Photo: Chris.urs-o, CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
Pruning guide · Perennial
Wall rock cress: when and how to prune
Arabis caucasica
Wall rock cress is best pruned in May–June.
| Pruning months | May–June |
|---|---|
| Flowering | March–May |
| Good for bees, butterflies and birds | Yes, for bees and butterflies |
| Native to Belgium | No, planted |
Wall rock cress: when to prune it?
Straight after flowering, in May–June.
Wall rock cress: how to prune it?
- Cut or shear off all the faded flower stems and reduce the cushion by about half.
- A small pair of hedge shears makes quick work of it; do not cut into the bare, woody parts.
- Shorten long, sprawling stems that grow over neighbouring plants.
- In March, remove any dead or rotten patches from the cushion.
How much to cut, and how often?
- One pruning period a year: May–June.
What does it mean for wildlife?
- Wall rock cress flowers in March–May, when it attracts bees and butterflies.
- If pruning falls during flowering, wait until it is over or leave part of the plant to flower, so bees and butterflies still benefit.
Caution: If you skip the trim, the cushion opens up after a few years and the centre goes bare.
Nearby: related pruning guides
Plant profile: Wall rock cress · Pruning calendar and basic rules
This guide is compiled from the Bladwijzer plant profile and pruning calendar.