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Pruning guide · Water or marginal plant
Water forget-me-not: when and how to prune
Myosotis scorpioides
Water forget-me-not is best pruned in March and July.
| Pruning months | March and July |
|---|---|
| Flowering | May–September |
| Good for bees, butterflies and birds | Yes, for bees |
| Native to Belgium | Yes |
Water forget-me-not: when to prune it?
Cut back by half in July after the first flowers, and clear dead stems and leaves in March.
Water forget-me-not: how to prune it?
- In July, cut the faded stems back by half, just above a leaf.
- In March, remove dead and untidy leaves before new growth starts.
- Shorten runners that grow beyond where you want them.
- After the second flush, leave a few flower stems if you would like seedlings.
How much to cut, and how often?
- There are 2 pruning periods a year: March and July. You don’t have to prune in every one.
What does it mean for wildlife?
- Water forget-me-not flowers in May–September, when it attracts bees.
- If pruning falls during flowering, wait until it is over or leave part of the plant to flower, so bees and butterflies still benefit.
- As a native plant, it feeds more insects than a non-native species.
Nearby: related pruning guides
Plant profile: Water forget-me-not · Pruning calendar and basic rules
This guide is compiled from the Bladwijzer plant profile and pruning calendar.