In its homeland, the Mediterranean regions, silverweed is not uncommon. Whether on the wayside, between rocks or in rock gardens - this plant looks delicate and lush at the same time. What should be considered when cutting?

Silverweed that has faded can be cut back to encourage a second bloom

Stimulate rebloom - cut away old flowers

The main reason many gardeners prune their silverweed is to prolong the flowering period. Normally the silverweed would only bloom from June to July. With a trick, however, the flowering period can be postponed until autumn.

Two ways to extend flowering time

You have two options for extending the flowering period. The first option is to wait until the bulk of the flowers have faded in July. Then grab the secateurs and cut the entire plant back by about half.

The second option is to visit and examine the plant regularly. Every time you see withered flowers, they are cut off or the perennial is trimmed. The result is that the plant develops a new flower bud at this point every time a flower is cut off.

Prevent self-seeding - or allow it?

When the flowers have withered, you have to make a decision: do you want the plant to self-seed or even harvest the seeds? If you want to prevent propagation via the seeds, you should also remove all inflorescences after the second flowering.

If you just want to collect a few seeds or wish for silverweed to self-seed, leaving a handful of wilted flowers is often sufficient. Direct sowing takes place in April.

Acquaintance with scissors - no compulsion

In principle, it is not necessary to cut the hardy silverweed at all. It can also thrive without a pruning. But it becomes more splendid when it regularly makes acquaintance with the scissors.

Other important notes on cutting

Here are a few tips for cutting:

  • clear regularly
  • Pruning promotes a bushy and compact growth
  • in the spring or in the fall, a strong pruning can be done
  • when pruning hard, cut back just above the ground
  • commercially available and previously cleaned pruning shears are sufficient

tips

Diseased shoots and leaves should also be cut off. However, the clippings are not disposed of in the compost, but in the household waste.

Category:

Herbs