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Pruning guide · Herbaceous plant
Ground-elder: when and how to prune
Aegopodium podagraria
Ground-elder is best pruned in June–July.
| Pruning months | June–July |
|---|---|
| Flowering | May–July |
| Native to Belgium | Yes |
Ground-elder: when to prune it?
In June–July, after flowering; no other pruning is needed.
Ground-elder: how to prune it?
- Mow or cut off the faded umbels before the seeds ripen.
- Mow the leaves short at the same time: within a few weeks fresh young leaves return.
- In a wildlife garden, leave a few umbels for insects, but only where seedlings do no harm.
How much to cut, and how often?
- One pruning period a year: June–July.
What does it mean for wildlife?
- As a native plant, it feeds more insects than a non-native species.
Caution: Do not put dug-out rhizomes on a compost heap that does not heat up: even small pieces sprout again. Let them dry out in the sun first or take them to the green waste.
Nearby: related pruning guides
Plant profile: Ground-elder · Pruning calendar and basic rules
This guide is compiled from the Bladwijzer plant profile and pruning calendar.