Photo: National Institute of Ecology, KOGL Type 1 · source
Pruning guide · Water or marginal plant
Pygmy water lily: when and how to prune
Nymphaea tetragona
Pygmy water lily is best pruned in July–September.
| Pruning months | July–September |
|---|---|
| Flowering | June–September |
| Native to Belgium | No, planted |
Pygmy water lily: when to prune it?
No real pruning is needed, but from July to September regularly cut off yellow leaves and spent flowers.
What else to prune in those months? July · August · September
Pygmy water lily: how to prune it?
- Cut yellow leaves and their stalks off as close to the rhizome as possible.
- Spent flowers sink below the water: remove them if you do not want seedlings.
- Leave healthy leaves, as they shade the water and feed the plant.
How much to cut, and how often?
- One pruning period a year: July–September.
What does it mean for wildlife?
- Don’t cut more than you need to: what stays standing gives insects and birds food and shelter.
Nearby: related pruning guides
Plant profile: Pygmy water lily · Pruning calendar and basic rules
This guide is compiled from the Bladwijzer plant profile and pruning calendar.