Photo: Rasbak, CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
Pruning guide · Perennial
Greater stitchwort: when and how to prune
Stellaria holostea
Greater stitchwort is best pruned in March and July.
| Pruning months | March and July |
|---|---|
| Flowering | April–June |
| Good for bees, butterflies and birds | Yes, for bees |
| Native to Belgium | Yes |
Greater stitchwort: when to prune it?
After flowering, in July, when the plant becomes untidy, and if you like in March to clear dead stems.
Greater stitchwort: how to prune it?
- After flowering, cut the long, spent stems back by half or to just above the ground: fresh leaves soon grow back.
- Leave some stems until the seed is ripe if you want it to self-seed.
- In March, remove dead stems by hand or with a rake before the new shoots appear.
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?
- Greater stitchwort flowers in April–June, when it attracts bees.
- As a native plant, it feeds more insects than a non-native species.
Nearby: related pruning guides
Plant profile: Greater stitchwort · Pruning calendar and basic rules
This guide is compiled from the Bladwijzer plant profile and pruning calendar.