The easy-care pipe morning glories are extremely easy to cut. They can easily survive severe pruning. Basically, you don't have to cut a pipe bindweed at all. However, it is worth thinning them out occasionally to promote the formation of young shoots.
When and how should you prune a pipe bindweed?
A pipe bindweed should be cut in spring before it sprouts in May. Remove dead wood, stunted or diseased shoots and trim vines if necessary. Thinning is advisable every two to three years to make room for new young shoots.
Cutting pipe bindweed
- Pruning in spring
- light out every two to three years
- Continuously remove dead wood and diseased shoots
- shorten to desired length if necessary
When is the best time to prune?
The best time to prune pipe bindweed is early spring, before the plant sprouts in May. In principle, you can cut the climbing plant all year round. The only time you shouldn't use scissors is on frosty days.
In the first few years, pruning is usually not necessary as the morning glory needs some time to settle in after planting. After four to five years, you should cut the climbing plant regularly so that it doesn't spread too much and put pressure on other plants.
Remove dead wood, stunted or diseased shoots directly at the base. If you just want to shorten the tendrils, place the secateurs (€14.00 on Amazon) directly above a knot.
Think out pipe bindweed regularly
Whistleweeds become increasingly dense over the course of their life, which can last up to 50 years, because new tendrils are constantly forming. It therefore makes sense to thin out the plant regularly to create space for young shoots.
The first thinning cut is due after four or five years. Then cut out older shoots every two to three years.
You can radically shorten your pipe winches
If the vine bindweed has become much too tall, you can cut it back at any time. To do this, simply cut all shoots to the desired length.
If the pipe bindweed is grown in a bucket, you should cut it so that the tendrils do not become higher than the trellis available. If the shoots can no longer climb up supports, they fall down.
Tip
Whip bindweed is poisonous. Although there are fewer toxins in the shoots and leaves than in the flowers, fruits and roots, you should still wear gloves when cutting the climbing plant to be on the safe side. Do not leave the plant remains lying around, but dispose of them as soon as possible.
