Photo: BerndH, CC BY-SA 2.5 · source
Pruning guide · Herbaceous plant
Deadly nightshade: when and how to prune
Atropa belladonna
Deadly nightshade is best pruned in March.
| Pruning months | March |
|---|---|
| Flowering | June–August |
| Native to Belgium | Yes |
Deadly nightshade: when to prune it?
In March, before the new shoots appear.
What else to prune in those months? March
Deadly nightshade: how to prune it?
- Leave the dead stems standing over winter: they give shelter to insects.
- Cut them off just above the ground in March.
- Dispose of the cuttings where no animals can reach them, for example in the green waste bin or a closed compost bin.
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: Wear gloves: the stems and leaves are poisonous too.
Nearby: related pruning guides
Plant profile: Deadly nightshade · Pruning calendar and basic rules
This guide is compiled from the Bladwijzer plant profile and pruning calendar.