice. I'm grabbing my shears next year. Thanks for the tip! :-D
Kris

I honestly didn't think I would get many blooms after I cut so many stems with buds - but for some reason, I still have blooms all along the stalk - I guess those buds were further down than I realized. I was surprised.

Yes, next year I am cutting back shastas, gaillardias, balloon flowers, even blue bedder salvias and ... hmmm, let's see - what else? Hmmmm can't think right now, but I bet there are more perennials that would look better cut back hard in the spring.

Carrie

I also pruned my balloon flower in early July to keep it from getting so tall. Now it is about 3 ft high and covered in bloom. Also pruned and shaped sedum Autumn Joy, and phlox paniculata.

I always cut my Autumn Joys in half in May and plant the piece that was cut off straight into the ground - then I have two plants - both are blooming now (a bit early this year)

This year i also remembered to cut my phlox - so glad I did!

Carrie

My sedums aren't blooming yet, but they were taken from plants just like you said. I stuck them in the dirt and kept them watered.

I cut back bee balm, shastas, even my hibiscus. It makes for a fuller plant and lots of blooms. Almost all perennials can tolerate this. Great too for staggering bloom cycles to extend the flowering time. Cut 1/3 of the plant when you see buds. Cut another 1/3 a couple weeks later or just as the buds are opening. Leave 1/3 to bloom as normal. It also staggers the height and helps hold up the tallest stalks that weren't cut back.

The Well Tended Perennial Garden. Can't go wrong with that book.

Token, even though I have the book (and never read it :0/...

I really got the nerve to "cut back" after meeting you and listening to your "pinching" stories and your posts about cutting back...

Thanks to you I've learned a lot

Carrie