Photo: Franz Xaver, CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
Pruning guide · Perennial
Lesser meadow-rue: when and how to prune
Thalictrum minus
Lesser meadow-rue is best pruned in March.
| Pruning months | March |
|---|---|
| Flowering | June–July |
| Native to Belgium | Yes |
| Poisonous to people and pets | Yes, take care with children and pets |
Lesser meadow-rue: when to prune it?
In March, before the new shoots come through.
What else to prune in those months? March
Lesser meadow-rue: how to prune it?
- Cut all the old stems back to about 5–10 cm above the ground.
- If you like, cut the flower stems off after flowering to encourage fresh foliage.
- Now and then, remove dead or broken stems at the base.
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: Wear gloves: the plant is poisonous.
Nearby: related pruning guides
- Chinese meadow rue (Thalictrum delavayi)
- Common meadow-rue
- Greater meadow-rue
- Lavender mist (Thalictrum rochebrunianum)
Plant profile: Lesser meadow-rue · Pruning calendar and basic rules
This guide is compiled from the Bladwijzer plant profile and pruning calendar.