Photo: J. Patrick Fischer, CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
Pruning guide · Perennial
Red campion: when and how to prune
Silene dioica
Red campion is best pruned in June and October.
| Pruning months | June and October |
|---|---|
| Flowering | April–July |
| Good for bees, butterflies and birds | Yes, for bees and butterflies |
| Native to Belgium | Yes |
Red campion: when to prune it?
After the first flush, in June, for repeat flowering, and a tidy-up in October.
Red campion: how to prune it?
- In June, cut the faded flower stems back to just above the leaf rosette.
- Leave some of the stems if you want it to self-seed.
- In October, cut off the old, dried stems; leave the leaf rosette.
How much to cut, and how often?
- There are 2 pruning periods a year: June and October. You don’t have to prune in every one.
What does it mean for wildlife?
- Red campion flowers in April–July, 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.
- As a native plant, it feeds more insects than a non-native species.
Nearby: related pruning guides
Plant profile: Red campion · Pruning calendar and basic rules
This guide is compiled from the Bladwijzer plant profile and pruning calendar.