Photo: A. Barra, CC BY 3.0 · source
Pruning guide · Perennial
Bowman’s root: when and how to prune
Gillenia trifoliata
Bowman’s root is best pruned in March.
| Pruning months | March |
|---|---|
| Flowering | June–July |
| Good for bees, butterflies and birds | Yes, for bees |
| Native to Belgium | No, planted |
Bowman’s root: when to prune it?
It hardly needs pruning: simply cut off last year’s dead stems in March.
What else to prune in those months? March
Bowman’s root: how to prune it?
- In March, cut the dead stems to just above the ground, before the new shoots appear.
- Leave the stems until then: the autumn colour and winter silhouette are attractive.
- There is no need to deadhead: the red calyces stay decorative for a long time.
How much to cut, and how often?
- One pruning period a year: March.
What does it mean for wildlife?
- Bowman’s root flowers in June–July, 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: Bowman’s root · Pruning calendar and basic rules
This guide is compiled from the Bladwijzer plant profile and pruning calendar.