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Pruning guide · Herbaceous plant
Large bitter-cress: when and how to prune
Cardamine amara
Large bitter-cress is best pruned in July.
| Pruning months | July |
|---|---|
| Flowering | April–June |
| Native to Belgium | Yes |
Large bitter-cress: when to prune it?
Little needed. In July, cut off the withered flower stems if you like, once the seed has dropped.
What else to prune in those months? July
Large bitter-cress: how to prune it?
- Cut the old flower stems just above the leaves.
- Leave some of the stems and the vegetation around the plant for overwintering orange-tip chrysalises.
- Remove runners that have spread too far in spring or autumn.
How much to cut, and how often?
- One pruning period a year: July.
What does it mean for wildlife?
- As a native plant, it feeds more insects than a non-native species.
Caution: Do not mow or cut in April–June: the flower stems then carry orange-tip eggs and caterpillars.
Nearby: related pruning guides
Plant profile: Large bitter-cress · Pruning calendar and basic rules
This guide is compiled from the Bladwijzer plant profile and pruning calendar.