Photo: Dominicus Johannes Bergsma, CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
Pruning guide · Perennial
Gooseneck loosestrife: when and how to prune
Lysimachia clethroides
Gooseneck loosestrife is best pruned in March and November.
| Pruning months | March and November |
|---|---|
| Flowering | July–September |
| Good for bees, butterflies and birds | Yes, for bees |
| Native to Belgium | No, planted |
Gooseneck loosestrife: when to prune it?
Cut the stems down in November, after the autumn colour, or leave them until March.
Gooseneck loosestrife: how to prune it?
- Cut all stems back to just above the ground.
- If you wait until March, cut before the new shoots appear.
- Combine the March clear-up with edging the clump.
How much to cut, and how often?
- There are 2 pruning periods a year: March and November. You don’t have to prune in every one.
What does it mean for wildlife?
- Gooseneck loosestrife flowers in July–September, when it attracts bees.
Caution: Pruning does not slow its spread: that happens underground. Edging with a spade or a root barrier does work.
Nearby: related pruning guides
Plant profile: Gooseneck loosestrife · Pruning calendar and basic rules
This guide is compiled from the Bladwijzer plant profile and pruning calendar.