Photo: Christian Fischer, CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
Pruning guide · Herbaceous plant
Marsh woundwort: when and how to prune
Stachys palustris
Marsh woundwort is best pruned in March and September.
| Pruning months | March and September |
|---|---|
| Flowering | June–September |
| Native to Belgium | Yes |
Marsh woundwort: when to prune it?
Cut the dead stems in March; mow a wet rough area or bank in September.
Marsh woundwort: how to prune it?
- Leave the stems standing over winter: insects overwinter in and between the dead stems.
- Cut them close to the ground in March, before the new shoots appear.
- Mow a wet rough area in September and remove the cuttings, so the soil does not become too rich.
- When mowing, leave a strip uncut for overwintering insects.
How much to cut, and how often?
- There are 2 pruning periods a year: March and September. You don’t have to prune in every one.
What does it mean for wildlife?
- As a native plant, it feeds more insects than a non-native species.
Nearby: related pruning guides
Plant profile: Marsh woundwort · Pruning calendar and basic rules
This guide is compiled from the Bladwijzer plant profile and pruning calendar.