Evergreen candytuft (Iberis sempervirens)

Photo: Didier Descouens, CC BY-SA 4.0 · source

Pruning guide · Perennial

Evergreen candytuft: when and how to prune

Iberis sempervirens

Evergreen candytuft is best pruned in May–June.

Key facts
Pruning monthsMay–June
FloweringApril–May
Good for bees, butterflies and birdsYes, for bees and butterflies
Native to BelgiumNo, planted

Evergreen candytuft: when to prune it?

Straight after flowering, at the end of May or in June.

What else to prune in those months? May · June

Evergreen candytuft: how to prune it?

  1. Cut the whole cushion back by a third with shears or a hedge trimmer, removing the faded flower heads.
  2. Don’t cut into the bare, old wood: it regrows poorly from there.
  3. In March, remove stray, brown or winter-damaged shoots.

How much to cut, and how often?

  • One pruning period a year: May–June.

What does it mean for wildlife?

  • Evergreen candytuft flowers in April–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: Don’t prune in autumn or winter: you would cut off next spring’s flower buds.

Nearby: related pruning guides

Plant profile: Evergreen candytuft · Pruning calendar and basic rules

This guide is compiled from the Bladwijzer plant profile and pruning calendar.

Laden…