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Pruning guide · Perennial
Perennial flax: when and how to prune
Linum perenne
Perennial flax is best pruned in March.
| Pruning months | March |
|---|---|
| Flowering | May–August |
| Good for bees, butterflies and birds | Yes, for bees |
| Native to Belgium | No, planted |
Perennial flax: when to prune it?
In March, before the new shoots start. In summer you also cut off faded stems.
What else to prune in those months? March
Perennial flax: how to prune it?
- In March, cut the old stems back to a few centimetres above the ground.
- Between May and August, cut faded stems back to just above a side shoot.
- Late in the season, leave a few stems for seed if you want natural self-seeding.
How much to cut, and how often?
- One pruning period a year: March.
What does it mean for wildlife?
- Perennial flax flowers in May–August, when it attracts bees.
- If you only cut back in March, the old stems stand through the winter: insects overwinter in them and birds eat the seeds.
Nearby: related pruning guides
Plant profile: Perennial flax · Pruning calendar and basic rules
This guide is compiled from the Bladwijzer plant profile and pruning calendar.