Tall tutsan (Hypericum × inodorum): when and how to prune

Tall tutsan (Hypericum × inodorum): when to prune it?

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In March, before new growth starts. It flowers on new wood, so pruning costs no flowers.

What else to prune in those months? March

Tall tutsan (Hypericum × inodorum): how to prune it?

1. Cut all stems back to about 20 cm above the ground.
2. Remove dead, weak and frost-damaged stems completely.
3. Cut out rust-affected stems generously and keep the prunings off the compost heap.
4. For a slightly larger shrub, remove only a third of the length.

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.
• Tall tutsan (Hypericum × inodorum) 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)
• Rose of Sharon (Hypericum calycinum)
• Tutsan
• St John’s wort
• Alder buckthorn
• Blackberry

Plant profile: Tall tutsan (Hypericum × inodorum) · Pruning calendar and basic rules