Photo: H. Zell, CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
Pruning guide · Herbaceous plant
Great willowherb: when and how to prune
Epilobium hirsutum
Great willowherb is best pruned in March and September.
| Pruning months | March and September |
|---|---|
| Flowering | June–September |
| Native to Belgium | Yes |
Great willowherb: when to prune it?
In September if you want to prevent seeding, or in March if you leave the stems standing over winter.
Great willowherb: how to prune it?
- Cut the flowering stems just before the capsules split if you don’t want fluff all over the garden.
- Preferably leave some stems standing over winter as shelter for insects.
- In March, cut the old stems just above the ground, before the new shoots appear.
How much to cut, and how often?
- There are 2 pruning periods a year: March and September. You don’t have to prune in every one.
What does it mean for wildlife?
- As a native plant, it feeds more insects than a non-native species.
Caution: Before mowing or cutting in summer, first check the plants for elephant hawk-moth caterpillars.
Nearby: related pruning guides
Plant profile: Great willowherb · Pruning calendar and basic rules
This guide is compiled from the Bladwijzer plant profile and pruning calendar.