Photo: User:SB_Johnny, CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
Pruning guide · Annual
Dame’s rocket: when and how to prune
Hesperis matronalis
Dame’s rocket is best pruned in July.
| Pruning months | July |
|---|---|
| Flowering | May–July |
| Good for bees, butterflies and birds | Yes, for bees and butterflies |
| Native to Belgium | No, planted |
Dame’s rocket: when to prune it?
After flowering, in July. No other pruning is needed.
What else to prune in those months? July
Dame’s rocket: how to prune it?
- Cut faded stems back to just above the leaves: this stops it seeding everywhere.
- Let a few stems set seed if you want new plants next year.
- Cutting back straight after flowering sometimes lets the plant live a year longer.
How much to cut, and how often?
- One pruning period a year: July.
What does it mean for wildlife?
- Dame’s rocket flowers in May–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.
Caution: If you let all the seed pods ripen, there will be seedlings all over the border next year.
Nearby: related pruning guides
Plant profile: Dame’s rocket · Pruning calendar and basic rules
This guide is compiled from the Bladwijzer plant profile and pruning calendar.