Photo: Walter Siegmund (talk), CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
Pruning guide · Water or marginal plant
Monkeyflower: when and how to prune
Erythranthe guttata
Monkeyflower is best pruned in March and July.
| Pruning months | March and July |
|---|---|
| Flowering | June–September |
| Good for bees, butterflies and birds | Yes, for bees |
| Native to Belgium | No, planted |
Monkeyflower: when to prune it?
Cut back in July after the first flush of flowers, and clear away dead stems in March.
Monkeyflower: how to prune it?
- In July, shorten the faded stems by half, just above a few leaves.
- Remove spent flower sprays before they set seed, especially if your pond is close to a stream or ditch.
- In March, remove old, dead stems at the base before the new shoots appear.
- Pull out runners and seedlings that spread too far.
How much to cut, and how often?
- There are 2 pruning periods a year: March and July. You don’t have to prune in every one.
What does it mean for wildlife?
- Monkeyflower flowers in June–September, when it attracts bees.
- 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: Do not let it seed into a stream or ditch that flows on elsewhere: that is how it spreads into the wild.
Nearby: related pruning guides
Plant profile: Monkeyflower · Pruning calendar and basic rules
This guide is compiled from the Bladwijzer plant profile and pruning calendar.