Rose of Sharon (Hypericum calycinum): when and how to prune

Rose of Sharon (Hypericum calycinum): when to prune it?

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In March, before the new shoots appear.

What else to prune in those months? March

Rose of Sharon (Hypericum calycinum): how to prune it?

1. Cut or mow all stems back to 5–10 cm above the ground, with shears or a mower on its highest setting.
2. Rake up the clippings, especially if there was rust on the leaves.
3. Then add a thin layer of compost.
4. There is no need to deadhead in summer.

How much to cut, and how often?

• One pruning period a year: March.
• Prune in moderation: never remove more than about a third of the shrub at once.

What does it mean for wildlife?

• Pruning in March can fall in the nesting season (15 March–15 August). Check carefully for nesting birds first: disturbing an active nest is against the law.
• Rose of Sharon (Hypericum calycinum) flowers in June–September, when it attracts bees.
• Prunings can go on a dead hedge or brash pile in a corner of the garden: shelter for hedgehogs, wrens and insects.

Common mistakes

• Clipping without first checking for nesting birds.
• Leaving a stub or sawing flush with the trunk: cut just outside the branch collar.

Nearby: related pruning guides

• Gold flower (Hypericum × moserianum)
• Tall tutsan (Hypericum × inodorum)
• Tutsan
• St John’s wort
• Alder buckthorn
• Blackberry

Plant profile: Rose of Sharon (Hypericum calycinum) · Pruning calendar and basic rules