UK pruning guide · RHS timing
When to prune ruby necklace 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 ruby necklace
Cut trailing stems just above a leaf node using clean, sharp scissors. Avoid removing more than one-third of the plant at once. Legginess usually signals insufficient light, so relocate to a brighter spot alongside pruning.
Ruby Necklace (Othonna capensis) benefits from occasional pruning to prevent legginess. Trim trailing stems back to a node to encourage bushier, more compact growth. It does not require heavy pruning — simply cut back any overlong, bare, or untidy stems. Remove dead or dried portions anytime.
More ruby necklace care for British gardens
Care at a glance
Pruning ruby necklace in the UK — FAQ
When should I prune ruby necklace in the UK?
Prune ruby necklace 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 ruby necklace in spring or summer in the UK?
There is no nesting-bird restriction that realistically applies to ruby necklace, 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 ruby necklace?
Cut trailing stems just above a leaf node using clean, sharp scissors. Avoid removing more than one-third of the plant at once. Legginess usually signals insufficient light, so relocate to a brighter spot alongside pruning.
How often does ruby necklace need pruning in a British garden?
As needed; typically once or twice per year. Ruby Necklace (Othonna capensis) benefits from occasional pruning to prevent legginess. Trim trailing stems back to a node to encourage bushier, more compact growth. It does not require heavy pruning — simply cut back any overlong, bare, or untidy stems. Remove dead or dried portions anytime.
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.