Pocket BotanistCheck these first
- Ensure the plant is getting at least 6 hours of direct sun.
- Check if the plant is being shaded by taller plants or structures.
- Review your recent fertilizing habits.
Likely causes
Insufficient light
Most likelyHow to tell: The plant looks healthy but is stretching toward the light source. It is not producing any buds despite the season.
What to do: Move the plant to a spot that receives full, direct sun for at least 6 to 8 hours a day. This plant will not bloom well in partial shade.
Excessive nitrogen
PossibleHow to tell: The plant has very lush, dark green foliage but no flowers. This often happens if you use a high nitrogen fertilizer.
What to do: Switch to a balanced fertilizer or one with a higher phosphorus content to encourage blooming. Stop fertilizing for a few months to let the plant reset.
Find out what's wrong with your deptford pink
The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.
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When to worry
It is normal for the plant to take a break after a heavy flush of blooms. Only worry if it goes an entire season without any flowers.
Stopping it coming back
Provide consistent full sun and avoid heavy feeding, as this plant prefers leaner soil conditions.
Deptford pink: not flowering? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your deptford pink and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.
Scan with your phone's camera to get the app
Or go to pocketbotanist.app/get on your phone
Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free
Questions people ask
- Does this plant bloom all year?
- No, it typically blooms in the summer. It needs a period of rest during the cooler months.
- Should I deadhead the old flowers?
- Yes, removing spent blooms can encourage the plant to put energy into new growth and potentially more flowers.
More problems with Deptford pink
Back to the Deptford pink guide
This article was generated with AI on from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.