The removal of spent blossoms is called deadheading. Many perennials will continue to bloom if faded flower heads are removed. This is especially true of dianthus, coreopsis, and shasta daisy. Some perennials will bloom again later in the season. Examples of perennials that will produce a second flush of blooms if flower stalks are cut back to the ground include delphinium and false indigo.

There are different methods of deadheading. Some plants will rebloom on the same flower stalk. In this case, it is necessary to remove only the dead blossoms. Campanulas and balloon flowers will rebloom if faded blossoms are removed. Other perennials are deadheaded by cutting off old flower stalks down to where the new bud shoots appear. Obedient plant should be deadheaded in this manner. When deadheading, look for the location of the second bud or set of buds.

Although faded flower heads should be removed on all plants, only some will produce new blooms. Others will not rebloom. Removing spent blooms diverts energy that would otherwise go into seed production.