Deadheading, the removal of fading flowers, is important for many species to conserve resources that would otherwise be utilized by developing fruit structures. For example, maturing rose hips (the fruiting structures of roses) require so many nutrients that there is not enough left for continued bloom, which is therefore inhibited if rose hips are not removed. African iris, daylily, marigold, petunia and even ivy geranium are just a few species that respond well to deadheading. Species that bloom only once annually may divert resources conserved by deadheading to vegetative growth. Deadheading of gladiolus and bearded iris maximizes storage of nutrients for blooms of the next season.

Deadheading may also be employed to control reseeding. African iris, for example, may become a weed if permitted to produce as much seed as it would like to. Freesia hybrids may produce seed of feral freesias that are not nearly as colorful or fragrant. Because the feral freesias are more profuse and can reproduce their own kind, they can eventually overwhelm the desired hybrids. Fading flowers that are sterile or that  only rarely produce fruit, such as those of rhododendrons, are not very consumptive, but may be remov

Conversely, many garden enthusiasts prefer to leave fruit structures of some species intact to provide seed for future sowing or for naturalization. California poppies and lupines, for example, can perpetuate themselves from their copious seed if competitive species are controlled.