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Pruning guide · Water or marginal plant
Brooklime: when and how to prune
Veronica beccabunga
Brooklime is best pruned in March and July.
| Pruning months | March and July |
|---|---|
| Flowering | May–September |
| Good for bees, butterflies and birds | Yes, for bees |
| Native to Belgium | Yes |
Brooklime: when to prune it?
Cut back in July when the plant becomes long and untidy, and clear the dead stems in March.
Brooklime: how to prune it?
- In July, cut the stems back by half: it soon regrows and keeps flowering into September.
- Remove stems that grow over other plants, roots and all.
- In March, clear dead and brown stems with scissors or a pond rake.
- Leave what you take out of the water on the bank for a day, so pond creatures can crawl back.
How much to cut, and how often?
- There are 2 pruning periods a year: March and July. You don’t have to prune in every one.
What does it mean for wildlife?
- Brooklime flowers in May–September, when it attracts bees.
- If pruning falls during flowering, wait until it is over or leave part of the plant to flower, so bees and butterflies still benefit.
- As a native plant, it feeds more insects than a non-native species.
Caution: Every piece of stem can root: do not let cut pieces float in the pond if you want to keep it in check.
Nearby: related pruning guides
This guide is compiled from the Bladwijzer plant profile and pruning calendar.