Photo: Kristian Peters -- Fabelfroh 09:40, 12 March 2007 (UTC), CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
Pruning guide · Herbaceous plant
Water mint: when and how to prune
Mentha aquatica
Water mint is best pruned in March.
| Pruning months | March |
|---|---|
| Flowering | July–October |
| Native to Belgium | Yes |
Water mint: when to prune it?
In March cut back the old stems; in October slice off the edges if needed.
What else to prune in those months? March
Water mint: how to prune it?
- Leave the faded stems standing in winter: insects overwinter in and among them.
- In March cut them back to just above the ground or the waterline, before the new shoots appear.
- Remove the cuttings from the pond so they do not rot in the water.
- If the clump has grown too large, slice off the outer parts with a spade in October.
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: Never mow or cut everything at once: always leave some standing as food and shelter for insects.
Nearby: related pruning guides
Plant profile: Water mint · Pruning calendar and basic rules
This guide is compiled from the Bladwijzer plant profile and pruning calendar.