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 the scissors should be set. That's why the rule here is: inform first, then cut!
When and how should you cut the blue diamond?
The blue rue should be cut annually between the end of February and mid-March. Use clean, disinfected scissors, completely remove dead and broken shoots and radically cut back any remaining shoots. Be sure to leave 15-20 cm of woody shoots and maintain a straight or semicircular shape.
Cutting is a must
The blue rue is one of the plants that needs to be cut regularly. Regular here actually means annually. If their owner neglects this task, it will soon become apparent:
- the plant is heavily bare in the lower area
- it doesn't grow nice and bushy anymore
- the number of flower spikes is decreasing more and more
Tip
You can get cuttings from the cuttings for propagation.
Avoid autumn pruning
Sometime in the fall the big clean-up begins. Because most plants just look uniformly brown and desolate. The last flowers have left, the leaves hang wilted and dripping wet from the branches.
Hardly any garden owner is willing to endure this sight for long. So he grabs the scissors and removes the majority of its shoots from one bush after the other. But you should definitely skip the autumn pruning of the blue diamond.
Own leaves as winter protection
The blue rue, also called Siberian lavender, is considered hardy. However, very high temperatures below zero can also cause frostbite.
If the plant is cut back radically in autumn, the path is cleared for frost. It can reach the root area unhindered and partially or even completely turn it into a lump of frost. This will not be visible at first. But in spring, when the plant normally comes back to life, there will be little or no rain.
The blue diamond can protect itself against this unpleasant scenario. Their own shoots keep out the cold wind and the icy temperatures.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 resumes its growth. In summer, the elongated flower spikes will only form on these young shoots. Therefore, the old shoots are now more of a nuisance than a benefit. They have completed their final task.
All Blauruute varieties can and should therefore be cut in early spring. This creates space in good time for new growth. When cutting, proceed as follows:
- cut around the end of February to mid-March
- use clean, disinfected scissors (€3.00 on Amazon)
- completely remove dead and broken shoots
- cut back remaining shoots radically
- cut just above the ground
- only leave 15-20 cm of woody shoots
- pay attention to a straight or semicircular shape
Tip
After the bush has sprouted, you should loosely tie its long, upright shoots together with raffia. On windy days they otherwise break over very easily. It is best to remove individual snapped shoots as soon as possible.
