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Pruning guide · Shrub
Shrubby hare’s-ear: when and how to prune
Bupleurum fruticosum
Shrubby hare’s-ear is best pruned in April.
| Pruning months | April |
|---|---|
| Nesting season (15 March–15 August) | Take care in April |
| Flowering | July–September |
| Good for bees, butterflies and birds | Yes, for bees |
| Native to Belgium | No, planted |
Shrubby hare’s-ear: when to prune it?
In April, once the worst frosts are over. Light pruning is enough.
What else to prune in those months? April
Shrubby hare’s-ear: how to prune it?
- Cut off last year’s faded umbels to just above a few healthy leaves.
- Shorten overlong or lopsided shoots to keep the shrub compact.
- Remove frosted or dead wood back to healthy growth.
- An older, misshapen shrub can be cut back by about a third in April.
How much to cut, and how often?
- One pruning period a year: April.
- Prune in moderation: never remove more than about a third of the shrub at once.
What does it mean for wildlife?
- Pruning in April can fall in the nesting season (15 March–15 August). Check carefully for nesting birds first: disturbing an active nest is against the law.
- Shrubby hare’s-ear flowers in July–September, when it attracts bees.
- Prunings can go on a dead hedge or brash pile in a corner of the garden: shelter for hedgehogs, wrens and insects.
Common mistakes
- Clipping without first checking for nesting birds.
- Leaving a stub or sawing flush with the trunk: cut just outside the branch collar.
Caution: Do not prune in autumn: the cuts and new shoots would then be vulnerable to frost.
Nearby: related pruning guides
Plant profile: Shrubby hare’s-ear · Pruning calendar and basic rules
This guide is compiled from the Bladwijzer plant profile and pruning calendar.