Photo: TeunSpaans at Dutch Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
Pruning guide · Herbaceous plant
Small balsam: when and how to prune
Impatiens parviflora
Small balsam is best pruned in June–July.
| Pruning months | June–July |
|---|---|
| Flowering | June–October |
| Native to Belgium | No, naturalised |
Small balsam: when to prune it?
In June–July, before the seed pods ripen.
Small balsam: how to prune it?
- Pull the plants up, roots and all; there is no need to cut.
- Do it before the first pods burst: after that you only spread the seed.
- Repeat for several years in a row, until the store of seed in the soil is used up.
How much to cut, and how often?
- One pruning period a year: June–July.
What does it mean for wildlife?
- Don’t cut more than you need to: what stays standing gives insects and birds food and shelter.
Nearby: related pruning guides
Plant profile: Small balsam · Pruning calendar and basic rules
This guide is compiled from the Bladwijzer plant profile and pruning calendar.