Photo: Jörg Hempel, CC BY-SA 2.0 de · source
Pruning guide · Annual
Heartsease: when and how to prune
Viola tricolor
Heartsease is best pruned in July.
| Pruning months | July |
|---|---|
| Flowering | April–September |
| Good for bees, butterflies and birds | Yes, for bees |
| Native to Belgium | Yes |
Heartsease: when to prune it?
Real pruning is not needed. In July, when the plants become long and straggly, you can cut them back for a second flush.
What else to prune in those months? July
Heartsease: how to prune it?
- Cut long, floppy stems back to 5–10 cm above the ground.
- Remove faded flowers regularly for longer flowering.
- In late summer let a few plants set seed, so new heartsease appears next year.
How much to cut, and how often?
- One pruning period a year: July.
What does it mean for wildlife?
- Heartsease flowers in April–September, when it attracts bees.
- 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: Heartsease · Pruning calendar and basic rules
This guide is compiled from the Bladwijzer plant profile and pruning calendar.