Photo: Didier Descouens, CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
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Pruning guide · Herbaceous plant
Wood avens: when and how to prune
Geum urbanum
Wood avens is best pruned in August.
| Pruning months | August |
|---|---|
| Flowering | May–August |
| Native to Belgium | Yes |
Wood avens: when to prune it?
After flowering, in August, if you want to limit self-seeding; otherwise only in early spring.
What else to prune in those months? August
Wood avens: how to prune it?
- Cut the flowering stems back to just above the leaf rosette.
- In a wildlife garden, leave a few stems with seed for new plants.
- The rosette itself needs no cutting: it stays green in winter.
- In March, remove old brown leaves if you prefer a tidier look.
How much to cut, and how often?
- One pruning period a year: August.
What does it mean for wildlife?
- As a native plant, it feeds more insects than a non-native species.
Caution: Do not wear a woollen jumper when cutting the ripe seed heads: the hooks get stuck and are hard to remove.
Nearby: related pruning guides
Plant profile: Wood avens · Pruning calendar and basic rules
This guide is compiled from the Bladwijzer plant profile and pruning calendar.