Photo: bdk, CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
Pruning guide · Water or marginal plant
Pickerelweed: when and how to prune
Pontederia cordata
Pickerelweed is best pruned in October.
| Pruning months | October |
|---|---|
| Flowering | July–September |
| Good for bees, butterflies and birds | Yes, for bees and butterflies |
| Native to Belgium | No, planted |
Pickerelweed: when to prune it?
In October, when the foliage dies back. Otherwise it needs hardly any pruning.
What else to prune in those months? October
Pickerelweed: how to prune it?
- Cut brown leaves and old flower stems back to just above the water line.
- Fish fallen leaves out of the water so they do not rot and pollute it.
- During flowering, cut off faded spikes to keep the plant tidy.
How much to cut, and how often?
- One pruning period a year: October.
What does it mean for wildlife?
- Pickerelweed flowers in July–September, when it attracts bees and butterflies.
Nearby: related pruning guides
Plant profile: Pickerelweed · Pruning calendar and basic rules
This guide is compiled from the Bladwijzer plant profile and pruning calendar.