Photo: Rasbak, CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
Pruning guide · Herbaceous plant
Broad-leaved dock: when and how to prune
Rumex obtusifolius
Broad-leaved dock is best pruned in June–August.
| Pruning months | June–August |
|---|---|
| Flowering | June–September |
| Native to Belgium | Yes |
Broad-leaved dock: when to prune it?
From June to August, as soon as the flower stems bloom and before the seeds ripen.
Broad-leaved dock: how to prune it?
- Cut or mow the flower stems at the base; the leaf rosette can stay.
- If you want to leave spikes for the birds, choose one plant in a place where falling seed does no harm.
- Mowing alone does not kill the plant: the rosette regrows every time.
- Put stems carrying seed in the green waste bin; a cold compost heap does not kill the seed.
How much to cut, and how often?
- One pruning period a year: June–August.
What does it mean for wildlife?
- As a native plant, it feeds more insects than a non-native species.
Caution: Even cut green stems can still ripen their seed: do not put them on the compost heap.
Nearby: related pruning guides
Plant profile: Broad-leaved dock · Pruning calendar and basic rules
This guide is compiled from the Bladwijzer plant profile and pruning calendar.