Photo: Emőke Dénes, CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
Pruning guide · Perennial
Aubretia: when and how to prune
Aubrieta × cultorum
Aubretia is best pruned in May–June.
| Pruning months | May–June |
|---|---|
| Flowering | March–May |
| Good for bees, butterflies and birds | Yes, for bees and butterflies |
| Native to Belgium | No, planted |
Aubretia: when to prune it?
Straight after flowering, in late May or early June.
Aubretia: how to prune it?
- Shear the whole cushion back by about a third, spent flowers and all.
- Do not cut below the green leaves: it regrows poorly from bare, woody parts.
- Shoots that hang over a wall can be left a little longer.
How much to cut, and how often?
- One pruning period a year: May–June.
What does it mean for wildlife?
- Aubretia flowers in March–May, when it attracts bees and butterflies.
- If pruning falls during flowering, wait until it is over or leave part of the plant to flower, so bees and butterflies still benefit.
Caution: Do not wait until summer: the later you trim, the less time the cushion has to fill out again before winter.
Nearby: related pruning guides
This guide is compiled from the Bladwijzer plant profile and pruning calendar.