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Pruning guide · Perennial
Blue eryngo: when and how to prune
Eryngium planum
Blue eryngo is best pruned in March.
| Pruning months | March |
|---|---|
| Flowering | July–September |
| Good for bees, butterflies and birds | Yes, for bees and butterflies |
| Native to Belgium | No, planted |
Blue eryngo: when to prune it?
In March, after leaving the faded stems standing through winter. Flowers for drying are cut in July–August.
What else to prune in those months? March
Blue eryngo: how to prune it?
- Leave the faded stems in autumn: covered in frost they are a winter feature.
- In March, cut them back to just above the new leaves at the base.
- If you want fewer seedlings, remove the heads after flowering, before the seed ripens.
How much to cut, and how often?
- One pruning period a year: March.
What does it mean for wildlife?
- Blue eryngo flowers in July–September, when it attracts bees and butterflies.
- If you only cut back in March, the old stems stand through the winter: insects overwinter in them and birds eat the seeds.
Caution: Wear sturdy gloves: the bracts and the leaves on the stems are prickly.
Nearby: related pruning guides
Plant profile: Blue eryngo · Pruning calendar and basic rules
This guide is compiled from the Bladwijzer plant profile and pruning calendar.