Photo: Stan Shebs, CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
Pruning guide · Perennial
Navelwort: when and how to prune
Omphalodes cappadocica
Navelwort is best pruned in February–March.
| Pruning months | February–March |
|---|---|
| Flowering | March–May |
| Good for bees, butterflies and birds | Yes, for bees |
| Native to Belgium | No, planted |
Navelwort: when to prune it?
It is hardly pruned. In February–March, cut away the old, damaged foliage, before flowering.
Navelwort: how to prune it?
- Cut damaged or frost-burnt leaves to just above the ground.
- Remove dead pieces from the centre of the clump.
- After flowering, you can cut off the faded flower sprays if you want a tidy clump.
How much to cut, and how often?
- One pruning period a year: February–March.
What does it mean for wildlife?
- Navelwort flowers in March–May, 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.
- If you only cut back in February–March, the old stems stand through the winter: insects overwinter in them and birds eat the seeds.
Nearby: related pruning guides
This guide is compiled from the Bladwijzer plant profile and pruning calendar.