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Pruning guide · Herbaceous plant
Pellitory-of-the-wall: when and how to prune
Parietaria judaica
Pellitory-of-the-wall is best pruned in March.
| Pruning months | March |
|---|---|
| Flowering | June–October |
| Native to Belgium | Yes |
Pellitory-of-the-wall: when to prune it?
In March, before new growth starts, or not at all.
What else to prune in those months? March
Pellitory-of-the-wall: how to prune it?
- Leave the old stems standing over winter: small insects and spiders overwinter in them.
- In March, cut dead and overlong stems back to just above the new shoots at the base.
- An oversized clump at the foot of a wall can be cut back by half in summer; it soon regrows.
How much to cut, and how often?
- One pruning period a year: March.
What does it mean for wildlife?
- If you only cut back in March, the old stems stand through the winter: insects overwinter in them and birds eat the seeds.
- As a native plant, it feeds more insects than a non-native species.
Caution: If you suffer from hay fever, do not cut it while it is flowering: every touch releases a puff of pollen.
Nearby: related pruning guides
Plant profile: Pellitory-of-the-wall · Pruning calendar and basic rules
This guide is compiled from the Bladwijzer plant profile and pruning calendar.