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Pruning guide · Annual
Twinspur: when and how to prune
Diascia barberae
Twinspur is best pruned in April and July.
| Pruning months | April and July |
|---|---|
| Flowering | May–October |
| Good for bees, butterflies and birds | Yes, for bees |
| Native to Belgium | No, planted |
Twinspur: when to prune it?
In July, after the first flush of flowers. A plant that has overwintered is cut back in April.
Twinspur: how to prune it?
- Shorten all the shoots by about half, to just above a few leaves.
- Remove dried-out or bare stems completely.
- Water and feed straight afterwards so the plant quickly regrows.
- For overwintered plants in April: cut back to about 10 cm above the ground.
How much to cut, and how often?
- There are 2 pruning periods a year: April and July. You don’t have to prune in every one.
What does it mean for wildlife?
- Twinspur flowers in May–October, 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.
Caution: Do not cut everything back at once if the plant is already very sparse: leave at least a few leaves on each stem, otherwise it is slow to regrow.
Nearby: related pruning guides
This guide is compiled from the Bladwijzer plant profile and pruning calendar.