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Pruning guide · Herbaceous plant
Common twayblade: when and how to prune
Neottia ovata
Common twayblade is best pruned in August.
| Pruning months | August |
|---|---|
| Flowering | May–July |
| Native to Belgium | Yes |
Common twayblade: when to prune it?
Mow in August, after the seed has set; in woodland or under shrubs nothing is needed.
What else to prune in those months? August
Common twayblade: how to prune it?
- Leave the flower stems standing until the capsules are brown and split open.
- Then mow at 5–10 cm and remove the cuttings after a few days of drying.
- Never pick or cut the flowers: without seed the plant will eventually disappear.
How much to cut, and how often?
- One pruning period a year: August.
What does it mean for wildlife?
- As a native plant, it feeds more insects than a non-native species.
Caution: Never mow between April and late July where twayblades grow: you would lose leaves, flowers and seed.
Nearby: related pruning guides
Plant profile: Common twayblade · Pruning calendar and basic rules
This guide is compiled from the Bladwijzer plant profile and pruning calendar.