Photo: KENPEI, CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
Pruning guide · Shrub
Coast leucothoe (Leucothoe axillaris): when and how to prune
Leucothoe axillaris
Coast leucothoe (Leucothoe axillaris) is best pruned in May–June.
| Pruning months | May–June |
|---|---|
| Nesting season (15 March–15 August) | Take care in May–June |
| Flowering | May |
| Native to Belgium | No, planted |
| Poisonous to people and pets | Yes, take care with children and pets |
Coast leucothoe (Leucothoe axillaris): when to prune it?
After flowering, in May–June. Renewal pruning can be done in spring.
Coast leucothoe (Leucothoe axillaris): how to prune it?
- Cut out dead, weak or damaged stems.
- Every couple of years, remove the oldest, bare stems right back to the base to renew the plant.
- Shorten overly long, arching stems to keep the shape.
- Wear gloves and dispose of the clippings, as all parts are poisonous.
How much to cut, and how often?
- One pruning period a year: May–June.
- Prune in moderation: never remove more than about a third of the shrub at once.
What does it mean for wildlife?
- Pruning in May–June can fall in the nesting season (15 March–15 August). Check carefully for nesting birds first: disturbing an active nest is against the law.
- 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: The clippings are poisonous to people and animals. Do not leave them lying where children, pets or grazing animals can nibble them.
Nearby: related pruning guides
Plant profile: Coast leucothoe (Leucothoe axillaris) · Pruning calendar and basic rules
This guide is compiled from the Bladwijzer plant profile and pruning calendar.