By Morcol
west yorks.,
United Kingdom 
Hi could anyone tell me what to do with my Lythrum (purple loosestrife) now that it has finished flowering?
Do I cut it back, also the same question about Gaura.
Many thanks
23 Aug, 2011
unless you want seed then I would dead head it, by cutting the flower spikes down as far as you can. in the late autumn early spring you can tidy it up as neat as you like.
Dont grow guara but I understand it is better to leave the foliage until spring. that gives some protection against the winter cold.
23 Aug, 2011