Photo: H. Zell, CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
Pruning guide · Perennial
Golden flax: when and how to prune
Linum flavum
Golden flax is best pruned in March.
| Pruning months | March |
|---|---|
| Flowering | June–August |
| Good for bees, butterflies and birds | Yes, for bees |
| Native to Belgium | No, planted |
Golden flax: when to prune it?
In March, as soon as you can see where the new shoots are starting. It needs very little pruning.
What else to prune in those months? March
Golden flax: how to prune it?
- Cut dead or winter-damaged stems back to just above a healthy shoot.
- Remove faded flower clusters in summer to prolong flowering.
- Do not cut into the bare, old wood below the leaves: it does not always shoot again.
How much to cut, and how often?
- One pruning period a year: March.
What does it mean for wildlife?
- Golden flax flowers in June–August, when it attracts bees.
- If you only cut back in March, the old stems stand through the winter: insects overwinter in them and birds eat the seeds.
Nearby: related pruning guides
Plant profile: Golden flax · Pruning calendar and basic rules
This guide is compiled from the Bladwijzer plant profile and pruning calendar.