Gypsywort (Lycopus europaeus)

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Pruning guide · Herbaceous plant

Gypsywort: when and how to prune

Lycopus europaeus

Gypsywort is best pruned in March.

Key facts
Pruning monthsMarch
FloweringJuly–September
Native to BelgiumYes

Gypsywort: when to prune it?

In March, before the new shoots appear.

What else to prune in those months? March

Gypsywort: how to prune it?

  1. Cut the old stems in March to just above the ground or the water surface.
  2. Remove dead plant material from the water so that it does not rot there.
  3. If you want fewer seedlings, cut back some of the faded stems in September.

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.

Nearby: related pruning guides

Plant profile: Gypsywort · Pruning calendar and basic rules

This guide is compiled from the Bladwijzer plant profile and pruning calendar.

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