Photo: JackyM59, CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
Pruning guide · Herbaceous plant
Bee orchid: when and how to prune
Ophrys apifera
Bee orchid is best pruned in August–September.
| Pruning months | August–September |
|---|---|
| Flowering | June–July |
| Native to Belgium | Yes |
Bee orchid: when to prune it?
No pruning. Mow the meadow or lawn from late August, after the seed has been shed.
Bee orchid: how to prune it?
- Leave the faded stems until the capsules are brown and open, so the dust-like seed can blow away.
- Then mow the whole area and remove the cuttings to keep the soil poor.
- In autumn and winter do not mow shorter than 5–8 cm, to spare the leaf rosettes.
- Mark the spots with a small stick so you do not mow them by accident.
How much to cut, and how often?
- One pruning period a year: August–September.
What does it mean for wildlife?
- As a native plant, it feeds more insects than a non-native species.
Caution: Do not mow over the plants in May–July: you would lose that year’s flowers and seed.
Nearby: related pruning guides
Plant profile: Bee orchid · Pruning calendar and basic rules
This guide is compiled from the Bladwijzer plant profile and pruning calendar.