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Pruning guide · Herbaceous plant
Himalayan balsam: when and how to prune
Impatiens glandulifera
Himalayan balsam is best pruned in May–August.
| Pruning months | May–August |
|---|---|
| Flowering | July–October |
| Native to Belgium | No, an invasive alien species |
Himalayan balsam: when to prune it?
Pull up or mow from May to August, before the seed pods ripen.
What else to prune in those months? May · June · July · August
Himalayan balsam: how to prune it?
- Pull plants up, roots and all; they come out easily.
- Mow or cut below the lowest node, as close to the ground as possible.
- Snap or break pulled stems so they cannot root again on damp soil.
- Come back after 2–3 weeks for late plants.
How much to cut, and how often?
- One pruning period a year: May–August.
What does it mean for wildlife?
- Spreads in the wild at the expense of native species. Better removed than pruned, and never dump the prunings in the countryside.
Caution: Do not wait until the pods are ripe: at the slightest touch they fling the seeds metres away and you end up spreading it.
Nearby: related pruning guides
Plant profile: Himalayan balsam · Pruning calendar and basic rules
This guide is compiled from the Bladwijzer plant profile and pruning calendar.