Photo: H. Zell, CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
Pruning guide · Herb
Elecampane: when and how to prune
Inula helenium
Elecampane is best pruned in March.
| Pruning months | March |
|---|---|
| Flowering | July–August |
| Good for bees, butterflies and birds | Yes, for bees and butterflies |
| Native to Belgium | No, planted |
Elecampane: when to prune it?
Cut the withered stems back in November or in late winter, in March.
What else to prune in those months? March
Elecampane: how to prune it?
- Cut all dead stems down to a few centimetres above the ground.
- Cut off faded flower heads in August if you want to prevent self-seeding.
- Remove weak or broken stems right at the base.
How much to cut, and how often?
- One pruning period a year: March.
What does it mean for wildlife?
- Elecampane flowers in July–August, when it attracts bees and butterflies.
- 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: Elecampane · Pruning calendar and basic rules
This guide is compiled from the Bladwijzer plant profile and pruning calendar.