Photo: James K. Lindsey, CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
Pruning guide · Water or marginal plant
Common spike-rush: when and how to prune
Eleocharis palustris
Common spike-rush is best pruned in March.
| Pruning months | March |
|---|---|
| Native to Belgium | Yes |
Common spike-rush: when to prune it?
In March, before the new stems emerge.
What else to prune in those months? March
Common spike-rush: how to prune it?
- Cut the old, brown stems back to a few centimetres above the water.
- Leave them standing through autumn and winter as shelter for insects.
- Remove the cut stems from the pond.
How much to cut, and how often?
- One pruning period a year: March.
What does it mean for wildlife?
- As a native plant, it feeds more insects than a non-native species.
Nearby: related pruning guides
Plant profile: Common spike-rush · Pruning calendar and basic rules
This guide is compiled from the Bladwijzer plant profile and pruning calendar.