Photo: Christian Fischer, CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
Pruning guide · Water or marginal plant
Water plantain: when and how to prune
Alisma plantago-aquatica
Water plantain is best pruned in March and August–September.
| Pruning months | March and August–September |
|---|---|
| Flowering | June–September |
| Good for bees, butterflies and birds | Yes, for bees |
| Native to Belgium | Yes |
| Poisonous to people and pets | Yes, take care with children and pets |
Water plantain: when to prune it?
Cut off the faded flower sprays in August–September, before the seed ripens. Cut away the dead foliage in March.
What else to prune in those months? March · August · September
Water plantain: how to prune it?
- Cut the flower stems off at the base as soon as most of the flowers have faded.
- Leave dead foliage until March as shelter for insects, but fish out any leaves that fall into the water.
- In March, cut the remains of the old leaves back to just above the water.
How much to cut, and how often?
- There are 2 pruning periods a year: March and August–September. You don’t have to prune in every one.
What does it mean for wildlife?
- Water plantain flowers in June–September, when it attracts bees.
- If pruning falls during flowering, wait until it is over or leave part of the plant to flower, so bees and butterflies still benefit.
- As a native plant, it feeds more insects than a non-native species.
Caution: Do not wait too long to remove the flower sprays: ripe seed drops, floats away and germinates all along the bank. Water plantain is poisonous: wear gloves and keep clippings away from children, pets and livestock.
Nearby: related pruning guides
Plant profile: Water plantain · Pruning calendar and basic rules
This guide is compiled from the Bladwijzer plant profile and pruning calendar.