Photo: Bjoertvedt, CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
Pruning guide · Perennial
Lady’s bedstraw: when and how to prune
Galium verum
Lady’s bedstraw is best pruned in March and October.
| Pruning months | March and October |
|---|---|
| Flowering | June–September |
| Good for bees, butterflies and birds | Yes, for bees |
| Native to Belgium | Yes |
Lady’s bedstraw: when to prune it?
Cut back the faded stems in October, or leave them standing and cut them back in March. In a meadow it is simply cut with the autumn mowing.
Lady’s bedstraw: how to prune it?
- Cut the old stems back to just above the ground.
- Leave some standing over winter as shelter for insects.
- If you want it to self-seed, wait to mow until the seed is black and ripe.
- While tidying, chop off runners that have crept in among other plants.
How much to cut, and how often?
- There are 2 pruning periods a year: March and October. You don’t have to prune in every one.
What does it mean for wildlife?
- Lady’s bedstraw flowers in June–September, when it attracts bees.
- As a native plant, it feeds more insects than a non-native species.
Nearby: related pruning guides
Plant profile: Lady’s bedstraw · Pruning calendar and basic rules
This guide is compiled from the Bladwijzer plant profile and pruning calendar.