Photo: Christian Fischer, CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
Pruning guide · Water or marginal plant
Flowering rush: when and how to prune
Butomus umbellatus
Flowering rush is best pruned in March, August and October.
| Pruning months | March, August and October |
|---|---|
| Flowering | June–August |
| Good for bees, butterflies and birds | Yes, for bees |
| Native to Belgium | Yes |
Flowering rush: when to prune it?
Cut off the faded umbels in August. In October, cut the dead leaves off above the water, and the rest in March.
What else to prune in those months? March · August · October
Flowering rush: how to prune it?
- Cut the flower stems off at the base after flowering.
- Cut yellowed leaves back to a few centimetres above the water.
- In autumn, leave some foliage as shelter for insects and clear it in March.
- Always remove the cut leaves from the pond.
How much to cut, and how often?
- There are 3 pruning periods a year: March, August and October. You don’t have to prune in every one.
What does it mean for wildlife?
- Flowering rush flowers in June–August, when it attracts bees.
- If pruning falls during flowering, wait until it is over or leave part of the plant to flower, so bees and butterflies still benefit.
- As a native plant, it feeds more insects than a non-native species.
Nearby: related pruning guides
Plant profile: Flowering rush · Pruning calendar and basic rules
This guide is compiled from the Bladwijzer plant profile and pruning calendar.