Photo: w0zny, CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
Pruning guide · Annual
Sweet alyssum: when and how to prune
Lobularia maritima
Sweet alyssum is best pruned in July.
| Pruning months | July |
|---|---|
| Flowering | May–October |
| Good for bees, butterflies and birds | Yes, for bees and butterflies |
| Native to Belgium | No, planted |
Sweet alyssum: when to prune it?
Cut the plants back by about half in July, after the first big flush of flowers. They will then flower again until autumn.
What else to prune in those months? July
Sweet alyssum: how to prune it?
- Cut all the stems back by about half with scissors or shears, even if there are still a few flowers.
- Then water and, in a pot, give a little liquid feed.
- New flower clusters appear after 2–3 weeks.
- Clear the plants away in late autumn, or leave them if you want them to self-seed.
How much to cut, and how often?
- One pruning period a year: July.
What does it mean for wildlife?
- Sweet alyssum flowers in May–October, when it attracts bees and butterflies.
- If pruning falls during flowering, wait until it is over or leave part of the plant to flower, so bees and butterflies still benefit.
Nearby: related pruning guides
Plant profile: Sweet alyssum · Pruning calendar and basic rules
This guide is compiled from the Bladwijzer plant profile and pruning calendar.