Photo: Hans Hillewaert, CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
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Pruning guide · Herbaceous plant
Common centaury: when and how to prune
Centaurium erythraea
Common centaury is best pruned in September–October.
| Pruning months | September–October |
|---|---|
| Flowering | June–September |
| Native to Belgium | Yes |
Common centaury: when to prune it?
No pruning. Mow the meadow or plot in September–October, after the seed has set.
Common centaury: how to prune it?
- Leave the stems until the capsules are brown and dry.
- Shake them over a bare patch to get new plants.
- Then mow and remove the cuttings, to keep the soil poor.
How much to cut, and how often?
- One pruning period a year: September–October.
What does it mean for wildlife?
- As a native plant, it feeds more insects than a non-native species.
Caution: Do not mow over the plants in June–August: you would lose flowers and seed.
Nearby: related pruning guides
Plant profile: Common centaury · Pruning calendar and basic rules
This guide is compiled from the Bladwijzer plant profile and pruning calendar.