Photo: Rasbak, CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
Pruning guide · Herbaceous plant
Ribbed melilot: when and how to prune
Melilotus officinalis
Ribbed melilot is best pruned in March and September.
| Pruning months | March and September |
|---|---|
| Flowering | June–September |
| Native to Belgium | Yes |
Ribbed melilot: when to prune it?
Clear the old stems in March; in September, mow or cut off faded spikes if you wish.
Ribbed melilot: how to prune it?
- After flowering, let most of the seeds ripen and fall.
- For fewer seedlings, cut off some of the faded spikes in September before they ripen.
- Leave the dead stems until March: small insects overwinter in them and birds search them for food.
- In March, cut or mow the old stems just above the ground.
How much to cut, and how often?
- There are 2 pruning periods a year: March and September. You don’t have to prune in every one.
What does it mean for wildlife?
- As a native plant, it feeds more insects than a non-native species.
Caution: After flowering in its second year, the plant dies: that is normal, not a disease.
Nearby: related pruning guides
Plant profile: Ribbed melilot · Pruning calendar and basic rules
This guide is compiled from the Bladwijzer plant profile and pruning calendar.