UK pruning guide · RHS timing
When to prune raspberry splash pulmonaria in the UK
Why the timing differs here
For shrubs that flower on the current season's growth, the RHS times pruning to early or mid spring — after severe weather has passed and once the growth buds begin to swell. In Britain that is usually March into April rather than the February common in warmer regions; prune too early and the new shoots meet a late frost.
How to prune raspberry splash pulmonaria
Cut all foliage and flower stalks to within 5 cm (2 in) of the ground using shears as soon as blooms are done. Water thoroughly after cutting to support re-growth.
Raspberry Splash Pulmonaria benefits from a prompt post-flowering cutback. Once the pink-magenta spring flowers fade, shear the whole clump to ground level to promote vigorous, healthy spotted foliage for summer and reduce powdery mildew susceptibility. The plant regrows quickly and looks far better than if left to sprawl.
More raspberry splash pulmonaria care for British gardens
Care at a glance
Pruning raspberry splash pulmonaria in the UK — FAQ
When should I prune raspberry splash pulmonaria in the UK?
Prune raspberry splash pulmonaria in early to mid spring. For shrubs that flower on the current season's growth, the RHS times pruning to early or mid spring — after severe weather has passed and once the growth buds begin to swell. In Britain that is usually March into April rather than the February common in warmer regions; prune too early and the new shoots meet a late frost.
Is it illegal to prune raspberry splash pulmonaria in spring or summer in the UK?
There is no nesting-bird restriction that realistically applies to raspberry splash pulmonaria, since birds do not nest in it. The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 still protects any active nest you do find anywhere in the garden — the rule is about the nest, not the plant.
How do you prune raspberry splash pulmonaria?
Cut all foliage and flower stalks to within 5 cm (2 in) of the ground using shears as soon as blooms are done. Water thoroughly after cutting to support re-growth.
How often does raspberry splash pulmonaria need pruning in a British garden?
Once annually after flowering. Raspberry Splash Pulmonaria benefits from a prompt post-flowering cutback. Once the pink-magenta spring flowers fade, shear the whole clump to ground level to promote vigorous, healthy spotted foliage for summer and reduce powdery mildew susceptibility. The plant regrows quickly and looks far better than if left to sprawl.
Why is UK pruning timing different from American advice?
Most pruning guides online are written for US conditions and anchored to USDA zones. Britain's maritime climate gives milder winters but later, less predictable last frosts — from March in the south-west to mid-May in the north — so the RHS advises against winter pruning for most plants: it pushes out soft growth that a late frost then kills. Britain also has the nesting-bird law, which has no US equivalent.