Photo: Лобачев Владимир, CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
Pruning guide · Herbaceous plant
Black horehound: when and how to prune
Ballota nigra
Black horehound is best pruned in March.
| Pruning months | March |
|---|---|
| Flowering | June–September |
| Native to Belgium | Yes |
Black horehound: when to prune it?
In March, before the new shoots start to grow.
What else to prune in those months? March
Black horehound: how to prune it?
- Leave the dead stems over winter: small insects overwinter among the calyces.
- In March, cut them back to 5–10 cm above the ground.
- If it flops over on rich soil, cut the stems back by a third at the end of May: it branches and stays sturdier.
- Put the cuttings on a brush pile or in a rough corner.
How much to cut, and how often?
- One pruning period a year: March.
What does it mean for wildlife?
- If you only cut back in March, the old stems stand through the winter: insects overwinter in them and birds eat the seeds.
- As a native plant, it feeds more insects than a non-native species.
Caution: Wear gloves if you do not want the smell on your hands: bruised leaves leave a musty odour.
Nearby: related pruning guides
Plant profile: Black horehound · Pruning calendar and basic rules
This guide is compiled from the Bladwijzer plant profile and pruning calendar.