Photo: Jean-Pol GRANDMONT, CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
Pruning guide · Herbaceous plant
Common spotted-orchid: when and how to prune
Dactylorhiza fuchsii
Common spotted-orchid is best pruned in August–September.
| Pruning months | August–September |
|---|---|
| Flowering | May–July |
| Native to Belgium | Yes |
Common spotted-orchid: when to prune it?
No pruning. Mow the grassland from mid-August, after seed set.
Common spotted-orchid: how to prune it?
- Leave the spent spikes until the capsules are brown and open.
- Then mow and remove the cuttings, to keep the soil poor.
- Mark the plants with a stick so you do not mow them in spring.
- In a border, only cut the stem once it has completely withered.
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: Common spotted-orchid · Pruning calendar and basic rules
This guide is compiled from the Bladwijzer plant profile and pruning calendar.