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Pruning guide · Perennial
Hardy plumbago: when and how to prune
Ceratostigma plumbaginoides
Hardy plumbago is best pruned in March.
| Pruning months | March |
|---|---|
| Flowering | August–October |
| Good for bees, butterflies and birds | Yes, for bees and butterflies |
| Native to Belgium | No, planted |
Hardy plumbago: when to prune it?
In March, before the new shoots appear. Leave the old stems standing all winter.
What else to prune in those months? March
Hardy plumbago: how to prune it?
- Cut all old, woody stems back to just above the ground, or to a few centimetres.
- Clear dead bits and fallen leaves from the clump so the new shoots get light.
- No pruning is needed in summer.
How much to cut, and how often?
- One pruning period a year: March.
What does it mean for wildlife?
- Hardy plumbago flowers in August–October, when it attracts bees and butterflies.
- If you only cut back in March, the old stems stand through the winter: insects overwinter in them and birds eat the seeds.
Caution: Don’t panic if there is nothing to see in April: the new shoots often only appear in May.
Nearby: related pruning guides
Plant profile: Hardy plumbago · Pruning calendar and basic rules
This guide is compiled from the Bladwijzer plant profile and pruning calendar.