How to prune butomus umbellatus

Deadhead late summer; cut back foliage in late autumn or early spring. Snip flower stems at their base once blooms fade. In autumn or early spring, cut all stems to 2–3 inches above the waterline or mud surface with sharp shears.

Annually for cutback; deadhead as needed. Butomus umbellatus (flowering rush) needs little pruning. Remove spent flower umbels after blooming to limit self-seeding. Cut back old, tatty foliage in late autumn or early spring, reducing stems to just above water level. Dividing congested clumps every 3–4 years also refreshes vigour and counts as structural tidying.

Snip flower stems at their base once blooms fade. In autumn or early spring, cut all stems to 2–3 inches above the waterline or mud surface with sharp shears.