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Pruning guide · Herb
Pennyroyal: when and how to prune
Mentha pulegium
Pennyroyal is best pruned in March.
| Pruning months | March |
|---|---|
| Flowering | July–September |
| Good for bees, butterflies and birds | Yes, for bees |
| Native to Belgium | Yes |
| Poisonous to people and pets | Yes, take care with children and pets |
Pennyroyal: when to prune it?
In March–April, before new growth, or after flowering in September.
What else to prune in those months? March
Pennyroyal: how to prune it?
- Cut all stems back to about 5 cm above the ground.
- Remove dead, woody and bare stems.
- Slice off the edges of the mat to keep it within bounds.
- Dispose of the clippings where children and pets cannot reach them.
How much to cut, and how often?
- One pruning period a year: March.
What does it mean for wildlife?
- Pennyroyal flowers in July–September, 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.
- As a native plant, it feeds more insects than a non-native species.
Caution: Pennyroyal is poisonous: wear gloves and keep clippings away from children, pets and livestock.
Nearby: related pruning guides
Plant profile: Pennyroyal · Pruning calendar and basic rules
This guide is compiled from the Bladwijzer plant profile and pruning calendar.