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Pruning guide · Herbaceous plant
Hedge bedstraw: when and how to prune
Galium mollugo
Hedge bedstraw is best pruned in March and September.
| Pruning months | March and September |
|---|---|
| Flowering | June–September |
| Native to Belgium | Yes |
Hedge bedstraw: when to prune it?
Mow or cut back in September after flowering, or leave the stems standing and clear them in March.
Hedge bedstraw: how to prune it?
- In a meadow: mow in September at 5–10 cm height and remove the cuttings.
- In a border: cut the stems back after flowering if they flop over other plants.
- Leave some stems standing over winter as shelter for insects and cut them down to just above the ground in March.
- Do not cut too low around new shoots: the plant regrows from the base in spring.
How much to cut, and how often?
- There are 2 pruning periods a year: March and September. You don’t have to prune in every one.
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: Hedge bedstraw · Pruning calendar and basic rules
This guide is compiled from the Bladwijzer plant profile and pruning calendar.