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Pruning guide · Water or marginal plant
Bulrush: when and how to prune
Typha latifolia
Bulrush is best pruned in March.
| Pruning months | March |
|---|---|
| Flowering | June–August |
| Good for bees, butterflies and birds | Yes, for birds |
| Native to Belgium | Yes |
Bulrush: when to prune it?
In March, before the new shoots appear. Leave leaves and heads standing over winter.
What else to prune in those months? March
Bulrush: how to prune it?
- Cut the old, brown stems and leaves off above the water surface, not below it.
- Remove leaves that fall into the water in autumn earlier, so they do not rot on the bottom.
- Cut off the heads in autumn if you want to avoid the fluff spreading seeds everywhere.
- On a natural bank cut a different section each year, so there is always shelter left for birds and insects.
How much to cut, and how often?
- One pruning period a year: March.
What does it mean for wildlife?
- As a native plant, it feeds more insects than a non-native species.
Caution: Do not cut too late in March: the new shoots grow fast and break easily.
Nearby: related pruning guides
This guide is compiled from the Bladwijzer plant profile and pruning calendar.