Golden marguerite: when and how to prune

Cota tinctoria

Golden marguerite is best pruned in March and July–August.

Updated on 10 October 2026

Key facts
Pruning months	March and July–August
Flowering	June–September
Good for bees, butterflies and birds	Yes, for bees and butterflies
Native to Belgium	No, planted

Golden marguerite: when to prune it?

Cut it back hard straight after the first flowering, in July or August. In March, clear away the last dead stems.

What else to prune in those months? March · July · August

Cut all flowering stems back to just above the leafy rosettes at the base, at 5–10 cm.
This makes the plant form new rosettes, which overwinter better and help it live longer.
A smaller second flush often follows in September.
In March, remove dead stems and withered leaves; never cut deep into the living rosettes.

There are 2 pruning periods a year: March and July–August. You don’t have to prune in every one.

Golden marguerite flowers in June–September, 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.

Caution: If you let it flower until it is exhausted, it often dies after two or three years.

This guide is compiled from the Bladwijzer plant profile and pruning calendar.