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Pruning guide

How to prune wormwood

Best time
Early spring before new growth emerges
How often
One hard cut each spring; light shaping as needed through summer
Technique
Cut all stems back to 10–15 cm above the ground using clean secateurs or loppers. Through summer, trim wayward shoots back by one-third to maintain a tidy, mounded habit. Remove any dead or frost-damaged wood as it becomes apparent.

More wormwood care

Pruning wormwood — FAQ

When should I prune wormwood?

Early spring before new growth emerges. Cut all stems back to 10–15 cm above the ground using clean secateurs or loppers. Through summer, trim wayward shoots back by one-third to maintain a tidy, mounded habit. Remove any dead or frost-damaged wood as it becomes apparent.

How often does wormwood need pruning?

One hard cut each spring; light shaping as needed through summer. Wormwood is a vigorous perennial shrub that needs annual hard pruning to stay compact and productive. Cut all stems back to within 10–15 cm of the ground in early spring. Trim lightly through summer to shape. Without pruning, wormwood becomes tall, open, and woody at the base. It tolerates cutting hard and recovers quickly.

How do you prune wormwood?

Cut all stems back to 10–15 cm above the ground using clean secateurs or loppers. Through summer, trim wayward shoots back by one-third to maintain a tidy, mounded habit. Remove any dead or frost-damaged wood as it becomes apparent.