How to prune betony

After midsummer flowering; late autumn or early spring for seasonal cutback. Cut spent flower stalks at the base using secateurs. For the seasonal cutback, remove all top growth to just above the overwintering basal rosette. Divide large clumps with a spade in spring.

Deadhead during the season; annual autumn or spring cutback. Betony (Stachys betonica) is a low-maintenance perennial. Deadhead spent flower spikes after blooming in summer to keep the plant tidy and encourage a potential second flush. Cut the whole clump back to the basal rosette in late autumn or early spring. Dividing congested clumps every few years improves vigour.

Cut spent flower stalks at the base using secateurs. For the seasonal cutback, remove all top growth to just above the overwintering basal rosette. Divide large clumps with a spade in spring.