Photo: H. Zell, CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
Pruning guide · Herb
Sweet cicely: when and how to prune
Myrrhis odorata
Sweet cicely is best pruned in June–July.
| Pruning months | June–July |
|---|---|
| Flowering | May–June |
| Good for bees, butterflies and birds | Yes, for bees |
| Native to Belgium | No, planted |
Sweet cicely: when to prune it?
Straight after flowering, in June or July, before the seed ripens and the foliage tires.
Sweet cicely: how to prune it?
- Cut off the faded flower stems just above the foliage.
- For fresh leaves, cut the whole clump back to 10–15 cm; it regrows quickly.
- In late winter, clear away dead leaf debris.
How much to cut, and how often?
- One pruning period a year: June–July.
What does it mean for wildlife?
- Sweet cicely flowers in May–June, when it attracts bees.
- 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 leave the umbels, the plant self-seeds freely and you will find seedlings everywhere.
Nearby: related pruning guides
Plant profile: Sweet cicely · Pruning calendar and basic rules
This guide is compiled from the Bladwijzer plant profile and pruning calendar.