Photo: Onderwijsgek, CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
Pruning guide · Perennial
Fox-and-cubs: when and how to prune
Pilosella aurantiaca
Fox-and-cubs is best pruned in July–August.
| Pruning months | July–August |
|---|---|
| Flowering | June–August |
| Good for bees, butterflies and birds | Yes, for bees and butterflies |
| Native to Belgium | No, planted |
Fox-and-cubs: when to prune it?
In July–August, as soon as the flowers fade and before the fluffy seed ripens.
Fox-and-cubs: how to prune it?
- Cut the faded stems down to the rosette, or mow them off.
- In a flower-rich lawn, mow after flowering on a high setting.
- Cut round the edge of the plant with a spade to limit the runners.
How much to cut, and how often?
- One pruning period a year: July–August.
What does it mean for wildlife?
- Fox-and-cubs flowers in June–August, when it attracts bees and butterflies.
- If pruning falls during flowering, wait until it is over or leave part of the plant to flower, so bees and butterflies still benefit.
Caution: Do not throw cut flowers with fluffy seed on a cold compost heap or into the countryside: the seed can germinate.
Nearby: related pruning guides
Plant profile: Fox-and-cubs · Pruning calendar and basic rules
This guide is compiled from the Bladwijzer plant profile and pruning calendar.