--- title: "6 Flowers You Never Need to Deadhead" description: "These flowers are easier to maintain, especially if you don’t have a lot of spare time for landscaping and garden upkeep." date: "2026-06-06" modified: "2026-06-06" authors: - name: "Sandi Schwartz" job_title: "Contributing Writer" link: "https://www.bobvila.com/authors/sandi-schwartz.md" url: "https://www.bobvila.com/lawn-and-garden/flowers-you-never-need-to-deadhead/" categories: - "DIY" - "Gardening" - "Lawn & Garden" - "Lawn Care & Gardening" --- # 6 Flowers You Never Need to Deadhead ![Woman deadheading dry spent English rose hips in summer garden.]() *Photo: Mariia Boiko via Shutterstock* If you’re looking for a shortcut to reduce the time you spend working in your garden, then you might want to choose flowering plants that don’t require deadheading. The process involves removing dead and faded flowers from plants to keep them looking tidy and to encourage more blooms. When you deadhead plants, the energy, strength, and nutrients that would have been used for producing new seeds end up generating more flowers instead. While roses, marigolds, and [zinnias]() are examples of plants that need to be deadheaded, we’ve identified six [flowering plants]() that don’t require this extra step. So, they’re easier to maintain, especially if you don’t have a lot of spare time for landscaping and garden upkeep. ## 1. Angelonia (Angelonia angustifolia) ![Fuchsia colored Angelonia angustifolia archangel flowers]() *Photo: suttirat wiriyanon via Shutterstock* Angelonia, also called the summer snapdragon, is widely appreciated by gardeners because it thrives on little to no care, says Marina Prokaten, plant expert at [Plantum](), the app that helps identify plants and improve plant care. “It blooms during the summer, producing [flowers in shades of pink, purple, and white](), and when the old flowers drop off naturally, the stem keeps growing and developing new buds,” says Prokaten. The plant’s fruity scent becomes more prominent as it gets warmer outside, attracting hummingbirds and butterflies that enjoy the plant’s nectar. **Sun Requirements:** Full sun **Size:** 1 to 1.5 feet tall and 1 foot wide **Watering:** As a drought-tolerant plant, it doesn’t need frequent watering **Soil Type:** Medium to moist, well-draining, rich **Hardiness Zones:** 9 to 11 (grown as an annual elsewhere) ## 2. Begonia (Begonia spp.) ![Close up of begonia flowers in the garden.]() *Photo: surasaki via Adobe Stock* Most begonias are self-cleaning, which means they shed their petals naturally after blossoming. Prokaten recommends planting *Begonia semperflorens*, commonly called wax begonia. “You’ll probably recognize this plant as one of the most popular ornamental bedding flowers,” she says. “*Begonia semperflorens* is a compact, bushy plant with waxy deep green leaves that are circled around [single or double flower heads]() of white, pink, or red color. Maintaining a perfectly neat appearance, this plant sheds its old, waxy petals.” **Sun Requirements:** Partial sun **Size:** 0.5 to 1.5 feet tall and wide **Watering:** Water your plant regularly and thoroughly **Soil Type:** Well-draining soil **Hardiness Zones:** 9 to 11 or as an annual ## 3. Columbine (Aquilegia spp.) ![Mixed colors of columbine flowers in a home garden.]() *Photo: Barbara - stock.adobe.com* Columbines are woodland wildflowers with tubular, bell-like [flowers that hummingbirds love](). They are exceptionally low-maintenance perennials that thrive without [deadheading]() because leaving their faded blossoms intact allows them to self-sow naturally, creating a patch of flowers for future seasons. Also, allowing the flowers to transition into seed pods provides food for local birds. Look for various varieties with pink, white, purple/lavender, or burgundy red flowers. **Sun Requirements:** Full sun to partial shade **Size:** 1 to 3 feet tall and 1 to 2 feet wide **Watering:** Plenty of water **Soil Type:** Evenly moist, well-draining soil **Hardiness Zones:** 3 to 9 ## 4. Hydrangea (Hydrangea spp.) ![Pink Endless Summer® Pop Star® Hydrangea]() *Photo: DebbieHJones via Shutterstock* Most [varieties of hydrangeas]() do not need to be cut back because they form their flower buds on old wood from the previous season's growth. That means they will not rebloom if you remove the spent flowers. In fact, doing so risks accidentally snipping away next year's potential blossoms. On the other hand, reblooming hydrangeas like Pop Star and those in the [Endless Summer series]() are bred to produce flowers on both old and new stems. They’re OK to deadhead in summer; just stop removing blooms by midfall. **Sun Requirements:** Full sun to partial shade **Size:** 3 to 8 feet tall and wide **Watering:** Regular watering **Soil Type:** Medium moisture, well-draining, rich **Hardiness Zones:** 3 to 9 ## 5. Impatiens (Impatiens spp.) ![A vibrant red New Guinea impatiens flower bush]() *Photo: Wirestock Creators via Shutterstock* As one of the most popular [plants for brightening up garden beds](), impatiens are easy-care flowers that do not require deadheading. When left alone, they drop their old petals naturally. Prokaten recommends New Guinea impatiens (*Impatiens hawkeri*) for their attractive look, low-maintenance care, and high performance. “This branched perennial flowering plant will dress up any garden with its five-petaled vivid flowers and pointed oblong leaves, which maintain their alluring appearance throughout the season,” she explains. “New Guinea impatiens maintain a fresh and lively look all season long thanks to their ability to shed dead blossoms.” **Sun Requirements:** Partial morning sun to full shade **Size:** 1 to 3 feet tall and wide **Watering:** Require a lot of water **Soil Type:** Well-draining, moist, medium soil **Hardiness Zones:** 10 to 12 (often grown as annuals elsewhere) ## 6. Petunia (Petunia hybrid) ![Petunia flowers in a home garden.]() *Photo: Fotolyse - stock.adobe.com* Standard [petunias]() can get messy if they are not deadheaded after they start to wilt, but all you have to do is pinch off the faded flower. Even better, Supertunia petunias require no deadheading. This variety is known for its self-cleaning capability, as it naturally sheds old flowers. The best part is that you’ll enjoy the [nonstop blooms]() they produce in a range of vibrant colors. They also attract beneficial insects and hummingbirds. **Sun Requirements:** Full to partial sun **Size:** 6 to 12 inches tall and 1 to 2 feet wide **Watering:** Regular watering **Soil Type:** Medium to moist, well-draining **Hardiness Zones:** 10 to 11 (often grown as annuals elsewhere) ## Author Sandi Schwartz is an environmental author and freelance journalist with over 20 years of extensive experience communicating science-based information to diverse audiences in the areas of sustainability, home/garden, green living, nature, and wellness. Sandi began writing for BobVila.com in June 2022. ### Author social links [LinkedIn]()