I cut back as the first flush is on the decline -- there will still be some blooms, but the bulk is finished.

Funny, I was just looking at mine today and thinking it's time to give it a trim. Go for it.

I have the same dilemma! As long as the bees are all over it, I won't cut it back yet. But mine is out of the way and not that noticeable so no big deal if I let it go a bit long. If reblooms are what you want, cutting it back when most of the first flowering is done would help that effort.

aw come on ... you guys are flower gardeners ... make your bed pretty ...

im am positive the bees will find other things in your yard for their evil business ..

bzzzzz ... bzzzz.....bzzzzz

since i moved out to rural 5 acres ... i am simply amazed at the bees.. wasp... etc.. etc ... it seems its the urban peeps who worry about them.. i cant swing a stick and not hit one ... and then ive got one mad bee chasing me around the yard .... crikey dude.. look over there.. there is a pretty flower to go rub yourself all over.. leave me alone ... lol

ken

ps: prune in the early morn when its too cold for them to be active.. or late in the evening when they went to bed ... the extreme heat of the day may also be an option.. as bees are smart enough to go take a siesta in high heat.. unlike us.. who are out there clipping them darn plants ... in hundred degree temps ....

I wonder, the new foliage already starts showing at the base before the current flowering is done. Mine is just about done and I should cut it back. It really didn't give me much of a rebloom last year, but I'd rather cut it back rather than let it decline and flop.