Planting is easy once you know how. Maintenance is also limited. But while watering and fertilizing are secondary, cutting is more important.

A pruning promotes the abundance of flowers from the stonecrop

Cutting - not absolutely necessary

Basically, it is not absolutely necessary to cut the alyssum. This normally floriferous groundcover can do well without a pruning. But cutting has several advantages. On the one hand, it can be used to stimulate reblooming. On the other hand, self-sowing can be prevented. Last but not least, a targeted cut can keep the growth bushy and compact.

The first cut of the year - after the first bloom

After the first flowers have withered in summer, it is worth cutting them off. This causes a second bloom, which begins around August and September. As a result of the pruning - preferably shorten by 1/3 to 1/2 - the alyssum is stimulated to grow and form new flower buds.

Other reasons that can speak for cutting

Not only to stimulate reblooming, it is recommended to cut the alyssum. Here are other reasons why:

  • prevent self-seeding
  • remove diseased plant parts
  • Curb growth (tends to proliferate)
  • remove woody, bald spots
  • generally stimulate richer flowering

Cut back heavily in autumn

In the fall, Alyssum should be pruned more. When cutting in summer, it is best to just shorten the flower stalks. In autumn, the entire plant receives a radical cut down to 10 cm above the ground. October is ideal for this. Sharp and clean pruning shears are suitable for cutting.

Uproot the plant in harsh areas

But if you live in a very harsh region, you can pull out the Alyssum in the fall. It's not hardy in this country. But don't worry: it sows itself with a preference…

tips

It is perfect if you fertilize your alyssum after the summer cut. That strengthens the new drive all the more.

Category:

Vegetable garden