Photo: Nadja Korotkova, CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
Pruning guide · Perennial
Caucasian scabious: when and how to prune
Lomelosia caucasica
Caucasian scabious is best pruned in March.
| Pruning months | March |
|---|---|
| Flowering | June–September |
| Good for bees, butterflies and birds | Yes, for bees and butterflies |
| Native to Belgium | No, planted |
Caucasian scabious: when to prune it?
In March, when new shoots come from the base. During summer, remove faded flowers.
What else to prune in those months? March
Caucasian scabious: how to prune it?
- In March, cut last year’s dead flower stems down to the leaf rosettes.
- In summer, remove faded flower heads down to a healthy side bud or a rosette.
- Cut flowers for the vase just as they open, in the morning, with sharp scissors.
How much to cut, and how often?
- One pruning period a year: March.
What does it mean for wildlife?
- Caucasian scabious flowers in June–September, when it attracts bees and butterflies.
- If you only cut back in March, the old stems stand through the winter: insects overwinter in them and birds eat the seeds.
Nearby: related pruning guides
Plant profile: Caucasian scabious · Pruning calendar and basic rules
This guide is compiled from the Bladwijzer plant profile and pruning calendar.