Planting is child's play if you know how. Care is also limited. But while watering and fertilizing are rather secondary, cutting is more important.
When and how should you cut alyssum?
The alyssum should be shortened by 1/3 to 1/2 after the first flowering in summer to encourage re-blooming. In autumn, ideally in October, the plant should be cut back to 10 cm above the ground. To do this, use sharp and clean secateurs (€14.00 on Amazon).
Cutting – not absolutely necessary
Basically, it is not absolutely necessary to cut the alyssum. This ground cover, which normally blooms, can get along without any pruning. But cutting has several advantages. On the one hand, this can stimulate re-blooming. On the other hand, self-seeding can be prevented. Last but not least, targeted pruning can keep the growth bushy and compact.
The first cut of the year - after the first flower bloom
After the first flowers have withered in summer, it is worth cutting them off. This results in a second bloom, which begins between August and September. As a result of the pruning - preferably shortened by 1/3 to 1/2 - the stone herb is stimulated to grow and forms new flower buds.
Other reasons that may speak for cutting
It is advisable to cut the alyssum not only to stimulate rebloom. Here are other reasons that could speak for this:
- Prevent self-seeding
- remove diseased plant parts
- Contain growth (tends to overgrow)
- remove woody, bare spots
- generally stimulate more abundant flowering
Cut back heavily in autumn
Alyssum should be shortened more in autumn. When pruning in summer, it is best to only shorten the flower stalks. In autumn, the entire plant is radically cut down to 10 cm above the ground. October is ideal for this. Sharp and clean secateurs are suitable for cutting (€14.00 on Amazon).
Pull up the plant in rough areas
But if you live in a very harsh region, you can also pull out the alyssum in the fall. It is poorly winter-hardy in this country. But don't worry: it sows itself with a preference
Tip
It is perfect if you fertilize your alyssum after the summer cut. This strengthens the new growth even more.