Photo: Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
Pruning guide · Climber
Field bindweed: when and how to prune
Convolvulus arvensis
Field bindweed is best pruned in June–September.
| Pruning months | June–September |
|---|---|
| Nesting season (15 March–15 August) | Take care in June–August |
| Flowering | June–September |
| Native to Belgium | Yes |
Field bindweed: when to prune it?
From June to September, whenever it smothers other plants too much.
What else to prune in those months? June · July · August · September
Field bindweed: how to prune it?
- Unwind stems that are smothering other plants and cut them off at ground level.
- On a verge, mowing in June and September, removing the cuttings, is enough.
- In a wild corner, let some of it flower for the bees.
How much to cut, and how often?
- One pruning period a year: June–September.
What does it mean for wildlife?
- Pruning in June–August can fall in the nesting season (15 March–15 August). Check carefully for nesting birds first: disturbing an active nest is against the law.
- As a native plant, it feeds more insects than a non-native species.
- Prunings can go on a dead hedge or brash pile in a corner of the garden: shelter for hedgehogs, wrens and insects.
Common mistakes
- Clipping without first checking for nesting birds.
Caution: Do not put roots or seed-bearing stems on the compost heap: they survive and spread with the compost.
Nearby: related pruning guides
Plant profile: Field bindweed · Pruning calendar and basic rules
This guide is compiled from the Bladwijzer plant profile and pruning calendar.