There’s something deeply satisfying about perennials that give you more than just a single show. With a little care—and the right timing—you can coax many of your favorite plants into a second (or even third!) flush of blooms. In my own garden and the gardens I design, I lean on a handful of reliable rebloomers that reward the smallest bit of effort with weeks more color.

Want blooms that last all summer? Try the Chelsea Chop—a technique where you cut back about half the stems of your perennials in late May (around the time of the Chelsea Flower Show in the UK). This delays flowering on the trimmed stems, giving you a staggered, extended display that keeps the plant blooming beautifully from early summer into fall. You can use this technique on Salvia, Nepeta, Coreopsis, and even hardy geraniums.

Here are five of my favorite rebloomers—and exactly how I clip them to get the fastest second flush.

1. Salvia ‘East Friesland’ or ‘Wesuve’

Why I love it: These are two of my favorite salvias for garden structure—compact, richly colored, and always buzzing with pollinators. ‘East Friesland’ has deep violet spikes, while ‘Wesuve’ leans more violet-red—both work beautifully in naturalistic borders.

How to clip for rebloom:

As soon as the first flush starts to fade, cut the entire plant back by half to two-thirds, just above fresh basal growth. This encourages a lush second bloom that usually appears within a few weeks.

Chelsea Chop tip: In late May, try cutting back only half the stems. You’ll get a tiered blooming effect—some early, some late—so the show lasts longer.

Optional: For a more relaxed or winter-interest look, leave some spent stems standing in fall. They add texture and support pollinators and birds.

2. Geum ‘Totally Tangerine’ or ‘Banana Daiquiri’

Why I love it: Cheerful, citrus-colored blooms that hover like butterflies over soft mounds of foliage.

How to clip for rebloom:

Deadhead regularly, snipping the flower stems all the way down to the base. Once most of the bloom flush has passed, give the plant a light haircut. This keeps the foliage tidy and encourages another wave of blooms.

Pro tip: Removing seed heads early helps conserve energy for flowering instead of reproduction.

3. Nepeta ‘Walker’s Low’ (Catmint)

Why I love it: Soft, cloud-like mounds of lavender-blue flowers that hum with bees all season.

How to clip for rebloom:

After blooming, cut back to 6 inches high. It may look harsh, but Nepeta rebounds quickly. Within two weeks, fresh foliage and buds appear.

Chelsea Chop tip: Want an even longer show? Cut back only half the plant in May for staggered blooming through summer.

4. Hardy Geranium ‘Rozanne’ or ‘Ann Folkard’

Why I love it: These groundcover-style geraniums spill beautifully over borders and paths, blooming for months if cut back just right.

How to clip for rebloom:

Wait until the first bloom cycle is finished, then cut the entire plant back hard, just above the crown. A bit of patience and water will reward you with a tidy, compact plant and more flowers.

5. Coreopsis ‘Zagreb’ or ‘Moonbeam’

Why I love it: These threadleaf coreopsis varieties bloom their hearts out—airy, golden, and low-maintenance.

How to clip for rebloom:

Deadhead frequently by snipping flower stems just above the foliage. If the plant starts looking tired mid-summer, you can shear the whole thing back by about half. This will encourage a new flush of blooms and compact foliage.

Chelsea Chop tip: In late May, cut back half the stems to delay their bloom—creating a natural succession of flowers that keeps things going longer.

Final Thoughts

With these perennials, timing is everything. Don’t wait until your plants are completely finished—cut them back just as the first wave fades. A little water, compost, and patience can lead to weeks more color. And if you like a bit of wildness and texture, feel free to leave some seed heads standing into winter—you can always clip the rest.

Let me know if you try this in your garden—or tag me on Instagram @your.gardening.girl to share your reblooming favorites!