Photo: Hectonichus, CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
Pruning guide · Climber
Wild madder: when and how to prune
Rubia peregrina
Wild madder is best pruned in March.
| Pruning months | March |
|---|---|
| Nesting season (15 March–15 August) | Take care in March |
| Flowering | June–August |
| Native to Belgium | No, planted |
Wild madder: when to prune it?
In March, after the hardest frosts.
What else to prune in those months? March
Wild madder: how to prune it?
- Cut frosted and dead stems back to healthy green growth or to the ground.
- You can shorten stems that are too long or tangled; they regrow from the base.
- Leave the berries on until the end of winter for the birds.
How much to cut, and how often?
- One pruning period a year: March.
What does it mean for wildlife?
- Pruning in March can fall in the nesting season (15 March–15 August). Check carefully for nesting birds first: disturbing an active nest is against the law.
- Prunings can go on a dead hedge or brash pile in a corner of the garden: shelter for hedgehogs, wrens and insects.
Common mistakes
- Clipping without first checking for nesting birds.
Caution: Wear gloves and long sleeves: the prickles graze the skin.
Nearby: related pruning guides
Plant profile: Wild madder · Pruning calendar and basic rules
This guide is compiled from the Bladwijzer plant profile and pruning calendar.