Most get this wrong. Deadhead or not?

Deadheading is one of those gardening practices that seems straightforward—snip off the old flowers to make room for new ones, right? But here’s the twist: not all flowers benefit from it, and some actually do better when left alone. While deadheading can encourage longer bloom times, improve plant health, and keep your garden looking tidy, doing it unnecessarily can waste your time or even harm certain plants. Yet many gardeners treat deadheading as a one-size-fits-all task, unknowingly applying it to plants that don’t need—or want—it.

To help clear up the confusion, we’ve compiled a practical guide of 10 flowers you should deadhead and 10 you should leave alone. This list is especially useful if you grow popular annuals and perennials like petunias, zinnias, vinca, and impatiens. Understanding which flowers require deadheading—and why—can lead to a healthier, more beautiful garden with less effort and frustration. Let’s break down which blooms need a little extra attention and which ones handle things on their own.