Photo: Wouter Hagens, Public domain · source
Pruning guide · Perennial
Dotted loosestrife: when and how to prune
Lysimachia punctata
Dotted loosestrife is best pruned in March and October.
| Pruning months | March and October |
|---|---|
| Flowering | June–August |
| Good for bees, butterflies and birds | Yes, for bees |
| Native to Belgium | No, planted |
Dotted loosestrife: when to prune it?
Cut the dead stems down in October or in March, before the new shoots appear.
Dotted loosestrife: how to prune it?
- Cut all stems back to just above the ground.
- If you wait until March, cut carefully around any young shoots already coming through.
- Combine it with edging the clump in March, so everything is done in one go.
How much to cut, and how often?
- There are 2 pruning periods a year: March and October. You don’t have to prune in every one.
What does it mean for wildlife?
- Dotted loosestrife flowers in June–August, when it attracts bees.
Caution: Pruning does not keep it small: it spreads underground. Edging with a spade or a root barrier does work.
Nearby: related pruning guides
Plant profile: Dotted loosestrife · Pruning calendar and basic rules
This guide is compiled from the Bladwijzer plant profile and pruning calendar.