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Pruning guide · Perennial
Thrift: when and how to prune
Armeria maritima
Thrift is best pruned in June–August.
| Pruning months | June–August |
|---|---|
| Flowering | May–July |
| Good for bees, butterflies and birds | Yes, for bees and butterflies |
| Native to Belgium | Yes |
Thrift: when to prune it?
No real pruning is needed. From June to August, cut off the spent flower stems.
Thrift: how to prune it?
- Cut spent stems off just above the cushion of leaves.
- After the last flowers, cut all the stems off in one go for a tidy cushion.
- In spring, cut brown, dead rosettes out of the cushion.
How much to cut, and how often?
- One pruning period a year: June–August.
What does it mean for wildlife?
- Thrift 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.
- As a native plant, it feeds more insects than a non-native species.
Nearby: related pruning guides
This guide is compiled from the Bladwijzer plant profile and pruning calendar.