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Pruning guide · Shrub
Bog-myrtle: when and how to prune
Myrica gale
Bog-myrtle is best pruned in March–April.
| Pruning months | March–April |
|---|---|
| Nesting season (15 March–15 August) | Take care in March–April |
| Flowering | April–May |
| Native to Belgium | Yes |
Bog-myrtle: when to prune it?
End of winter (March–April).
Bog-myrtle: how to prune it?
- Hardly needs pruning: at most, remove dead or overlong branches.
- Rejuvenate an old, bare shrub by cutting a few of the oldest branches off at ground level.
How much to cut, and how often?
- One pruning period a year: March–April.
- Grows best when left alone. Only remove dead, diseased or awkward branches.
What does it mean for wildlife?
- Pruning in March–April can fall in the nesting season (15 March–15 August). Check carefully for nesting birds first: disturbing an active nest is against the law.
- As a native plant, it feeds more insects than a non-native species.
- Prunings can go on a dead hedge or brash pile in a corner of the garden: shelter for hedgehogs, wrens and insects.
Common mistakes
- Clipping without first checking for nesting birds.
- Pruning too much: it grows best when left alone.
- Leaving a stub or sawing flush with the trunk: cut just outside the branch collar.
Caution: Don’t cut back every twig: the catkins form on last year’s twigs.
Nearby: related pruning guides
Similar to: Difference from eared willow
Plant profile: Bog-myrtle · Pruning calendar and basic rules
This guide is compiled from the Bladwijzer plant profile and pruning calendar.