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Pruning guide · Perennial
Bastard balm: when and how to prune
Melittis melissophyllum
Bastard balm is best pruned in March.
| Pruning months | March |
|---|---|
| Flowering | May–June |
| Good for bees, butterflies and birds | Yes, for bees |
| Native to Belgium | No, planted |
Bastard balm: when to prune it?
It is hardly pruned. Cut off the dead stems in March, just before the new shoots appear.
What else to prune in those months? March
Bastard balm: how to prune it?
- Cut last year’s withered stems to just above the ground.
- Remove dead or damaged parts and leave the new shoots alone.
- There is no need to deadhead; leave the seed capsules if you want to collect seed.
How much to cut, and how often?
- One pruning period a year: March.
What does it mean for wildlife?
- Bastard balm flowers in May–June, when it attracts bees.
- If you only cut back in March, the old stems stand through the winter: insects overwinter in them and birds eat the seeds.
Nearby: related pruning guides
Plant profile: Bastard balm · Pruning calendar and basic rules
This guide is compiled from the Bladwijzer plant profile and pruning calendar.