Photo: Franz Eugen Köhler, Köhler's Medizinal-Pflanzen, Public domain · source
Pruning guide · Water or marginal plant
Bogbean: when and how to prune
Menyanthes trifoliata
Bogbean is best pruned in July and September.
| Pruning months | July and September |
|---|---|
| Flowering | April–June |
| Good for bees, butterflies and birds | Yes, for bees |
| Native to Belgium | Yes |
Bogbean: when to prune it?
It needs hardly any pruning. In July cut off the faded flower stems, and in September shorten stems that have grown too long.
Bogbean: how to prune it?
- Cut faded clusters off just above the leaves.
- Cut back creeping stems that grow too far over the water or bank to the length you want; cut pieces with roots can be replanted.
- Remove yellow leaves and dead stems from the water so they do not rot.
How much to cut, and how often?
- There are 2 pruning periods a year: July and September. You don’t have to prune in every one.
What does it mean for wildlife?
- Bogbean flowers in April–June, when it attracts bees.
- As a native plant, it feeds more insects than a non-native species.
Nearby: related pruning guides
This guide is compiled from the Bladwijzer plant profile and pruning calendar.