The blue diamond needs regular cuts, so much in advance. But a timing that applies to other shrubs can have devastating effects on them. The owner should also know how deep to set the scissors. That's why the following applies here: inform yourself first, then cut!
The blue rhombus wilts if left uncut
Cutting is a must
The blue rue is one of the plants that have to be cut regularly. Regularly here actually means annually. If their owner neglects this task, it will soon show visibly:
- the plant is heavily bare in the lower area
- it no longer grows nice and bushy
- the number of flower panicles decreases more and more
tips
You can take cuttings for propagation from the clippings.
Avoid autumn pruning
Sometime in the fall, the big cleanup begins. Because most plants just look uniformly brown and desolate. The last flowers have said goodbye, the foliage hangs withered and dripping wet from the branches.
Hardly any garden owner is willing to endure this sight for long. So he grabs the scissors and frees one bush after the other of most of its shoots. But you should definitely leave out the autumn cut with the blue diamond.
Own foliage as winter protection
The blue rue, also called Siberian lavender, is considered hardy. However, very high sub-zero temperatures can also lead to frostbite.
If the plant is pruned radically in autumn, the way is cleared for the frost. It can reach the root area unchecked and turn part or all of it into a clump of frost. At first this will not be visible. But in the spring, when the plant normally comes to life again, little or no activity will occur.
The blue diamond can protect itself against this unpleasant scenario. Their own shoots keep the cold wind and freezing temperatures out or reduce them to a tolerable level. Therefore, do not touch this shrub as long as freezing temperatures are expected. It won't be cut until next year!
The spring cut
From March the weather becomes milder. This is about the time when the blue rue starts to grow again. In summer, the elongated panicles of flowers will form only on these young shoots. As a result, the old shoots now bother her more than they help her. You have completed your last task.
All blue rue varieties can and should therefore be pruned in early spring. This creates space in time for new growth. Proceed as follows when cutting:
- cut around the end of February to mid-March
- use clean, disinfected scissors
- Completely remove dead and broken shoots
- Cut back other shoots radically
- cut just above the ground
- only leave 15-20 cm of woody shoots
- pay attention to a straight or semi-circular shape
tips
After the shrub has sprouted again, you should loosely tie its long, upright shoots together with raffia. On windy days, they usually bend over very easily. It is best to remove individual bent shoots as soon as possible.