Photo: Ivar Leidus, CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
Pruning guide · Perennial
Sticky catchfly: when and how to prune
Viscaria vulgaris
Sticky catchfly is best pruned in March and July.
| Pruning months | March and July |
|---|---|
| Flowering | May–July |
| Good for bees, butterflies and birds | Yes, for bees and butterflies |
| Native to Belgium | Yes |
Sticky catchfly: when to prune it?
In July after flowering, cut off the spent stems; in March, tidy up the old leaves.
Sticky catchfly: how to prune it?
- Cut the spent flower stems in July down to just above the leaf rosette.
- In March, remove dead leaves and dried debris.
- If you want seedlings, leave a few stems until the seed is ripe.
How much to cut, and how often?
- There are 2 pruning periods a year: March and July. You don’t have to prune in every one.
What does it mean for wildlife?
- Sticky catchfly flowers in May–July, 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.
- As a native plant, it feeds more insects than a non-native species.
Caution: Do not cut into the green heart of the rosette: the growing points are there.
Nearby: related pruning guides
Plant profile: Sticky catchfly · Pruning calendar and basic rules
This guide is compiled from the Bladwijzer plant profile and pruning calendar.