Photo: B.gliwa, CC BY-SA 2.5 · source
Pruning guide · Shrub
Bog rosemary: when and how to prune
Andromeda polifolia
Bog rosemary is best pruned in June–July.
| Pruning months | June–July |
|---|---|
| Nesting season (15 March–15 August) | Take care in June–July |
| Flowering | May–June |
| Native to Belgium | Yes |
| Poisonous to people and pets | Yes, take care with children and pets |
Bog rosemary: when to prune it?
Hardly needed. To keep the plant compact, trim lightly after flowering, in June–July.
Bog rosemary: how to prune it?
- Lightly trim spent flower clusters and overlong shoots.
- Remove dead or brown shoots in spring.
- Never cut hard into old wood.
How much to cut, and how often?
- One pruning period a year: June–July.
- Prune in moderation: never remove more than about a third of the shrub at once.
What does it mean for wildlife?
- Pruning in June–July can fall in the nesting season (15 March–15 August). Check carefully for nesting birds first: disturbing an active nest is against the law.
- As a native plant, it feeds more insects than a non-native species.
- 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.
Caution: Wear gloves and clear up the clippings: all parts are poisonous.
Nearby: related pruning guides
Plant profile: Bog rosemary · Pruning calendar and basic rules
This guide is compiled from the Bladwijzer plant profile and pruning calendar.