Photo: Heinz Staudacher, CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
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Pruning guide · Dwarf shrub
Winter heath: when and how to prune
Erica carnea
Winter heath is best pruned in April–May.
| Pruning months | April–May |
|---|---|
| Flowering | January–April |
| Native to Belgium | No, planted |
Winter heath: when to prune it?
Straight after flowering, in April–May.
Winter heath: how to prune it?
- Clip off the spent tips with secateurs or shears, just below the flowers: this keeps the plant dense and free-flowering.
- Don’t prune later than May: in summer it is already forming the buds for next winter.
- Don’t cut into old, bare wood: winter heath regrows from it poorly.
How much to cut, and how often?
- One pruning period a year: April–May.
What does it mean for wildlife?
- Don’t cut more than you need to: what stays standing gives insects and birds food and shelter.
Caution: Never prune in summer or autumn: you would cut off next winter’s flower buds.
Nearby: related pruning guides
Similar to: Difference from cross-leaved heath · Difference from heather
Plant profile: Winter heath · Pruning calendar and basic rules
This guide is compiled from the Bladwijzer plant profile and pruning calendar.